In a couple weeks, we will see what new bikes Ducati has coming for the 2018 model year – five new bikes, to be precise – debuting at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.
We already have a pretty good idea on what those motorcycles will be, however, as Ducati has already shown us the updated Monster 821, and of course there will be the Panigale V4.
Now we have an idea about two more models from Ducati, as the Italian brand is set to update its adventure-touring lineup, with both the Multistrada 950 and Multistrada 1200 getting some love for the upcoming model year.
Ducati Multistrada 950 Enduro
For the Multistrada 950, we will see an “Enduro” version of the 937cc machine at the EICMA show. The new variant isn’t much more than a parts bin special though, getting the wire-spoked wheels and dual-sport tires found on the Multistrada 1200 Enduro.
Presumably other bits from the Ducati parts bin will show up as well, so as to better protect the Ducati Multistrada 950 Enduro during off-road riding, and to better facilitate touring in mixed-terrain condition.
This Enduro variant should help Ducati better compete with the KTM 1090 Adventure R, which shares a dry weight with the Ducati, but comes packed with more power and more off-road prowess.
Of course what we really want to see from Ducati is a true enduro-focused Multistrada, like Walt Siegl’s L’Avventura custom creation – something that is lightweight and purpose-built for tough off-road riding.
Ducati Multistrada 1260
The other bit of news that our Bothan spies relayed to us is that the Ducati Multistrada 1200 will be receiving an engine upgrade for the 2018 model year, in the form of the XDiavel’s 1,262cc v-twin motor with DVT.
This confirms information we saw filed with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which showed us the “Ducati Multistrada 1260” name, which also tipped that the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine could make more power in its Multistrada form than on the XDiavel platform.
While it seems like a basic change, this should be a real improvement from the 1,200cc engine, as the Testastretta DVT 1262 motor is easily the best and most ridable engine in Ducati’s lineup.
As such, the 1,262cc engine should suit the Multistrada 1260 extremely well, lending itself to better operation at low-rpm engine speeds, while also being smoother and more powerful in the power band that tourers and city-riders actually use.
While this is another modest upgrade for the Multistrada 1200 family, it should help keep Ducati relevant in the ADV space (which is heating up with new models from KTM and Honda, and refreshed models BMW), until a new machine can debut from Bologna.
Source: Bothan Spies
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