Ducati is to drop the Multistrada 1200 and replace it with a larger-capacity Multistrada 1260 in 2018.
The update is revealed in type-approval documents filed with the California Air Resources Board. These show that in 2018 the model range will include a base Multistrada 1260, a Multistrada 1260 S and a Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak.
All three bikes will use a 1262cc engine instead of the current 1198cc variable-valve V-twin. The Ducati XDiavel already uses a long-stroke, 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine so it’s certain that this will be the base of the 2018 Multistrada 1260 motor. The extra capacity comes from a slightly longer stroke, 71.5mm compared to the 1198cc engine’s 67.9mm. The bore remains the same at 106mm.
In the XDiavel, the engine is detuned to give more low-down torque. Its overall peak power is the same as the Multistrada 1200 at 152hp, and its peak torque is actually 1lbft lower at 93lbft. However, that torque comes at only 5000rpm rather than the Multistrada’s 7500rpm, giving a more muscular feel.
The new emissions documents show the Multistrada 1260 engine isn’t identical to the XDiavel’s. It emits more CO2 and carbohydrates, suggesting it’s tuned to burn more fuel overall. That means it’s tuned for more power rather than sharing the XDiavel’s torque-focused tune.
Logically, the extra capacity should boost the Multistrada 1260 to 160hp and 99lbft of torque, with curves similar to the current model.
Engine aside, the documents show that the 2018 Multistrada 1260 will also be lighter than the old bike. While the ‘EIM’ weight used by CARB is unusual – it’s an estimate intended to include the weight of the average rider – the EIM for the 2018 bike is 10kg lighter than before. Translated to more conventional figures, it suggests the 2018 bike will have a kerb weight of around 222kg, down from 232kg, and weigh about 199kg dry.
The range of base model, ‘S’ and ‘Pikes Peak’ remains the same. As before, it’s expected that the ‘S’ will gain semi-active Skyhook suspension while the Pikes Peak will use full Ohlins kit.
At the moment, it appears that the Multistrada Enduro, which is a newer derivative, will stick with the existing 1198cc Testastretta DVT engine in 2018.
