Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: Power, Precision, and Pure Riding Joy

The Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is a motorcycle with MotoGP DNA coursing through its veins. With a 1200cc, 170-horsepower, 92 torque V4 engine—and a backwards-spinning crankshaft—it promises an exhilarating ride. But how does it really stack up? Let’s dive in.

A Look Back: The Multistrada’s Roots

The Multistrada wasn’t always the refined machine it is today. In fact, its DNA traces back to an unexpected place: off-road racing.

In 1983, during an Italian economic downturn, Cagiva acquired Ducati, with dreams of conquering the Paris-Dakar Rally. By 1985, they had adapted the Ducati 900 SuperSport engine into a reinforced dirt bike chassis, creating the Elefant—named after Cagiva’s mascot. This scrappy machine went on to win the grueling Dakar Rally twice, in 1990 and 1994.

After selling Ducati, Cagiva left a lasting impact on its design philosophy. Pierre Terblanche, the mastermind behind the Ducati Supermono and 999, evolved the Elefant into the Gran Canyon, a street-focused adventure bike powered by Ducati’s 900cc engine. This design would later serve as the blueprint for the first Ducati Multistrada—a machine built for any road, anywhere.

The Evolution of the Multistrada

The original Multistrada was polarizing in design but excelled in performance. It was a bike that thrived on twisty mountain passes and long-distance touring. By 2010, Ducati replaced the air-cooled two-valve engine with a liquid-cooled, four-valve Testastretta, increasing power to 150 bhp. That same year, Ducati took the Multistrada to Pikes Peak, winning the hill climb and cementing its racing pedigree.

However, as the years passed, Ducati steered the Multistrada more towards adventure touring, with larger front wheels and optional spokes. While this expanded its versatility, it lost some of the aggressive sport-riding edge that I personally loved.

What Makes the 2022 Pikes Peak Special?

Then came 2022. Ducati revived the 17-inch front wheel and single-sided swingarm for the Pikes Peak edition, and suddenly, my interest was rekindled.

At a wallet-draining $32,000, the Pikes Peak edition costs over $10,000 more than the base Multistrada V4. Is it 30% better? Probably not—but for the right rider, it might be the perfect machine.

What Really Matters in a Motorcycle?

Think about it—what truly defines a great bike? A strong frame? Check. Nimble handling? Check. Brakes that can slow the rotation of the Earth? Check. A buttery smooth throttle? Check.

The Pikes Peak excels because it nails these fundamentals. It’s a bike that, despite its adventure-bike silhouette, devours corners with precision. Thanks to wide handlebars and an ideal riding position, it feels sporty without being cramped and comfortable without being dull.

Performance and Ride Experience

The Pikes Peak is a paradox. It looks like a big, high-riding adventure bike, but it handles like a sportbike. The 17-inch forged wheels make for quicker handling, while Ducati balanced the geometry with a longer swingarm and increased trail. The result? A machine that carves through tight, technical mountain roads with precision.

That MotoGP-Inspired V4 Engine

Then there’s the engine. The backwards-spinning V4 is a game-changer. By counteracting the gyroscopic forces of the wheels, it makes the bike feel lighter and more agile than its dimensions suggest. The power delivery is intoxicating—less grunt below 5,500 rpm compared to my old 1200, but wind it up past 6,000 and it transforms into a teleportation device. The Brembo Stylema brakes ensure you can scrub speed just as quickly as you gain it.

The Good, the Bad, and the Annoying

No bike is perfect, and the Pikes Peak has its quirks. Here’s what I love—and what drives me nuts:

Pros:

• Engaging, flickable handling – Thanks to the 17-inch wheels and MotoGP-inspired engineering.
• Insane power delivery – The V4 engine is pure magic.
• Superbike DNA with all-day comfort – A rare blend of performance and practicality.
• Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control – Not essential, but surprisingly useful.

Cons:

• Keyless entry – I despise it. Just give me a damn key.
• Fuel consumption – It’s thirsty, but that’s expected.
• Lack of standard touring features – No heated grips, no center stand, no luggage. For $32K, really?
• Exhaust sound – The Akrapovič exhaust is more about branding than actual performance or sound enhancement.
• Handlebar height – Right at pickup truck mirror level—lane splitters, beware.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Despite its flaws, I love this bike. I love it enough that I drained my bank account for it (albeit a second-hand one). From the deserts of Dakar to the summit of Pikes Peak, the Multistrada’s legacy is one of constant evolution. The Pikes Peak edition is the pinnacle of that journey—an intoxicating mix of racing DNA and real-world rideability.

For riders who crave a superbike experience without sacrificing comfort, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak is a dream come true. It’s a bike that defies expectations. Heavy, tall, long—yet impossibly agile. And that’s what makes it special.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycling is more than just a mode of transport—it’s an experience, a thrill, a passion. The Pikes Peak embodies that spirit. It may not be perfect, but it delivers where it truly matters: pure riding joy. No matter where you take it, the Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak thrives. And if you’re like me—someone who lives for the thrill of tight, technical canyon roads—this bike is a dream come true.

Filming Notes & Camera Gear

Almost every shot in my review was captured using an Insta360 X4 360 Camera or the Ace Pro 2 8K Action Camera. If you like what you’re seeing, consider using my affiliate link for the best deals on Insta360 products. Their latest cameras continue to impress me, especially the X4 360, which offers insane image quality and versatile shooting angles.