2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260

Ducati has expanded its Multistrada range with the introduction of the Multistrada 1260 boasting a bigger 1262cc engine and more touring capability.

The new Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 1260 S, Multistrada 1260 S D|Air (with airbag system), Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak are also joined by a Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro with 30-litre fuel tank.

https://youtu.be/5IlmIOCIIJ8

They are among a host of new models unveiled today ahead of the EICMA motorcycle Show in Milan this week.

The others are: the new Panigale V4 1409, 1409s and Speciale; Scrambler 1100, 1100 Special and 1100 Sport; Monster 821; a white XDiavel S; and 959 Panigale Corse with titanium Akropovic exhaust and Ohlins suspension.

Multistrada 1260 models are powered by the XDiavel’s 1262cc 90-degree L-twin engine with 116.2kW of power and 129.5Nm of torque, 85% of which is available from 3500 revs.

Ducati CEO Claudi Domenicali days the Multistrada 1260 range provides a combination of performance, safety, reliability and comfort.

Touring riders will like the fact that the valve adjustments now have 30,000km intervals and Claudio claims spares can be delivered within 48 hours.

Multistrada 1260 comes with a host of standard features: up and down quick shifter; wheelie control; hill start assist; riding mode; power mode; Ducati Safety Pack (cornering ABS Bosch traction control); cruise control; hands-free, backlit handlebar controls; new TFT instruments; self-cancelling indicators and is anti-theft and Ducati Multimedia System ready.

The S models add cornering LED headlights, colour TFT instrument screen and the multimedia system as standard.

The Pikes Peak model comes with updated forks, Ohlins shock, short plexiglas windscreen and Termignoni exhaust. They also feature carbonfibre cosmetic touches and special. paintwork to commemorate Ducati’s three victories in America’s famous hillclimb event.

Seat height is adjustable from 825mm to 845mm.

Weight is 209kg for the base model, increasing to 213kg for the D|air airbag system.

Most of the weight increase is in the engine and also the beefier chassis with longer swingarm which Claudio says is more rigid and stable at high speed.

The new Multistrada Enduro Pro takes on the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure in the mega adventure touring section with the addition of a 30-litre fuel tank for extended range and 30,000km valve service intervals.

Ducati Australia says the bikes will arrive in February/March with pricing announced closer to the date.

It seems Australia will only get the 1260 S Touring and Pikes Peak.