DESIGNING A BIKE ISN’T ALL ABOUT SCRAPED CENTRESTANDS

Davide Previtera, Vehicle Project Engineer

‘The aim of the 1260 project was to create a touring bike with a very torquey engine. But the new-found torque doesn’t just come from the higher-capacity Xdiavel engine. We also redesigned exhaust pipe length and added a compensator – a tube that connects both downpipes before they reach the catalyst. This helps regulate exhaust gas pressure waves, leading to a strong, flat torque curve. There’s a completely different mapping strategy, too. Each riding mode and each gear have their own engine maps, and there’s even one specifically for engine braking. The 1260 is actually quieter than the 1200. Airbox sound is reduced to help rider comfort – a response to feedback we had from customers. This is a compromise between the core sporting values of Ducati and the fact that the Multistrada is first and foremost a touring bike.’