First Impression: A Motorcycle That Convinces Without Trying

You do not notice the difference immediately. It takes about 200 km before the Rally begins to reveal its qualities. The 30-liter fuel tank makes it possible to ride all day without once thinking about the fuel gauge—at a moderate pace, more than 450 km is possible. That gives a feeling of freedom the V4 S with its 22-liter tank cannot offer.

On the road, you sit high and upright, with a wide handlebar and generous legroom. The standard seat height is 870–890 mm. That will not work for everyone. But riders who can handle it get a commanding view that provides genuine advantages on winding roads and gravel. The windscreen is 40 mm taller and 20 mm wider than on the V4 S. At 130 km/h on the highway, you understand why that matters: less turbulence, more relaxed travel.

Engine: 170 hp, ECD, DQS 2.0—and Why Cylinder Deactivation Matters More Here Than Elsewhere

The V4 Granturismo is identical to the engine used in the other V4 models: 1,158 cc, 170 hp, no Desmo. What matters more on the Rally than on the V4 S is cylinder deactivation, ECD. If you are crawling through a southern German city in summer with full luggage, a passenger, and a 30-liter tank, the Rally shuts down the rear cylinder bank at idle and under light loads. The amount of heat reaching your legs is noticeably reduced. On the V4 S with its 22-liter tank and less luggage mass, that is a comfort feature. On the Rally, it is a practical necessity.

The new DQS 2.0 does without a microswitch and instead uses a sensor on the shift drum, giving the shifting process a directness the previous system lacked. You hear less and feel more. That is the right approach for a motorcycle expected to shift through gear after gear without complaint at 130 km/h on the highway.

Suspension: 200 mm, Automatic Lowering Device, and the Physics of Carrying a Load

The high-mounted swingarm pivot is the detail almost nobody talks about, but it becomes noticeable on a loaded motorcycle. The higher swingarm pivot increases the anti-squat effect, meaning the rear suspension compresses less under acceleration. With a passenger and full luggage—and a payload capacity of up to 228 kg—that is not an academic distinction. It produces a tangible improvement in riding stability.

The Automatic Lowering Device is the most discreetly generous feature Ducati could give a large motorcycle. Below 10 km/h, the Rally automatically lowers itself. Above 50 km/h on the road, it raises itself again. Ride with the system once and then try maneuvering the motorcycle without it, and you immediately understand what you would be missing. With 260 kg and an 870 mm seat height, this is not a luxury.

What’s New for 2026—and Why It Is More Than an Update

DVO—Ducati Vehicle Observer—uses 70 virtual sensors and technology derived from MotoGP. It works predictively rather than reactively. What does that mean? Cornering ABS and Wheelie Control know what is coming before it happens—or, more precisely, they react more quickly because the algorithm calculates riding conditions and load in real time. On a motorcycle weighing around 260 kg ready to ride with luggage and a passenger, that is a relevant safety improvement, not an optional gimmick.

Forward Collision Warning, FCW, means the radar now additionally warns of an impending rear-end collision. The new Rear-to-Front braking strategy means that applying the rear brake now electronically activates a proportion of front braking as well. The result on long mountain-pass descents with full luggage is less pitching. The rear brake disc is now 280 mm, larger than on the predecessor. These are five concrete technical improvements that the rider can feel.

94 dB(A) and Tyrol: The Rally Is Allowed

94 dB(A)—one decibel below Tyrol’s limit. The Rally can be ridden on restricted Tyrolean roads. The RS is rated at 92 dB(A), but uses the Desmosedici engine. The Pikes Peak is rated at 95 dB(A), exactly on the limit. If you want to ride your V4 Granturismo in Austria and be certain about access, these stationary-noise figures are worth paying close attention to.

Verdict: The Motorcycle for Riders Who Really Travel

The 2026 Multistrada V4 Rally is a technically sophisticated production touring motorcycle. DVO, FCW, Rear-to-Front braking, Automatic Lowering Device, 200 mm of suspension travel, 30-liter fuel tank, wire-spoke wheels, 94 dB(A) Tyrol compliance, four-year warranty. From €27,990. Aluminum cases with 39/31-liter capacity come with the Adventure Travel & Radar package.

This is the proposition for riders who want to put distance between themselves and civilization—and still always make it to their destination.

Quick Check

+ 94 dB(A), Tyrol-compliant; 30-liter aluminum fuel tank; approx. 461 km range; 200 mm suspension travel; 230 mm ground clearance; tubeless 19/17-inch wire-spoke wheels; 50 mm Marzocchi DSS EVO with Automatic Lowering Device, Minimum Preload, and high-mounted swingarm pivot for increased Anti-Squat

+ DVO with 70 virtual sensors, new for 2026; FCW Forward Collision Warning, new for 2026; Rear-to-Front braking, new for 2026; 280 mm rear brake disc, new for 2026; DQS 2.0; Brembo Stylema with 330 mm discs; ACC + BSD + FCW standard; TPMS; revised 6.5-inch TFT; four riding modes including Enduro; 4-year warranty; 60,000 km valve-clearance interval

+ Three packages: Radar from €27,990 / Adventure Travel & Radar with 39 + 31-liter aluminum cases and heated seat / Full Adventure with Akrapovič + carbon front fender; Jade Green with gold wheels new for 2026; 228 kg payload

– From €27,990 for the Radar base version without cases; aluminum cases only with Adventure Travel & Radar package; approx. 260 kg ready to ride, making it the heaviest version with luggage; 870–890 mm seat height means riders generally need to be around 1.80 meters tall to place both feet securely on the ground

– 94 dB(A): only 1 dB of margin below Tyrol’s limit; BMW R 1300 GS Adventure at around €26,000 and KTM 1390 Super Adventure are competitors; no Desmo, while RS uses the Desmosedici

Technical Specifications: Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally (2026)

Engine: V4 Granturismo; 1,158 cc; no Desmo; ECD; DQS 2.0; Euro 5+; 60,000 km valve-clearance inspection interval

Power / Torque: 170 hp (125 kW) at 10,750 rpm; 121 Nm at 8,750 rpm

Suspension: 50 mm Marzocchi DSS EVO with Adaptive Skyhook, Automatic Lowering Device, Anti-Squat, suspension-travel sensor, Minimum Preload; 200 mm travel; Rear-to-Front braking strategy new for 2026

Brakes: Brembo Stylema; dual 330 mm front discs; 280 mm rear brake disc new for 2026; Cornering ABS; FCW

Wheels / Tires: Tubeless wire-spoke wheels; 19/17 inches; Pirelli Scorpion Trail II; 120/70 ZR19 front / 170/60 ZR17 rear

Electronics: DVO, new for 2026; four riding modes—Sport/Touring/Urban/Enduro; DTC; DWC; EBC; ABS; ACC + BSD + FCW radar systems; TPMS; 6.5-inch TFT; Hands-Free; heated grips; navigation; 12V + USB

Fuel Tank / Weight: 30-liter aluminum tank; approx. 260 kg ready to ride; 228 kg payload

Seat Height: 870–890 mm; down to 825 mm with low seat + lowering kit; up to 905 mm in high configuration

Stationary Noise: 94 dB(A)—Tyrol-compliant

Warranty / Service: 4 years; 60,000 km valve-clearance inspection interval; oil service every 15,000 km / 24 months

Price in Germany: From €27,990 for Radar version plus €345 destination charges; Adventure Travel & Radar and Full Adventure: ask dealer