Ducati India is all prepared to introduce its sports touring flagship the Multistrada 1260 in brand’s lineup on June 19. It is an improved iteration over the outgoing Multistrada 1200. The model is on sale in the International market in number of variants including standard, the S, the S D|air and the Pikes Peak. We can assume the availability of all these trims in brand’s Indian product portfolio.
A host of changes are witnessed in this new Ducati Multistrada 1260 over the previous Multistrada 1200 trim. Though, the major work is done at the mechanical front whereas the exterior received touch ups for modern appeal and better aerodynamics. The bike gets new body panels, and all new lightweight alloy wheels, around 300gm lighter than the wheels used in earlier model.
Beneath the fuel tank, the new motorcycle now gets improved 1,262cc engine instead of 1,198cc engine of the Multistrada 1200. The powertrain now features a 71.5mm longer stroke in its mechanicals which helps in generating improved power of 58hp at 9,500rpm by 6hp and 129.5Nm of torque at 7,500rpm by 1.5Nm. Furthermore, the engine has been tuned to provide better low-end performance as the company claims engine now rolls out 85 percent of its torque below 3,500rpm. The Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) is a new addition to the engine.
In terms of suspension setup, besides the standard 1260 and the Pikes Peak, all other variants gets the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) front fork of 48mm. While, the rear obtains a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock. The Pikes Peak uses Ohlins sourced unit. With the inclusion of all-new 48mm-long swingarm and increased rake angle of 25 degree for relaxed riding, enhances the motorcycle’s wheelbase by 56mm as compared to the earlier model. The new Ducati Multistrada 1260 weighs 209kgs similar to its predecessor model.
Among the gizmos, there are riding modes including Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro, and Ducati Wheelie Control, cornering ABS, cruise control, multi-level control and hands-free connectivity as well. Moreover, the ABS is in integration with Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) that helps in holding bike on the inclined surface. The VHC works as an electro-hydraulic parking brake that activates the rear brake for 9.0 seconds. If the rear brakes is not in use the system automatically deactivates the VHC. The feature proves pretty favourable on the off-road, hilly surfaces.
In rivalry, the Multistrada 1260 will lock horns with the likes of the Triumph Tiger 1200 and BMW R 1200 GS in the segment. The pricing for the motorcycle will fall in the vicinty of INR 17-18 lakh (ex-showroom).