Ducati Multistrada 1260
Sports-adventure-tourer is now more ballistic than ever
Anyone who rides a Multistrada 1200 complains at the lack of grunt. Except they don’t, of course – only a gibbering fruitloop could ever call the 1200 underpowered. So of course it’s now the Multistrada 1260. It’s the 1262cc variable-valve V-twin from the Xdiavel. Peak output isn’t up by much, with 158bhp at 9500rpm and 95.5 lb.ft at 7500rpm, instead of 152bhp and 94 lb.ft for the 1200. The big news is at lower revs, with 18% more torque at a road-realistic 5500rpm. For stability with this clout, rake is relaxed from 24 to 25 degrees and the swingarm is 48mm longer, causing a 55mm wheelbase increase. It’s £14,435 on the road with modes, traction, hill hold control and cruise; the S version (£17,335) adds a two-way quickshifter, multimedia connection, semi-active ride with ‘Skyhook Evolution’, and cornering lights. As before there are also Pikes Peak, D¢air and Enduro versions.