The people in Borgo Panigale make a bold statement that Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is the sportiest adventure bike ever made. And with the 1,158cc Grandturismo V-4 producing 170 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque and a new track mode, Pikes Peak can walk.
The Multistrada is one of Ducati’s best-selling models, and one of the six sold is the Pikes Peak. The Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak was introduced in 2011 to celebrate Greg Tracy’s victory in the Multistrada at the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the legendary “Race to the Clouds” in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Related story: Ducati Multistrada V4 S 2021 model | First trip review
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Carlin Dunne took her second win on Multistrada in 2011, setting a new motorcycle record of 11:11,329. The following year, Dunne and Tracy took the top two on Multistradas, Dunne becoming the first to break the 10-minute barrier on a motorcycle with a new record of 9:52,819 and Tracy trailing behind with 9:58,262. Ducati Multistradas went on to win two more at Pikes Peak in 2013 and 2018.
TAKE OFF
Helmet: Arai Regent-X
Coat: Klim Carlsbad
Gloves: Klim Dakar Pro
Trousers: Klim Carlsbad
Boots: Sidi Gavia Gore-Tex
In the past, Pikes Peak models were more than just styling variations on the base Multistrada. But by 2022, Ducati has eliminated all stops, bringing the Pikes Peak to the top of the lineup by giving it preliminary body-to-tail handling.
The race mode replaces the Enduro mode found on other Multistrada models, and it is joined by the Sport, Tour and Urban modes. In Race mode, the rev limiter works gradually to allow uninterrupted driving at high revs. A modified quickshifter helps the cause with faster gearshifts both up and down.
Pikes Peak’s comprehensive suite of IMU-based electronics includes customizable power modes, traction control, ABS, wheel control, and the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension with features event-based settings tailored to the user’s driving style. It is also equipped with front and rear radar that informs adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection.
As with Pikes Peak, we had our first ride on restricted public roads near Palm Springs, California, including winding sections. Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (State Route 74), climbs out of the Coachella Valley and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, more than 5,000 feet high.
Even at a spirited pace, Pikes Peak feels like a hound on a short leash, eager to rush off at once. The Granturismo is a fireball of the engine, creating a powerful combination of power, sound and feel that is fun and engaging. In Racing or Sport mode, where power and throttle response is at its highest, the connection between right traction and rear tire is direct and refueling is spot on.
We did tested every iteration of Multistrada for years, and the V4 platform represents a high water mark in terms of performance and handling. Ducati has gone a step further with the Pikes Peak to make it more stable at speed. Compared to the standard Multistrada V4, its wheelbase is extended by 1.1 inches to 62.8, the tilt is increased by 1.25 degrees to 25.75, and the trail is increased by 0.7 inches to 4.7. Front wheel travel remains the same at 6.7 inches, but rear wheel travel is reduced by 0.4 inches to 6.7.
Ergonomics are also sportier. Compared to the standard Multistrada V4, the Pikes Peak has a narrower, straighter handlebars that are 0.6 inches lower and 0.4 inches taller and 0.4 inches farther behind. But it’s still based on the adventure bike platform, so it’s much more comfortable than any sportbike on the market, especially the ones in Ducati’s lineup.
Diving into corners, Pikes Peak clings to the pavement like a mountain goat on a cliff, and it transitions from side to side with ease. Credit goes to the adaptability of the Öhlins electronic suspension, the grip of the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires and the lightness of the Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, which reduce the unsprung weight by 8.8 lb compared to the Multistrada V4.
When the road has to slow down, Brembo Stylema front brake calipers with giant 330mm disc clamp Panigale brake pads act like a giant pause button that freezes time and space. These impressive stoppers seem to defy physics.
With motorcycles no longer competing in the Race to the Clouds, the paintwork of the V4 Pikes Peak is inspired by Ducati’s Desmosedici GP21 MotoGP race car. Ducati’s red paint job is complemented by a white license plate graphic with a black “1” and a two-tone red and black saddle with an embossed “V4” on the number plate. Graceful notes include carbon fiber accents on the beak and front fenders, a dark smoky low windscreen, and a carbon fiber cap on the titanium Akrapovič silencer. And it’s great to see Ducati’s signature side swingarm reappear on the V4 Pikes Peak, reminiscent of the Multis of the past.
Like the Pikes Peak in terms of ability and style, it’s still practical enough to use as an everyday driver or a sports traveller. It has standard hangers for optional saddlebags, and available accessories include heated clamps, heated seats, luggage case and accessory pack (Touring, Urban and Enduro). You can also be full hero with carbon fiber front and rear fenders, a racing exhaust system (+10 hp, +5 lb-ft, -11 lb) and a dry clutch.
Admittedly, in the 120 miles I put on the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, I barely scratched the surface of its capabilities. Only on a racetrack or a deserted road away from the eye can the true nature of Pikes Peak be revealed. It will be a special moment, and you should wait.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak Specs
Basic price: $30,395
Website: Ducati.com
Guarantee: 2 years, unltd. mile
Engine type: Liquid cooled, liquid cooled, 90 degrees V-4 horizontal, DOHC w/4 valves per cyl.
Transposition: 1,158cc
Diameter x stroke of piston: 83.0 x 53.5mm
Horse power: 170 hp at 10,500 rpm (factory announcement)
Torque: 92 lb-ft at 8,750 rpm (factory announced)
Transmission process: 6-speed, sliding/hydraulic power-assisted clutch
Last drive: Chain
The standard long: 62.8 inches.
Rake / Trail: 25.8 degrees / 4.7 inches.
Seat height: 33.1 / 33.9 inches.
Wet weight: 527 lb
Fuel quantity: 5.8 gals.
