Ducati Multistrada 1260: All You Need To Know

Ducati India has launched the flagship adventure touring motorcycle, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 with introductory prices beginning at Rs. 15.99 lakh for the standard Multistrada 1260. The Multistrada 1260 gets a slightly larger displacing engine with more power, a lot of electronic rider aids and tech gizmos, and will replace the Ducati Multistrada 1200. Internationally, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 is available in four different variants, but in India, only two variants are offered on sale for now - the standard Ducati Multistrada 1260 and the Ducati Multistrada 1260 S. Here's a look at all you need to know about the upcoming Ducati Multistrada 1260.

Also Read: Ducati Multistrada 1260 Launched in India

The Multistrada 1260 retains a similar silhouette but there are minor cosmetic changes including new colours

Updated design and colours

In terms of design, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 retains the characteristic silhouette of the Multistrada family, and now incorporates new side panels giving a clean and elegant look. The standard 1260 retains the LCD screen for instrumentation, although the information display has been revised and the menus more simplified. The Multistrada 1260 S offers a full-colour TFT instrument panel with more user-friendly navigation through the menus, making access to the various settings on the on-board computer easier. The Multistrada 1200 S is available in two new colours - Iceberg White and Volcano Grey, as well as the standard Ducati Red. The standard Multistrada 1200 is available only in Ducati Red.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 S is available in two new colours apart from the standard Ducati Red

New engine with more performance

The biggest change is the introduction of a larger engine in the Ducati Multistrada range, which now introduces the 1,262 cc, DVT Testastretta engine which has so far been used in the Ducati XDiavel. The engine has been revised gaining in displacement, power, torque and also meeting Euro IV regulations. The stroke has been increased and the engine gets new connecting rods, crankshaft and cylinders. The desmodromic valve timing system, or DVT, which independently varies the opening and closing of the intake valves, has been recalibrated to maximise torque delivery at low and mid rpm. The engine is tuned to put out 158 bhp at 9,750 rpm and peak torque of 129.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Oil changes are required every 15,000 km and valve adjustments are only required at 30,000 km.

The 1,262 cc L-twin Testastretta DVT engine makes 158 bhp, 129.5 Nm

Updated suspension

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 uses a fully adjustable 48 mm Kayaba inverted fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression and extension. At the rear, is also a Sachs shock, also fully adjustable in compression and extension, with an adjustable spring preload using a remote adjustment knob. The Multistrada 1260 S comes with comes with a 48 mm Sachs fork which is electronically manged through the Ducati Skyhook Suspension system, which also electronically manages the rear Sachs shock. Adjustments to the semi-active electronic suspension are integrated in the Riding Modes or customised through the on-board computer.

The Multistrada 1260 uses a new chassis and longer swingarm than its predecessor the Multistrada 1200

New chassis, updated braking system

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 uses a new chassis and a longer swingarm, giving the Multistrada 1260 better manoeuvrability around corners and is said to offer greater stability, even with a passenger and loaded panniers. The front braking system uses Brembo Monobloc radial calipers with four pistons gripping dual 320 mm discs, while at the rear is a single 265 mm disc, gripped by a floating clamp from Brembo. On the S variant, the 330 mm front discs are gripped by Brembo M50 monobloc four-piston calipers used in Ducati's sport models.

The Multistrada 1260 S gets improved electronics and a new full-colour TFT instrument panel

Improved electronics

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 retains all the electronic rider aids of the previous version, but the ride-by-wire electronic throttle system is new on the Multistrada 1260, with smoother response. The Bosch inertial measurement unit (IMU) will control the eight-level Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), cornering ABS, and Ducati Traction Control. In all, four riding modes will be on offer, with Sport offering the full 158 bhp, Touring with 158 bhp but gentler throttle response, and with Urban limited to 100 bhp and traction control dialled up high, and Enduro with 100 bhp on tap. Each mode has pre-determined settings for traction control, wheelie control and ABS. In Urban and Touring mode, the braking system uses a combined system, with a low degree of interaction in Sport mode. Both models have standard cruise control for long hours on the highway.

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 is expected to be priced at Rs. 16.5 lakh for the standard version and Rs. 19 lakh for the S variant

Pricing

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 will be manufactured in Thailand and has been priced competitively, compared to its closest competitors, the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx and BMW R 1200 GS. The Multistrada 1260 has been priced at 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-of-the-line variant for India, the Multistrada 1260 S has been offered at an introductory price of Rs. 18.06 lakh (ex-showroom). The introductory prices will remain for all of 2018, according to Ducati and new variants in the Multistrada 1260, including the D-Air and Pikes Peak versions, are also expected to be introduced at a later date.

Technical Specifications