It’s been more than 10 years since Ducati’s Multistrada won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with a nearly 100% stock Multistrada 1200 S ridden by Greg Tracy. This also marked the first time the Multistrada competed at Pikes Peak, suggesting that the bike’s inherent capabilities matched up pretty well with the 4,720-foot climb of the mountain, which covered 12.42 miles and 156 turns, of which much of it was dirt back then.
The Pikes Peak’s Granturismo 1200cc V4 engine develops 170 hp
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
After that victory, Ducati did what any wise motorcycle company would – extolling the race-winning capabilities of the Multistrada and launching a Pikes Peak-branded version of the Multistrada the following year. Ducati won the race again this year and set a new course record at the same time. Several victories on the mountain followed, and the history of the multistrada on the track has coincided with a “Pikes Peak” version every year for the past decade. This strategy seems to have worked, as Pikes Peak models make up one of six Multistradas sold. But for 2022, Ducati has done something very special for this racing-inspired version.
The standard paint scheme of Pikes Peak pays homage to its victories on the famous … [+]
Karl Brewer
The unique pedigree of the 2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak, described by the Italian motorcycle manufacturer as “the sportiest Multistrada of all time”, begins with its 170 hp four-valve Granturismo engine. Weighing a mere 147 pounds and 92 pound-feet of torque at 8,750 rpm, this is the most powerful motor in the dual-sport class. It’s paired with counter-rotating crankshaft technology that comes straight from Ducati’s MotoGP program. This creates engine torque that offsets the gyroscopic effect of the Multistrada’s smaller, lighter 17-inch front and rear wheels (the other Multistrada use a 19-inch front wheel).
A smaller 17-inch front wheel and counter-rotating motor technology make the Pikes Peak feel light
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
Taken together – a lighter engine, smaller, lighter wheels, and a counter-rotating crankshaft – what remains is a dual-sport motorcycle that can change direction (and lean angle), like the Ducati Panigale Superbike that the engine springs from. The Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak weighs a not inconsiderable 472 pounds dry, 527 pounds wet. While not racing light, the Pikes Peak benefits from those smaller Marchesini forged wheels (8.8 pounds lighter than Multistrada V4 S-wheels), plus carbon fiber fairing and a standard Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. And while the spec sheet shows an overall weight advantage of 6-8 pounds over other Multistrada V4s, it’s the way that weight is distributed and managed that makes the bike stand out.
The standard front and rear radar offers the Pikes Peak dynamic cruise control and blind spot detection
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
In addition to the weight savings, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak benefits from a revised aluminum monocoque frame with a steeper steering head angle of 25.75 degrees compared to 24.5 degrees and a revised trail compared to the rest of the line. The additional racing equipment includes a 10 mm longer single-sided swing arm, which supports stability at high speeds and at the same time prevents unintentional wheelies. The Panigale-derived braking system uses Brembo monoblock calipers that compress 330mm front discs and a 265mm rear disc. It also features improved, fade resistant brake pad material. A lower, 18 mm narrower handlebar as well as 10 mm higher, rearwardly offset footrests increase the ground clearance and lean angle without sacrificing comfort.
An active suspension system prevents lift and sink during aggressive gas or braking interventions
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
Ducati says this Pikes Peak is the most differentiated model in the history of the Multistrada line and this list of improvements confirms it. Aside from the hardware, it is also the first Multistrada to have a “Race” driving mode that adjusts traction control, ABS settings and the behavior of the rev limiter, the latter using a more gradual intervention to avoid drivers having to shift gears in high gear situations Foreseeing speed. Additional riding modes include Sport, Touring and Urban with unique settings for 11 parameters ranging from throttle response to wheelie control and suspension stiffness. These 11 parameters can also be set individually and easily using the standard 6.5-inch full-color display of the Multistrada.
Narrower handbags and raised footpegs allow for more aggressive angles of inclination
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
What does all this advanced technology built into a traditional adventure bike bring to the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak? After spending several hours and nearly 200 miles on the motorcycle, her lucid Ducati has accomplished her mission of creating the sportiest dual-purpose motorcycle ever. While it retains the “top-heavy” optical impression of every modern adventure bike, the Pikes Peak offers a sporty flick ability. It’s a bit surreal and takes some getting used to while your brain recalibrates how quickly this Multistrada responds to steering inputs. The active suspension Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 further contributes to the lightweight behavior of the Pikes Peak by progressively limiting lift and immersion during strong gas and braking.
The aggressive performance of the Pikes Peaks does not compromise on long-distance touring comfort
Ducati Motor Holding SpA
The route along California State Route 74 between Palm Springs and Idyllwild offered an ideal mix of high-speed road sweepers and fast right-left-left-right transitions. The Mulitstrada V4 Pikes Peak never felt upset on this traditional superbike loop, slowed down confidently and leaned into the corners without hesitation. But the highway-heavy return trip confirmed the long-distance comfort including dynamic cruise control, which is powered by standard front and rear radar systems. There’s even a blind spot detection system that uses LED lights in the mirrors to alert drivers of the presence of a vehicle before changing lanes. Ducati has also built unique air ducts into the motorcycle’s body panels to draw engine heat away from the rider.
A two-tone seat is one of the many unique styling elements of the Pikes Peak
Karl Brewer
As the top of the line Multistrada, it (hopefully) doesn’t surprise anyone that the Pikes Peak starts at $ 28,995, excluding shipping and handling fees. While this number is more expensive than your average economy car, it does include all of the advanced engines, suspensions, and radar-based technologies mentioned above. Additional features such as heated handles, a heated seat, touring bags, a dry clutch or even a racing exhaust system (good for 10 hp, but not street legal in California) can be added to the Pikes Peaks by your local Ducati dealer. Speaking of dealers: Did we mention that you don’t have to go to a dealer as often as you did with previous Ducatis? On this newest V4 Granturismo engine, the valves only need to be checked every 36,000 miles.
Unique Pikes Peak cables conduct the engine heat away from the driver
Karl Brewer
That’s a good thing because when you buy this latest Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak you have every opportunity to earn miles. High-speed tours? Winding road? Off the Road Adventure? This bike is suitable for all three. In the same hour, if your route allows it.