For the 2018 model year, we see one of our favorite bikes in the Ducati lineup getting the 1260 update. We are of course talking about the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak.
The Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak takes its name from one of America’s oldest racing venues, and as a result it is the sportiest version of Ducati’s adventure-touring machines.
Now fitted with Ducati’s Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, the Multistrada 1260 S Pikes Peak makes 85% of its torque below 3,500 rpm on the v-twin engine. That is a good thing, because Ducati says the bulk of Multistrada owners rarely get above 6,000 rpm on their machines.
This makes the 1,262cc engine the perfect candidate for low-revving excursions, like the ones you would take down a dusty fire road. For the sports-focused Pikes Peak model, the choice is a little bit more curious, but we won’t scuff at the 158hp on tap.
It is curious to see Ducati go through all the effort to make such a special machine, but yet do very little in terms of what would increase the Multistrada 1260’s on-road performance, like addressing the lack of ground clearance for the rider’s feet and footpegs – a problem that continues on with this third-generation build.
What is even more curious though is so obviously filming the promo video (below) in Europe, instead of at the bike’s namesake. It leaves us feeling like the whole message from Ducati is a bit inauthentic, sort of like a 500+ lbs “sportbike” that has no ground clearance. Humpf.
It does look good though.
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.
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