While internationally the
Multistrada 1260 range is available in four options, we get only two. The new sport
touring bikes 1260 and 1260 S come with LED headlamps up front with cornering
lights. There is a large 20-litre fuel tank and the bike boats of a seat height
of 825mm which is the lowest in its segment. The Multistrada 1260 gets a new longer
swing arm that gives it better stability when you take corners or when your
ride completely loaded with a pillion and panniers.
The Multistrada 1260 retains
the defining traits of the family – clean surfaces, taut lines and contrasting
front and rear visual mass – and brings them to an unprecedented level of
quality and finish. The Multistrada 1260 S gets signature five Y-spoke wheels.
Powering the bike is a 1262cc Testastretta
DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine which is the most powerful in its
class. This new Euro 4 engine is capable of producing 158hp@9750rpm and 129.5Nm@7500rpm
of torque. This is a bump of 7hp over the outgoing model. The engine has also
been tuned to produce more torque in the low and mid-range with 85% of the
torque available under 3,500rpm and an increase of 18% torque at 5500rpm when
compared to the previous model. Ride-by-Wire and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) improve
the riding pleasure. The quick shifter works for both up and down shifts. As
for braking, the bikes get Brembo Brakes and ABS as standard while the 1260 S
gets Evo M50 4 piston calipers. A host of other rider aids are available
including cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control, Vehicle Hold Control, Cruise
Control and Ducati Traction Control system. The bike is equipped with 48mm Sach
forks at the front which are electronically adjustable using Ducati’s Skyhook Suspension
system.
The Multistrada 1260 comes
with Ducati Multimedia System which can be connected to your smartphone. Once
connected, you can see call and message alerts on the full colour TFT display
and even change the music track using the controls on the handlebar which are
all backlit. There are different riding modes available as well. On top of this
Ducati is also ensuring post purchase ease for owners by claiming that the bike
only needs an oil change after every 15,000kms and Desmo Service valve
clearance control every 30,000kms.
“Eight years of Multitstrada
innovation has led to the production of this masterpiece, directed to expand
every adventure enthusiast’s comfort zone with its versatility”, said Sergi
Canovas, Managing Director of Ducati India. “The new Multistrada 1260 range is
a consummate sport-touring adventure bike, designed for those who hope to ride
greater distances and enjoy a good rev around twisty roads. The Multistrada
1260 and 1260 S is a testament to our commitment to bring the best of Italian
design, engineering and performance to Indian roads,” he added.