Ducati Launches The Multistrada 1260 And 1260S In India, Priced At Rs 15.99 Lakh And Rs 18.06 Lakh (Ex-showroom)

The Multistrada 1260 competes against the BMW R 1200 GS and Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx

The Italian two-wheeler manufacturer has launched the Multistrada 1260 and 1260S in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 15.99 lakh and Rs 18.06 lakh, pan India. The new bike features a DVT (Ducati Testastretta) engine that improves the delivery of torque even in low and mid-range revs, a new chassis and more electronics. Moreover, the Multistrada 1260 also gets a redesigned front fairing for improved aerodynamics, an all-new TFT display and larger pillion grab rails.

So what else has changed for 2018? A couple of things actually, starting with the overall design. The Ducati Multistrada’s front fairing has been designed for better aerodynamics and improved airflow around the pillion rider and the top box. It gets a new app-compatible, multifunction TFT display that’s much brighter and more intuitive than the outgoing model. The wireless key system can now detect the key even if it’s a few feet away and not just when you are on the bike. At the rear, the Multistrada 1260 uses larger grab rails and LED turn indicators.

So how do you differentiate the two? The Ducati Multistrada 1260 features vehicle hold control (VHC), 4 riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro), 8 levels of traction control, cruise control, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS Bosch + DTC) and wheelie control. The Multistrada 1260S, on the other hand, gets a few more goodies such as Ducati's Skyhook Suspension (DSS), a quick-shifter for up/down shifts, cornering lights and a full-colour TFT display.

Both the Multistrada 1260’s share the same 1262cc L-twin Ducati Testastretta DVT engine that produces 160PS at 9500rpm and 129.5Nm at 7500rpm. It comes with a 6-speed gearbox. Compared to the Multistrada 1200 the new bike is down on torque by 6.5Nm. However, Ducati has tuned the Multistrada 1260’s engine to deliver 85 per cent of its torque at revs as low as 3500rpm and 18 per cent more torque at 5500rpm as compared to the outgoing model.

Furthermore, the wheelbase has been extended by 56mm thanks to the swingarm which is 48mm longer. Equally important are the newly designed wheels which are 300 gram lighter compared to the ones on the Multistrada 1200. The Multistrada 1260 features Kayaba 48mm upside-down forks that are fully adjustable for spring preload, compression, and rebound damping, while the rear gets a Sachs monoshock, also fully adjustable.

Braking duties for the Multistrada 1260 are handled by twin 320mm discs clamped by radially mounted 4-piston Brembo calipers, while the rear gets a 265mm single disc mated to a 2-piston caliper, also from Brembo. In contrast, the Multistrada 1260S gets 10mm larger discs up front coupled with superbike-spec Brembo's Monobloc M50 calipers, while the rear remains the same as the standard variant. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard on both models.

The Multistrada 1260S will be offered in three colours, namely Red, Grey and White, while the standard 1260 comes in Red only. At this price point, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 and 1260S go up against the 2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx (Rs 17 lakh) and the BMW R 1200 GS Dynamic Plus (Rs 19.30 lakh). The Multistrada 1260 also gets a Pikes Peak Edition; however, it’s only available in the US market for now.