Ducati presents the new Multistrada V4: ruling all roads has never been so easy

Ducati unveils the fourth generation of one of its most popular families to the world: the Multistrada V4

Ducati performances and sportiness are combined with unprecedented ride comfort and versatility that allows it to be effective in all riding conditions

Equipped with the V4 Granturismo engine, the Multistrada V4 has record maintenance intervals, it offers an integrated navigation system and is the first motorcycle in the world to be equipped with front and rear radar

The first episode of the Ducati World Première with all the details of the bike narrated by Claudio Domenicali is available on Ducati.com and YouTube

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 4 November 2020 – Ducati has unveiled the new Multistrada V4 to the world during the first episode of the Ducati World Première web series.

The Multistrada has a name that alone encapsulates an ambitious promise to keep: the ability to offer great versatility. In fact, it was born with the intention of being a sporty yet comfortable motorcycle, able to tackle any road condition, asphalt or dirt road, with safety and solidity.

In 18 years, over 110,000 units have been produced and since its inception in 2003 it has been able to evolve, expanding its scope of use. The first Multistrada was a sports bike, with good torque and mainly suitable for road use. The 2010 version was the first “four bikes in one”, the first bike in the world with Riding Mode. In 2015, however, the first engine equipped with variable timing was presented, which improved the smoothness of delivery.

The fourth generation of Multistrada is an even more performing bike, but still easier to ride. More robust and at the same time lighter. More versatile and comfortable, but effective in all riding conditions. In other words, Ducati wanted the Multistrada V4 to be the best “Multi” ever. In short, more Multistrada than ever.

The Multistrada V4 is “Sport” because it is light and compact, has 170 hp, electronic MotoGP aids and a chassis with agile dimensions for an exciting and effective ride on mixed terrain. It is “Touring” thanks to the main maintenance intervals set every 60,000 km, to the obsessive attention paid in the development phase to ride comfort, to the Radar systems (the first motorcycle in the world to have both front and rear), to the map navigator that can be viewed on the dashboard and to the cornering lights. It is “Enduro” thanks to excellent off-road capabilities, electronic suspension, smooth delivery, and gear ratios. It is “Urban” because it guarantees great ease of use at low speeds, but also thanks to smartphone connectivity and a careful study of thermal comfort. This explains why dominating all the roads has never been so easy.

The design work done on the Multistrada V4 is extremely functional to its technical spirit and has given rise to a solid, robust, yet refined aesthetic result. Ducati designers have worked on the proportions and compactness of the motorcycle body within the wheelbase, to favour the perfect combination of form and function. This fact is immediately noticeable by the predominant volumes on the front with muscular but sexy lines to integrate the 22-litre tank, combined with the slim rear that allows an optimal riding position even when standing in off-road sections. The study of the aerodynamic flows was aimed at guaranteeing the maximum possible comfort for the rider.

The engine is the real beating heart of this bike: the V4 Granturismo. Lightweight (66.7 kg) and compact, it has a lot of punch but proves to be exceptionally smooth and fluid at low revs, with a lot of backbone in the mid-range and exciting at high revs. The V4 Granturismo has a displacement of 1,158 cc and delivers 170 hp (125 kW) at 10,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 125 Nm (12.7 kgm) at 8,750 rpm. In addition, adopting this engine allows for a significant lengthening of maintenance intervals: on the Multistrada V4 the oil change is scheduled every 15,000 km, while valve clearance check and eventual adjustment is required every 60,000 km. No bike in production goes that far.

The electronic package of the Multistrada V4 is the state of the art in the motorcycle sector for safety, comfort, performance, and connectivity. The inertial platform (IMU) manages the operation of ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), here in “cornering” version and, on the Multistrada V4 S, the Cornering Lights (DCL).
Also standard on the Multistrada V4 S is Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which makes it easy to restart on sloping roads. On the Multistrada V4 S, the inertial platform also communicates continuously with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) control system with Autoleveling function.

With the Multistrada V4, Ducati also introduces an absolute first in the world of motorcycles: the revolutionary front and rear radar system, which allows the use of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). Radars are advanced auxiliary systems that Ducati has developed together with a top-level technological partner such as Bosch and are able to support and make riding more comfortable thanks to the ability to reconstruct the reality surrounding the bike.

The Multistrada V4 is equipped with an aluminium monocoque frame, 19-inch front wheel and double-sided swingarm, capable of accommodating spoked wheels. It has a limited wheelbase (1,567 mm), a sporty front end, suspension with large travel (170 mm front wheel and 180 mm rear wheel), ground clearance of 220 mm and a dry weight of 215 kg. All this allows the Multistrada V4 to be intuitive and effective around the corners like a real Ducati and at the same time easy to ride and versatile for both on-road and off-road use.

With the aim of making long motorway journeys more comfortable, Ducati engineers paid great attention during the design and development phase to what in the automotive world is called Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH), or rather the measure of the general level of comfort of the vehicle.

In this sense, a careful aerodynamic study – also in the wind tunnel – was carried out to obtain the best possible protection for the rider and passenger from the air, reduce hissing noises and divert the heat coming from the engine away from the rider’s legs. The result is a Plexiglas screen with a new shape, adjustable in height with a single finger, associated with two side deflectors. The shapes of the handguards and the parts most exposed to the air have been studied in detail, as well as the “sound” of the engine, which is refined but always present and with the Ducati tone. The V4 Granturismo engine also adopts the strategy of deactivating the rear bank at idle. In this way, when the bike is stopped at the traffic lights, the rear bank is deactivated (there is no combustion in the cylinders), thus improving the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger thanks to a lowering of the temperature and reducing the fuel consumption.

The Multistrada V4 has many different configuration possibilities to meet the needs of the most diverse customers. The standard V4 model is available in red and represents the version dedicated to those who love the 170 hp engine and 215 kg of weight.

The central model of the range, the V4 S, is available in “Aviator Grey” colour as well as in red. The Ducati Multistrada V4 S can be ordered with both alloy wheels and spoked wheels. For this motorcycle, Ducati has thought of a new package of configurations that can be ordered directly from the factory (Essential, Travel, Radar, Performance, Full). It is already possible to view all the configuration options in the dedicated section of the Ducati website.

The third version is the Multistrada V4 S Sport, which offers a particularly bold dedicated livery and the standard Performance package with Akrapovič exhaust and carbon front fender.

The new Ducati Multistrada V4 will be available in Ducati dealerships from the end of November.

KAWASAKI MOTORCYCLE AND ENGINE BUSINESS STRUCTURE UPDATE

A message from the President and CEO of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC):

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our business in both Powersports and Engine divisions has seen considerable success.  New and reignited interest in our industry has been met by tremendous efforts from Kawasaki team members and our dealer network to meet the needs of our customers in a new environment where health and safety are the first priority.

Today, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., KMC’s parent company and 100 percent shareholder, announced a restructuring plan to spin off the Motorcycle & Engine business and the Rolling Stock business into separate companies on October 1, 2021. The Ship & Offshore Structure business will also be integrated into the Energy System & Plant Engineering business. These changes are part of achieving Kawasaki’s new business direction and will further enhance Kawasaki’s ability to continue to innovate with technology and safety for the powersports industry.

As for operations in the United States, KMC will see no changes. All KMC’s tasks and missions will remain the same and KHI’s restructuring plan will only further enhance KMC’s ability to serve KMC’s customers by furthering KMC’s ability to be quick and efficient when studying the industry and the future of powersports. The Kawasaki brand in North America is strong and getting stronger even under the COVID-19 situation and we at KMC will continue our great mission of delivering Kawasaki products and satisfaction to our customers.

More details are available on the KHI website:
https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/index.html

Editorial Note: Use the zoom and scrolling tools in the bottom left corner of the PDF viewer to better see all pages of the document.

Yamaha Introduces the Next-Generation MT-07

The Most Successful Mid-Size Hyper Naked Goes to the Next Level

MARIETTA, Ga. – November 3, 2020 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the 2021 MT-07 as the new model in the company’s Hyper Naked motorcycle segment. With features such as distinctive next-generation MT styling with a signature LED headlight, updated inverted LCD dash and larger diameter brake discs, the new MT-07 is the ultimate Hyper Naked middleweight.

The Dark Side of Japan

Yamaha’s focus is on the future, and by the end of the first decade of the 21st century the company’s product development teams were on a mission to create a new generation of future icons. To make a difference it is necessary to take a risk, and some of the company’s greatest designs have been those bikes that defied convention and dared to be different. So, when Yamaha’s designers and engineers set about creating a new breed of motorcycles, they made the conscious decision to break all the rules and take a whole new direction.

The next key decision in the development of this new generation of bikes was that they would be distinctly Japanese, with a unique look and feel that set them apart from every other brand. Playing with a variety of Japanese influences, including Tokyo’s motorcycle subculture, the development team’s focus would be on crafting a bike with a unique, thrilling and enjoyable riding experience, achieved primarily through the delivery of linear torque and easy agility. The look would be naked and mechanical, to give this new breed of bike a pure and muscular image. Every piece of technology would be there to serve the rider and create a more engaging, rewarding and satisfying riding experience.

Inspired by Japanese Subculture and created by some of the most visionary designers in the business, the MT-07 arrived shortly after the very first MT-09 was launched. The motorcycle world was changing, and Yamaha was leading the way with two of the most significant new models to be launched by the company in its long and illustrious history. With its unique package of price, performance and engine character, the MT line is proving to be one of the most successful product ranges ever produced by Yamaha.

New MT-07

Featuring distinctive new bodywork that reflects its pure, next-generation MT DNA, the 2021 MT-07 represents the progressive evolution of one of the world’s favorite naked bikes. A range of upgraded features include an engaging and character-packed engine, more powerful front brakes, Michelin tires, new LED headlight with LED turn signals and position lights, and LCD instruments, as well as tapered handlebars.

New colors and refined detailing reinforce the bike’s MT family DNA, and with an extremely competitive price point, the MT-07 is ready to maintain its leading position as the bike that works for everyone by offering the best balance of performance and value in its segment.

Next-generation design

The 2021 MT-07’s next-generation bodywork reflects the ongoing evolution of the MT family and gives the Hyper Naked bike a more refined and distinctive look with a quality feel. Key to the new look is a compact and minimalist new LED headlight assembly whose position lights and headlight deliver a signature look of the next-generation MT family. By tightly compacting the new bodywork, radiator and seat around the machine’s CP2 engine, the mass-centralized layout projects a real sense of torque and power. Many details – from the headlight accents and fuel tank covers to the engine stays and footpegs – enhance the overall feel of quality, underlining the MT-07’s winning combination of outstanding value with a premium specification.

LED projector lighting

Modern, compact and lightweight, the new bifunctional LED headlight features a centrally located high/low projector lamp that underlines the pure MT DNA it shares with the new MT-09. As well as giving the MT-07 a bold and distinctive new look, this compact projector headlight produces a powerful beam with well-defined edges that provide excellent forward visibility during nighttime riding. New left and right side LED position lights give the MT-07 its signature face and reaffirms its close family ties with the MT-09.

689cc CP2 engine

The latest 689cc 2-cylinder CP2 engine features a revised air intake duct design and optimized fuel injection settings, as well as a new 2-into-1 exhaust and new ECU. These changes give a more linear engine response and deliver a smoother torque/rpm curve for thrilling acceleration. The 2021 engine also features new Crystal Graphite engine covers as well as a new silver-colored exhaust pipe and new muffler and exhaust protectors. The crossplane concept engine’s 270-degree crank gives an uneven firing sequence with a more characterful exhaust note that emphasizes the torque feeling during acceleration with a more linear torque delivery for outstanding response at all engine speeds.

Larger diameter 298mm dual front discs

One of the most significant technical upgrades on the MT-07 is the new larger diameter front brake discs. Front dual disc size is increased from 282mm on the previous model to 298mm on the new bike, giving more stopping power and greater controllability. Together with the 245mm rear disc, the new system offers increased performance – and with the fitment of the new Michelin Road 5 tires, the increased stopping power is especially apparent in wet conditions. ABS is standard as well on the MT-07.

Wider tapered aluminum bars

Following numerous evaluations of clay models and many test rides using riders with different physiques, Yamaha designers have fine-tuned the new MT-07’s riding position in order to achieve added comfort and better controllability. The 2021 model is fitted with new aluminum tapered handlebars that are 32mm wider to give a more assertive riding position as well as a little extra leverage for easier maneuverability at slow speeds.

New LCD instruments

The 2021 MT-07 now features a higher specification LCD meter. The inverted dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display with larger displays for the clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information. The use of spot color gives an accent for the high-rpm range display – and new handlebar switches enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently.

LED turn signals

Along with the new LED headlight, the 2021 MT-07 is also equipped with new LED turn signals at the front and rear. Lighter and more compact, they complement the next-generation style of the bike and reinforce the premium specification of this best-selling Hyper Naked.

Latest generation tires

The latest Michelin Road 5 tires – 180/55-17 at the rear and 120/70-17 at the front – provide excellent levels of traction, sporty handling performance, and excellent wet weather handling qualities, making the MT-07 the ideal choice for both new and experienced riders.

New colors, graphics and finishing

For 2021, the new MT-07 is available in the latest color schemes and graphics that reinforce the MT family connection and give a premium feel to this outstanding middleweight. New black levers give the MT-07 a refined look.

2021 MT-07 Key Features

Next-generation body design with pure MT family DNA

New LED projector headlight with LED position lights

689cc crossplane technology CP2 engine

270-degree crank for linear torque delivery

New 298mm dual front discs

New wider aluminum tapered handlebars

More comfortable and assertive riding position

New inverted LCD meter

New LED turn signals

Latest generation Michelin Road 5 tires

New colors and graphics
 

The 2021 Yamaha MT-07 will arrive at authorized Yamaha dealers beginning in January and will be available in Storm Fluo, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black color schemes for $7,699 MSRP. To learn more about the 2021 Yamaha MT-07 visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/hyper-naked/models/mt-07.

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at https://www.shopyamaha.com.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media sites at www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa, www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa, www.twitter.com/yamahamotorusa. #Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida) and Kracor Systems (Wisconsin), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).