Ducati Multistrada 1260 Launching On 19 June

After months of anticipation, Ducati India has finally announced the launch of the Multistrada 1260 on 19 June 2018. While the flagship tourer is offered in three different variants internationally: Multistrada 1260, the 1260S and 1260 Pikes Peak; only the Multistrada 1260 and the Multistrada 1260S will come to India.

Unveiled first at the 2017 EICMA Show, the new Multistrada looks pretty much the same as its predecessor, with the exception of new side panels and integrated luggage mounts on the rear aluminium subframe.

The main difference comes in the form of a new engine. The new Multistrada gets a powerful 1262cc motor, called the Testastretta DVT. This is the same unit seen on the XDiavel as well and even has similar bore and stroke. However, the Multistrada 1260 makes 2PS less power, at 158PS, and 6.5Nm of less torque, at 129.5Nm, compared to the older model.

As mentioned earlier, the Multistrada might be offered in two variants in India: Standard and S. While features like ride-by-wire, keyless ignition, cruise control, cornering ABS and 8-level wheelie and traction control will be offered on both variants, the 'S' variant gets additional goodies like a 5-inch TFT instrument panel with smartphone connectivity, a quickshifter and the electronic Skyhook Suspension

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 is expected to carry a price tag of around Rs 17 to 18 lakh and will go up against the newly launched Triumph Tiger 1200. We had the chance to take the new Multistrada for a spin on the mountains of Gran Canaria islands; click here for our impressions from that ride.