Ducati India will be launching the new Multistrada 1260 on June 19. Internationally, the Multistrada 1260 is available in four variants – standard, the S, the S D|air and the Pikes Peak – and only two of these will launch in India, the standard and the S.
The most crucial change on the new motorcycle is the 1,262cc motor that replaces the 1,198cc engine, as seen on the existing Multistrada 1200. The increase in displacement was achieved by a 71.5mm longer stroke, with the L-Twin motor now delivering 158hp at 9,500rpm, a 6hp increment over its predecessor. Torque, too, has gone up by 1.5Nm, bringing the tally up to 129.5Nm at 7,500rpm. This new motor features Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) and Ducati engineers have targeted better low-end performance; the Multistrada’s motor is now claimed to produce 85 percent of its torque below 3,500rpm. The twin-cylinder motor is mated to a six-speed gearbox and the ‘S’ variant also features the Ducati Quick Shifter system.
In terms of styling, the body panels get a subtle makeover for better aerodynamics. The alloy wheels have been redesigned and they are around 300gm lighter too.
The standard 1260 makes do without the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), although all the models, barring the Pikes Peak, feature the same 48mm fork and a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock (the Pikes Peak gets an Ohlins unit). Ducati has equipped the new Multistrada 1260 with a 48mm-longer swingarm and a more relaxed rake angle (up from 24 degree to 25 degree), resulting in the wheelbase length increasing by 56mm (1,585mm) in comparison to the previous model. Despite all the updates and a more powerful motor, the new Multistrada 1200 tips the scale at 209kg (dry weight), which is identical to its predecessor.
Electronic wizardry on the base model consists of four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro), Ducati Wheelie Control, cruise control, cornering ABS, hands-free connectivity and multi-level traction control. The new Multistrada also gets Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), which works with the ABS unit and acts as an electro-hydraulic parking brake. The system activates the rear brake (for a period of 9.0sec, after which it automatically deactivates if unused) and prevents the bike from rolling on an inclined surface. It will be very beneficial to the rider in tricky, uphill riding conditions, particularly, off the road. The Multistrada 1260 will compete with the Triumph Tiger 1200 and the BMW R 1200 GS, and is expected to be priced around Rs 17 to 18 lakh (ex-showroom).