What a year 2023 is going to be for Ducati. First, it says that the new Panigale V4 R will make — get ready for it — 240.5 horsepower. Then it announces a “Rally” version of its new Multistrada V4. And finally, the boys from Bologna take that same King Kong of an engine — the 1,158-cc “Gran Turismo” version of its variable-valve-timed V4 — and plunk it into the previously V-twin’ed Diavel power cruiser. Wow!
OK, first things first, about that 240.5-hp V4 R: there are a few asterisks involved. For instance, you need to add a mondo-expensive Akropovic exhaust system and some super-slippery special oil from Shell into the mix if you’re going to get the full monty. But at least they’re just bolt-on changes. Or in the case, of Shell’s magic elixir, pour-in changes.
But that’s not the full reason the Panigale R pumps out so much power. Inside the high-revving V4, there’s pure MotoGP technology, like gun-bored connecting rods and DLC-coated piston skirts, both of which help the big-bore superbikes turn the same 16,500-rpm red line as the company’s full WSBK-spec race bike. In fact, even in street trim — i.e. without that snake oil and the booming exhaust — the V4R is good for 217 ponies at 15,500 rpm. At least, if you’re in Europe. In Canada, V4 Rs are limited to 207 hp at 13,500 revs. No, that’s not fair. Yes, I feel your pain. A measly 207 hp. How will you get by? Complain to your Duke dealer and your federal MP, if you like.
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Photo by Ducati
What makes all this power all the more special is that the V4 R weighs but 172 kilograms. That’s just 379 pounds. But that’s not the end of the weight trimmings. Bolt on the aforementioned Akropovic exhaust system and, thanks to its titanium construction, you’ll lop off a full five kilograms. Opt for the Marchesini magnesium rims, and there goes another one-and-a-half kilos. And then there’s a carbon-fibre options. Soon enough you’ll be banging right on the WSBK weight minimum — with lights.
And somehow, with all this abuse, the V4 R maintains Ducati’s long 24,000-kilometre valve-adjustment intervals. Seriously, other than that $52,995 — not including all the aforementioned accessories and dealer preparation — price tag, the Panigale V4 R sounds like the ultimate sporting motorcycle.
Multistrada Rally
But it isn’t the only big news coming to Ducati showrooms next spring. Powered by a similar (though not identical) engine, Ducati’s 170-hp Multistrada Granturismo 1,158-cc V4 finally gets a genuine off-road edition called the “Rally.” Not as extensively modified as the Panigale, the Rally is aimed at the go-any-where-any-time long-distance touring crowd. The windscreen is taller, and the suspension higher tech.
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Photo by Ducati
In response to Harley-Davidson’s revolutionary Pan America 1250, there’s a “minimum preload” function that lowers the bike at a standstill so it’s easier to climb on and off. Bologna has also one-upped Milwaukee with something it calls “Easy Lift,” which uses compression damping to make it easier to lift the Rally off its sidestand. The gas tank also gets boosted to 30 litres (yes, even ICE fans get range anxiety, too).
Like Ducati’s other Multistrada V4s, the Rally is available with radar-controlled Blind Spot Assist and adaptive cruise control (both amongst the finest implementation of Bosch’s hardware). There’s also a revamped cylinder deactivation system that shuts down the V4’s rear bank of cylinders while moving (previous versions only did so while the big V4 was idling at a stop). The Multistrada V4 Rally will start $34,395 here in the Great White Frozen North.
Diavel V4
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Photo by Ducati
That same engine has now been slotted into the Diavel performance cruiser, its 168-hp the most ever harnessed by any production bike wearing its monstrous 240/45ZR17 rear tire. Most incredibly, despite gaining two cylinders, Ducati is saying the Diavel has shed 13 kilograms — eight kilos from the engine alone — in the transformation. Just as importantly, the valve service interval is now an industry-leading 60,000 kilometres. More power, lighter weight, and increased durability? Surely the motorcycling gods are smiling.
Despite its raw appeal, the new Diavel is also pretty high-tech, there being four riding modes — Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet — controlling cornering ABS, traction control, and a wheelie control system. There’s even a Launch Control function because, well, 168 horsepower and 93 pounds-feet of torque. Canadian Diavels will start at $30,795 and will be available in Ducati Red and Thrilling Black.
Monster SP
Ducati hasn’t turned its back on the classic V-twin, however; its iconic Monster’s still being powered by Bolognese Panigale’s iconic L-twin (the bottom cylinder of the 90-degree Vee is horizontal and points forward so the whole engine looks like, well, an “L”).
In this case, it’s the tried and true 937-cc Testatretta 11 engine, this one sporting 111 horsepower and Ducati’s trademark desmodromic valve actuation. Married to a Panigale superbike-like frame in which the engine is a stressed member, the engine is joined by a full complement of adjustable Ohlins suspension bits and huge 320-mm front Brembo brakes. Ducati Traction Control keeps the power in check while a Termignoni muffler and a lithium-ion battery cut weight to a minimum. A 2023 Monster SP will set you back 18,295 loonies and is available in any colour, as long as its red.
Ducati Scrambler Icon
2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon Photo by Ducati
2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon Photo by Ducati
And lastly — but certainly not least, because it’s a big seller for Ducati — is the revised 2023 Scrambler. Still powered by the same air-cooled 803-cc two-valve Desmodue “L” twin, the Scrambler is updated with drive-by-wire fuel injection; two driving modes (Road and Wet) to manage all of the 73 hp onboard; and a new hydraulic slipper clutch to manage its 48 pound-feet of torque.
As well, all second-gen Scramblers get a new 4.3-inch TFT display up front, which can be mated to Ducati’s Multimedia system and paired with the smartphone of your choice. A new LED headlight brightens up your night running, and a few chassis changes — the rear seat subframe is now bolted on, and the rear shock has been moved inboard — make customization even easier. In so doing, the Scrambler has also lost four kilograms and gained Cornering ABS.
In other words, the new Scrambler has been both modernized and made a little sportier. Of course, the important thing is that it looks sexier than ever, and is even easier to personalize. Best of all, the Scrambler is the cheapest of Ducatis, the Icon versions starting at $12,995; while the Nightshift and Full Throttle both go for $14,095.
Keyword: Ducati has revamped almost its entire lineup for 2023