The latest Multistrada family member has been introduced in the form of the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260.
There are three different models available, Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 1260 S and Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak.
The now Euro-4 approved 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine taken from the XDiavel is able to generate 158hp and 9,750rpm and 130Nm of maximum torque at 7,500rpm.
For the year 2018, Ducati has figured out a way on how they can take the super successful Multistrada platform and beef it up to something even more. That resulted in the all-new 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260. The latest addition into the Multistrada family comes in three different versions; Standard, S and Pike Peak.
The biggest update to the 2018 Multistrada 1260 is of course the 1,262cc Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), L-Twin, four Desmodromically-actuated valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that was only previously available in the XDiavel super cruiser.
The now Euro-4 approved platform is able to generate 158hp and 9,750rpm and 130Nm of maximum torque at 7,500rpm. The 1,262cc engine however has been retuned to make sure that most of its power and torque is readily available as low as 3,500rpm (85% to be exact). This means that the new Multistrada is now a much better machine to be ridden even as a daily bike as it is able to make most of its power at the lower and middle end of the RPM range.
Ducati is able to achieve this thanks to a brand new exhaust header, silencer and air intake system on the 2018 Multistrada 1260. The new updates also meant that the steel trellis chassis had to be redesigned to not only accommodate the new power plant but also offer an overall improvement in riding stability.
Talking about improved rideability, Ducati is also offering the Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) for up and down clutchless shifting. This particular feature is offered as standard on the S and Pikes Peak models. Another electronic feature is its new Ride-by-Wire system for better throttle response and power delivery which is a bonus considering the new Multistrada has a longer swingarm and wheelbase to make it easier to flick around corners even with a pillion sitting at the back.
Other features include Cornering ABS, the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) incorporated in the full LED headlight (available on the Multistrada 1260 S), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution and many more.
The latest DSS system equipped on the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is elevated even further thanks to a brand new Sachs pressurised damper cartridge fork that’s electronically controlled based on the input collected by the Bosch IMU system. This also means that the new front 48mm fork and rear monoshock is electronically controlled to ensure optimum stability by constantly adjusting the amount of compression and rebound.
Despite of all these new upgrades, the best news that the new Multistrada 1260 carries is the longer service intervals. Future owners can rest easy with its oil change for every 15,000km while the infamous Desmo service should only be done every 30,000km. Not bad, not bad at all.
We will update you on the price once everything has been confirmed by Ducati. For now, enjoy the photos and videos.
