Ducati has kicked off its post-summer series of 2024 new bike launches, with a revamped Grand Tour version of the latest Multistrada V4 S model. The GT Multi takes the basic recipe of the firm’s mega-adventure tourer, and adds a heap of high-end touring goodies, to make a mega-mile-munching Multistrada right out of the box.
Starting with those basics: the new bike has the same 1,158cc V4 16-valve DOHC Granturismo engine as used in the Multistrada and the Diavel V4. That means it uses conventional valve springs rather than the more complex high-performance desmodromic operation used on the Panigale and Streetfighter V4 machines.
But it still makes 170bhp, and has massive service intervals – 9k miles between oil changes and 36k miles between valve checks. Ducati is also offering an amazing four year unlimited mileage warranty for an extra fee, which shows how far Italian bikes have come in the past 30 years.
That GP-derived engine is mounted in an aluminium monocoque frame with dual-sided rear aluminium swingarm, and the chassis also features Ducati’s semi-active Marzocchi Skyhook suspension setup and Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount superbike-spec brake calipers biting on 330mm discs.
That electronically-adjustable suspension setup also comes with a ‘minimum preload’ automatic lowering mode, which drops the seat height at a halt, Easy Lift which stiffens the suspension to help riders take the bike off the sidestand when parked, and a new Autolevelling function, that keeps the bike’s attitude in line, no matter the pillion and luggage load.
For the GT though, Ducati’s taken that excellent foundation, and ladled on a selected dollop of smart, useful touring add-ons. There’s a heap of electronic riding aids, including IMU-assisted cornering traction control and ABS, wheelie control, up/down quickshifter and brake hold control, as well as four riding power modes: Sport, Touring Enduro and Urban.
The engineers have also added plenty of distance-friendly convenience features: radar-assisted active cruise control with front and rear radar sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot detection, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless ignition, LED cornering headlights, and a natty set of auxiliary LED spotlights. Comfort and luxury is king, with heated grips and rider/pillion seat, a massive 6.5” colour TFT LCD dashboard, Bluetooth integration with smartphone, matching hard side panniers, and a centre stand.
Closable air vents around the leg area, a ventilated phone compartment, keyless fuel cap, and a wide range of optional accessories, including top box, lowered suspension, different seats and screens, and much more, rounds off the new Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour spec.
There’s no word on the GT price as yet: but expect a premium over the already stiff standard bike price, currently priced from £20,495. More info: www.ducati.com
2024 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour tech highlights
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