Launching Tomorrow: Ducati Multistrada 1260

Ducati is all set to launch the Multistrada 1260 and Multistrada 1260 S in India tomorrow. The two motorcycles will replace the existing Multistrada 1200 range of adventure tourers. Compared to the Multistrada 1200, the new motorcycle has a calmer demeanour and is more versatile. Though the design of the new motorcycle is in line with the Multistrada family, the folks at Ducati have redesigned the front side fairings to ensure better airflow over the pillion and the panniers. The Multistrada 1260’s LCD instrument panel and the 1260 S’ 5-inch TFT display are more intuitive to use than before, and both motorcycles also employ LED lighting system. But only the 1260 S gets Ducati Cornering Lights as standard.

The Multistrada 1260 is built on a new trellis frame and features a 48mm longer swingarm and a one-degree increase in the steering angle. These changes have increased the wheelbase by 55mm. The 1260 rides on Kayaba 48mm inverted forks and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. Both are fully adjustable. The 1260 S, on the other hand, features semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) that works in conjunction with 48mm Sachs upside down forks (USD) up front and a Sachs rear monoshock. Both variants have a wheel travel of 170mm. In terms of braking, the 1260 gets Brembo monobloc calipers hold the dual 320mm discs up front, while the 1260 S gets bigger 330mm discs with Brembo monobloc Evo M50 callipers at the front. Both variants use a 265mm disc at the rear.

Both variants draw power from a 1262cc Ducati Testastretta DVT L-twin liquid-cooled engine. It pushes out 158PS at 9500rpm and 129.5Nm at 7500rpm., which is 2PS and 2Nm less than the Multistrada 1200’s engine. Despite the marginally lesser output, Ducati has widened the torque band at lower revs, with 85 per cent of the torque available below 3500rpm. Electronic goodies include Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro riding modes; Vehicle Hold Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, cruise control, hands-free, and Ducati Safety Pack (includes Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control). Additionally, the 1260 S comes with Ducati Multimedia System as standard.

When launched, the Multistrada 1260 range will compete with the BMW R 1200 GS and 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx. However, the Multistrada 1260 is more of a road-biased adventure tourer when compared to its competition. The standard variant is likely to cost between Rs 17-18 lakh. Since the 1260 S features electronic suspension, fancy instrumentation and cornering lights, it is likely to bear a premium of Rs 2 lakh over the regular variant.