Exactly a week after the launch of the Multistrada 1260 and 1260 S, Ducati has gone ahead and launched the top-spec 1260 Pikes Peak in India. The Italian manufacturer has priced this variant at Rs 21.42 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and made it available in India, in limited numbers. The difference in pricing between the standard 1260 and the Pikes Peak model is Rs 5.43 lakh in India and Rs 4.29 lakh ($6,300) in the United States. So far, Ducati has not elaborated on exactly how many bikes will be available in India. However, deliveries for the 1260 and 1260 S have begun; deliveries for the Pikes Peak will begin in mid-July.
The Multistrada Pikes Peak gets the same 1,262cc, liquid-cooled, L-Twin motor as its other two variants. This motor produces 158hp at 9,500rpm – a 6hp increment over the 2017 Multistrada. Its torque, too, has gone up by 1.5Nm, bringing the total up to 129.5Nm, delivered at 7,500rpm. The new engine features what Ducati calls Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT). When combined with Desmo valve actuation, it results in good low-end torque. This tech also helps make the engine Euro-IV-compliant.
Additional features over the standard model includes an Ohlins suspension at both ends, a Termignoni exhaust system, a bi-directional quickshifter, cornering ABS and various carbon-fibre bits (like the windscreen, front mud-guard and air intake covers). Ducati says that the Pikes Peak edition also benefits from different chassis dimensions, which include new front-end geometry and a longer swingarm. However, according to the specification sheet, the bike has the same wheelbase, rake and trail as the standard 1260.
Along with a race-inspired colour scheme, the Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak comes equipped with newly forged aluminium wheels which are even lighter than those of the Multistrada 1260 S. The Pikes Peak also sports all of the features seen on the 1260 S, like back-lit handlebar controls, automatic turn signal cancellation, four riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro), Ducati Wheelie Control, cruise control and hands-free connectivity. In addition to the above features, the colour TFT display for the instrument cluster, full-LED headlight and cornering lights are exclusive to the 1260 S and the Pikes Peak.
The Pikes Peak is also the lightest of the three models with a kerb weight of 229kg. Meanwhile, the 1260 and 1260 S variants weigh 232kg and 235kg, respectively. In terms of competition, the motorcycle takes on BMW’s S 1000 XR Pro, priced at Rs 19.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
