Is a Multistrada V4 Enduro coming, too? Why it should and why it shouldn't

Instead of a complete re-hash of the Multistrada line-up, the new model could well be a top of the range Multistrada V4, a model somewhat different from the rest, perhaps inheriting the role now played by the 1260 Pikes Peak (that, coincidentally speaking, is the non plus ultra in the family) as a kill-em-all crossover for twisty mountain roads and short circuits, 17" ultra-wide wheels and not-too-tall suspension.

That would be basically a Streetfighter V4 with longer-stroke suspension, a taller riding stance and the right wind protection. Far from us to make accusations, but it would be a similar operation to what BMW did on the S1000R to create the S1000XR back in 2015. A strategy that makes very good sense in a moment when platform thinking is natural, if not even unavoidable.

We can't deny, though, the fascination of a "simple" transplant of the V4 motor in the chassis of the current Multistrada range, maintaning some offroad capabilities, and even substituting all the high-end of the range - just like it happened with the Panigale - and leaving only the Multistrada 950 with a twin-cylinder engine.

A pretty dangerous hypothesis from the market point of view, given the long, strong emotional tie between Ducatisti and the Bologna V-Twin, that would open - not to say force - to the development of a Multistrada V4 Enduro. That is to say a version with a 19" front end, bigger tank and taller suspension, as to define offroad capabilities at least equal to the current model.

Outlandish? We also think so. Creating a crossover is one thing, but defining a big adventure bike - that requires a more rear-end oriented weight distribution to perform accettably on rough terrain, not to mention a 19", spoke-wheel front-end - capable to handle decently the power surplus from the V4, is a completely different story. Because considering the 160-ish horsepower from the current, 1.262 cc Testastretta 11°, it just wouldn't make sense to install the vee-four just to neuter it to roughly the same power level.

You will agree, though, that the proposition has its own allure, and that such a Multistrada would have a certain exotica uniqueness (we aren't aware of real offrod V4s on the market...) offering at the very least better low-revs regularity. We just have to wait another year to see what's in store. What do you think about it?

(VERSIONE IN ITALIANO)

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