For the 2018 model year, the Ducati Multistrada gets a bevy of updates, and thus becomes the Ducati Multistrada 1260. As the name change suggests, the new Italian ADV machine features the 1,262cc DVT engine, previously found only on the Ducati XDiavel.
The changes for the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 extend beyond just the motor though, and if you look closely, you will see that Ducati’s engineers have made several tweaks and changes to the Multistrada 1200’s steel trellis chassis.
Of course, what people are really going to talk about is the much anticipated Testastretta DVT 1262, which makes 158hp in its Multistrada 1260 form.
The larger engine was designed to make its power down low (aided by its variable valve technology), and the Italians say that the Ducati Multistrada 1260 makes 85% of its torque below 3,500 rpm.
For bonus fun, Ducati has also made available an optional up-and-down quickshifter, which is standard on the various “S” models in the lineup (the Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is shown above).
The entire Multistrada lineup gets this new 1,262cc motor, including the very handsome Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak version, which tips the scales at 454 lbs (dry) – 6 lbs lighter than the Multistrada 1260 base model.
Service intervals on the valves is set at 18,000 miles, which should allay the fears of road warriors that have previously shied away from Italian ADV bikes. No word on pricing yet, however.
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260:
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S D-Air:
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak:
Source: Ducati
As always, Asphalt & Rubber will be covering all the new bikes debuting at EICMA this year. Be sure to follow our coverage for the most recent news and photos.
Comments