A first look at the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 - boasting improved chassis, engine, and more!

Ducati has unveiled the Multistrada 1260 – the upgraded version of the Multistrada 1200 released seven years ago. There are four versions available for the bike – Multistrada 1260 (standard version), S, S D|Air, and Pikes Peak.

 

 

The bike is powered by a 1262cc Testastretta Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) engine, which pumps out 85% of the bike’s torque at 3,500rpm, and delivery at 5,500rpm is 18% higher than its predecessor. To accommodate the increase in displacement from 1200cc, piston stroke has been increased slightly in length to 71.5mm. Bore remains unchanged at 106mm. The bike’s chassis now features a longer swingarm (48mm), as well as a redesigned trellis frame for better handling. It also comes with a hands-free system for increased security, along with an adjustable rider seat.

 

The Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) controls various functions such as Ducati Wheelie Control, Bosch-Brembo 9.1 ME Cornering ABS System, and the like. On the S edition, the Bosch IMU also takes care of cornering lights and electronically controlled suspension in the Sachs Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS). There are four riding modes: namely Enduro, Urban, Sport, and Touring.

 

The wheels of the bike are lighter than its predecessor, by 0.34kg. Brake wise, two 320mm front brake discs with 4-piston Brembo calipers, as well as a 265mm rear disc with a 2-piston Brembo caliper have you covered. The S and Pikes Peak comes with 330mm front brake discs and Brembo M50 calipers instead. Wheels on the Pikes Peak are aluminium forged.

 

Adding on to the previous paragraph, the S and Pikes Peak come with Ducati Multimedia system; smartphone compatibility which allows the rider to use various functions such as listening to music and accessing text messages, on a full-colour TFT dashboard. The S D|Air is equipped with the same features as the S, apart from the addition of a D|Air system. The Pikes Peak takes things up a notch with fully adjustable Öhlins fork and TTX36 shock. A carbon fibre screen and Termigoni exhaust are available as accessories.

 

 

The standard Multistrada 1260 and S D|Air comes in Ducati Red. The S comes in Volcano Grey, or Iceberg White, with a grey frame and gold wheels. The Pikes Peak is painted in Pikes Peak livery, with a Ducati red chassis and black wheel rims.

Prices and availability are currently unknown.

See more for 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Full Specification

 

Images: (Ducati Website)