Ducati made a surprising move when it unveiled the Multistrada for the first time in 2010. They were basically introduced to satiate the thirst of those motorcycling aficionados, who love traversing new territories with pace, but naturally, find the supersport motorcycles too hardcore for the job. The Multistrada proved to be a successful amalgamation of the traits of both Superbike and sports tourers, easily giving it the title of the most practical motorcycle Ducati ever made.

Taking that practicality to new levels, Ducati has expanded its Multistrada family with the new Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 1260 S, Multistrada 1260 S D

Air (with airbag system) and Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak. They come equipped with a bigger 1262cc engine, advanced electronic package, new chassis and more touring capability.


2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 / S / Pikes Peak

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 / S / Pikes Peak
  • Engine/Motor: L-2
  • Horsepower: 158
  • Torque: 95
  • Transmission: 6
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

STYLING

Apart from the new heart and chassis, the new Multistrada 1260 family sees new fairing panels and lighter, sportier looking wheels. Out front, the 1260 has the same busy face with the teardrop-shaped twin LED headlamps engulfed in a curvy V-shaped front fascia, which also comes with Ducati cornering lights (DCL) as well for the ‘S’ variant and above.

The design of the beak-shaped short fender positioned below the headlamps which stretch all the way from the fuel tank and end up in a nose-shaped dual air vent. The screen is lowered to have better visibility during those on-the-pegs off-road riding.

The new side fairings give the Multistradas a neater, sleeker look giving a cleaner contrast for the front and rear visual mass. The partly exposed trellis frame enhances the side profile and lends it the exotic appeal which the Ducatis’ are renowned for. The rear frame, however, gets a black treatment. The Pikes Peak edition has that in red while the rest sees the frame in black.

While the Multistrada 1260 carries an LCD dash, the S and above variants get 5” TFT units also seen on the new Panigale V4 that incorporates the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) for music and navigation via a smartphone and handlebar mounted switches. This Multistrada also has a hands-free system that gives keyless ignition for enhanced security.

The handlebar does get crash guards on both the sides ahead of palm grips and comes with integrated LED turn indicators in them. The backlit switchgear is the same of that of the Enduro and is ergonomically placed for better convenience. The rear grab handles are also borrowed from the 1200 Enduro, which can now accommodate the Touratech aluminum side panniers offered as an alternative to the plastic panniers (both optional).

The Pikes Peak enjoys even more gizmos like the Golden Ohlins forks, Ohlins shock, short plexiglass windscreen, forged aluminum wheels, red saddle stitching and light Termignoni exhaust. They also feature carbon fiber cosmetic touches like the front mudguard, hands-free cover and front side panels. Special paintwork to commemorate Ducati’s three victories in America’s famous hill climb event sports on this 1260 Pikes Peak.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Length

86.6 in

88.8 in

86.6 in

Width

37.4 in

38.6 in

36.6 in

Height

55.1 in

57.1 in

60.3 in

Wheelbase

62.4 in

59.4 in

59.8 in

Seat height

32.3 in

35 in

32.8 in

Wet weight

511 lb

580 lb

547 lb

Fuel Tank

5.3 gal

7.9 gal

5.2 gal


POWERTRAIN

The new Ducati Multistrada 1260 has been bestowed with the same 90-degree V-twin Ducati Teststretta DVT engine as found on the standard Multistrada but gets its stroke increased from 67.9 to 71.5 mm. This, which ensures an optimized power and torque delivery, thanks to a new throttle control that works in conjunction with the Ride By Wire system for an enhanced experience.

Climbed all the way to the top of the sport touring segment, the new 1260 is for the riders who want more from the segment. And rightly so, the 1260 is powered by the 1262cc DVT (Desmodromic Variable Valve Timing) L-twin engine borrowed from the XDiav el which is capable of pumping 85% of the torque at just 3500 rpm. Peak power of 158 hp comes at 9,500 rpm and 95.5 lb-ft of torque at 7,500.

Of which, 85% comes before the rpm hits 3,500, meaning, the Multistrada 1260 offers the highest torque output in its class at the most frequently used range. That makes the 1260 the most powerful adventure tourer in its class and to handle all that power, Ducati has a new Ride-by-Wire system and DQS (Ducati Quick Shift) Up & Down which significantly improves the riding experience (standard from 1260 S and above).

All the power is sent to the rear via a hydraulic-assist “slipper” clutch variety designed to limit back-torque and prevent loss of rear-wheel grip during aggressive downshifts. The six-speed transmission and chain drive handle the final drive ratios. The increased stroke required new connecting rods, crankshaft and cylinders, and so were the new intake and exhaust routings.

The Testastretta uses the Desmodromic valve actuation that operates the intake and exhaust valves mechanically for those precise throttle responses with no springs to be compressed. The Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) hydraulically operates camshaft-phasers to manipulate camshaft position that is actuated by solenoid valves. All of this equals to precise camshaft timings and a smooth build-up of power. The Anti-knock sensor allows the rider to use a range of fuel qualities without letting the engine stall in some far-off lands.

Finally, the aluminum single 2-chamber silencer acting as a 2-1-2 collector in the 1260 looks neat. Being the pampered one, the Pikes Peak edition gets a carbon fiber Ducati Performance silencer by Termignoni. Both generator and clutch covers are now painted in the new "Mercury Grey" color.

Engine Specification

Make Model

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Capacity cc

1262cc

1170

1215

Bore/ Stroke mm

106/71.5

101/73

85/71.4

Output

158 hp @ 9500 rpm

125 bhp @ 7750 rpm

141 bhp @ 9350rpm

Torque

95.5 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm

92 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm

90 lb-ft @ 7600rpm

Type

Ducati Testastretta DVT with Desmodromic Variable Timing, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Dual Spark, liquid cooled

Air/liquid-cooled four stroke flat twin engine with balancer shaft, four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft, wet sump lubrication

Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-¬line 3¬-cylinder

Clutch type

Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Oil lubricated clutch, hydraulically operated

Wet, multi-plate hydraulically operated

Transmission

6-speed with quickshifter

6-speed

6-speed


RIDE AND HANDLING

The new Multistrada 1260 gets the chassis from the 1200 but is updated with an extended swinging arm and wheelbase that changes the riding geometry to a confident feel and provides in for sharper handling and stability by the rider. The steering angle sees a 1-degree increase giving the 1260 longer wheelbase ensuring full stability and sharper handling on the curves.

The electronic package includes the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) controlling the 3-level Cornering ABS, Cruise control, 4 Riding modes, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and the new Vehicle Hold Control (VHC). The 1260 S and above models have Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) functionality incorporated in the full LED headlight and the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution control system that allows suspension setting on the fly via the TFT setup.

The 1260 gets Kayaba 48 mm upside-down fork and Sachs monoshock while the S and above gets Sachs 48 mm front fork. Braking is handled by dual 320mm front brake discs with radially-mounted Brembo Monobloc 4-piston calipers and one 265mm rear disc with a 2-piston caliper. On the S and above, larger 330mm dual front brake discs with radial Brembo Monobloc Evo M50 4-piston calipers does the job.

Both suspension systems provide 170 mm travel, enough to give a supple ride even when fully loaded on soft 0ff-road terrains. Featuring new on the 1260 are the proprietary light alloy five Y-spoke wheels, which are lighter than those used on any Multistrada to date. All variants of the 1260 get 17” wheels sporting Pirelli SCORPION Trail II tires.

The "The Race to the Clouds" Pikes Peak edition takes it up a notch with new forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than those of the Multistrada 1260 S. In addition, the bike is fitted with the Öhlins fork and Öhlins TTX36 shock, which can both be adjusted mechanically.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Frame

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Two-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engine

Tubular steel Trellis frame

Suspension / Front

Sachs 48 mm fully adjustable USD forks. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS)

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm, central spring strut

WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping, 190 mm travel

Suspension / Rear

Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Electronic compression & rebound damping adjustment. Electronic spring pre-load adjustment with Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). Aluminum double-sided swingarm

Cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable at handwheel

WP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi-active damping with automatic preload adjustment, 193 mm wheel travel

Brakes / Front

2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad, with cornering ABS as standard equipment

Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Twin 305 mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston calipers, Switchable ABS

Brakes / Rear

265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper, with cornering ABS as standard equipment

Single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper, BMW Motorrad Integral ABS

Single 282 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS

Tyres / Front

Pirelli Scorpion Rally II 120/70 R17

120/70 R 19

120/70 R19

Tyres / Rear

Pirelli Scorpion Rally II 190/55 R17

170/60 R 17

170/60 R17


PRICE

The new Multistate 1260 comes with a starting price tag of $ 18,695. The 1260 S costs $ 20,995 while the top of the range 1260 Pikes Peak will come at $ 24,995.

Each one in the Multistrada 1260 family can be equipped with one or more Ducati Performance accessory packages along with individual packs like the Touring Pack (which includes heated grips, panniers and center stand), the Urban Pack (with top case, tank bag with tank lock and USB hub to charge electronic devices), the Enduro Pack (consisting of supplementary LED lights and Ducati Performance components by Touratech: engine crash bars, radiator crash bars, sump guard, a broader kickstand base and off-road foot pegs).

Make Model

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

MSRP

$ 18,695 - $ 24,995

$ 18,895

$ 21,750


COMPETITION

There is no competition to this Italian in terms of defining beauty. But when it comes to riding and built quality, there is no escaping the comparisons from the European brothers. Talk about BMW or Triumph, they have been running the show for quite some time now and have produced the world’s finest. To give the Multistrada something to quirk about, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and the Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa surfaces on the face of the Ducati.

BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

The flagship motorcycle of the GS series, R 1200 GS Adventure, is regarded as one of the most capable and technically advanced adventure motorcycle across the world today. The motorcycle, in its latest avatar, is here in India showcasing the best of engineering prowess in the segment of enduring motorcycles, and at the same time, it takes forward the legacy of the almost 35-year-old ‘GS’ nameplate, which initiated with the R 80 GS back in 1980.

The motorcycle is positioned above the standard R 1200 GS as a more kitted out and beefed up motorcycle, ready to conquer even more difficult terrains. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure comes with the company’s trademark philosophy of equipping the motorcycles with asymmetric headlamps. Though this time, the headlight unit comes fitted with LED daytime running lamps, which makes it very special and distinctive. The adjustable front windscreen is also larger than the one on the R 1200 GS. The fuel tank also gets heavy black claddings towards the front, with the frontal portion of the tank getting tubular frame protection, all the way towards the engine downwards.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure comes fitted with a four stroke, air/liquid cooled, flat twin, 1170cc engine, which is shared with the standard R 1200 GS and pumps out 125 bhp of power and 92 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed gearbox which transfers the power produced to the rear wheel via a shaft drive, the engine has a solid bottom end grunt and mid-range punch, and is very smooth running and high revving in nature. The combination of air as well as liquid cooling enables the engine to be efficient and reliable without sacrificing on high pulling power.

The bettered out Paralever 37mm front hydraulic forks, and cast aluminum single-sided swing arm with Telelever have made the steering of the motorcycle even more accurate than before, resulting in a sharper handling and better weight balance. To add in, the optional Dynamic ESA which BMW provides for this bike enables the suspension setup to behave as per the amount of load and type of terrain the bike is going to tackle. As mentioned above, the four different riding modes can be retrieved just at the press of a button on the switchgear. The bike also comes with a Shift Assistant Pro, which allows you to change the gears without using the clutch and throttle levers. The bike comes with dual 305mm disc brakes at front and a single 276mm disc brake at the rear, coupled up with the ABS.

MSRP on the R 1200 GS Adventure starts at $18,895 for Light White. Add another $100 for Ocean Blue Metallic Matte or Racing Red Matte. Add the Premium options package for another $3,350.

Triumph Tiger 1200

The first thing you notice is that name. Previously all the Tigers running on the 1215cc motor had the ‘Explorer’ badging on them. But for 2018, Triumph has made things easier by just sticking to the 1200 branding. Thanks to the new bodywork, wheels, side panels, details, fit and finish and that all-LED surround lights, the 1200 looks fresh and uptight. It borrows the TFT screen seen on the new Street Triple that can be controlled using the new backlit switchgear.

The LED headlights get all-new innovative Triumph Adaptive Cornering Lighting for enhanced visibility when cornering. The heated grips and seats, and electrically-adjustable windscreen give in for rider comfort under cold conditions. Add keyless ignition to that.

The 1215 in-line triple boasts of having the most potent shaft-driven engine in its class that belts out 140 bhp and 91 lb-ft of torque. For 2018, the engine receives significant updates to allow it to expel immediate power delivery lower down the rev range. It also gets new Triumph Shift Assist for smooth clutchless gear changes and a lightweight Arrow titanium and carbon fiber silencer gives it a better soundtrack.

The 1200 has up to 100 improvements over the previous generation model to save 23 lbs off of the engine, chassis and exhaust components giving it better off-road agility and handling. Adding to rider confidence is the new seat compounds, revised handlebar positioning and updated frame geometry for an enhanced rider ergonomics and comfort.

Rider aids on the 2018 models include an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), integrated braking system (developed with Continental), optimized cornering ABS & traction control, hill hold, ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control. There are up to six riding modes including the new “Off-Road Pro” mode, which allows the rider to disengage the electronic rider aids. Other mechanicals includes top-of-the-line units like the Triumph Semi-Active Suspension incorporating WP adjustable front and rear suspension and Brembo Monobloc 4-piston radial calipers.

VERDICT

Though Ducati is known for making some really pricey motorcycles in the past, in recent times, however, the Multistrada range has shown that Ducati can offer sheer value for money options as well. And the new 1260 Multistrada offers you with the perfect tool for that longing getaway.

It perches on the highest point available for motorcycles to tread on in terms of chassis design, riding dynamics and handling capabilities on roads that have been unexplored and thatched. Knowing this is the best tool for you to get going places, it’s not a question of how far your Ducati will go. It’s how far you’re willing to take it.

The updated engine gives it the best in class performance along with a new Ride-by-Wire system, quickshifter, and slipper clutch. It comes packed with electronic gizmos to keep you safe from harm’s way. Lastly, the Bosch IMU inertial platform also interacts with the semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution control system giving adjustments on the fly.