Ducati Multistrada 1260 S 2020 — Specifications

Generous in engine, electronics, chassis, and escapades, the Multistrada has long earned its stripes as a maxi-trail with athletic capabilities. Frankly a GT for a Ducati but still sporty for a trail. May it thrive: its clientele seeks an emotion that the brand's DNA diffuses through every piston stroke. These have become even more enjoyable with the 1260 evolution of the Bolognese twin. A technical and invigorating update that is even more seductive with the S version of the big MTS. As is its habit, Ducati has enriched the equipment, expanded the choice of colors, and installed multi-card suspensions.

Given its name, which is a claim to delight in all types of roads, the adoption of semi-active Skyhook Evo suspensions responds to both its desires and the dictates of high-end touring machines. Almost all are equipped with this technology now. Sachs provides the components, namely an inverted 48 mm fork and a mono-shock. They are connected to a series of sensors as well as an inertial unit to adapt the damping as precisely as possible according to the road, the riding style, and the selected mode. Thus suspended, the MTS 1260 S aims to be more attentive to comfort or efficiency. But that is not the only added value found on board. Compared to the standard version, its dashboard is more sophisticated: the LCD screen gives way to a 5-inch TFT panel. The very rich interface is designed to be easier to use and offers a significant number of configurations. Between the choice of suspensions, the riding aids, the multimedia system, the Riding Modes, and everything else, this motorcycle is a spaceship. Another specificity is the cornering light, perfectly concealed in the impressive row of LEDs lining the gaze facing the rider of this machine. The desire for sport and lightning-fast gear changes will be satisfied by the double-sided shifter. Finally, braking is reinforced with 10 mm (330 mm) larger discs gripped by very effective Brembo M50 calipers.

Offering more is not easy for the S, as the standard Multistrada already has a well-filled bag. Especially in electronics: keyless start, cruise control, automatic turn signal cancellation, 4 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro), hill-hold control, traction control, Power modes, anti-wheeling, and cornering ABS reactive to lean angle in corners. The trellis frame, lightweight wheels, 20-liter tank, 825 or 845 mm adjustable seat, dimensions, design, and protection are identical between the Multistrada 1260 and the S. The latter weighs 3 kilos more, which is not much for a machine weighing 235 kilos on the scale. Its temperament will not suffer much, especially since since the 1200, the engine has not hesitated to gain cubic capacity and availability. Its twin-cylinder is even more full, overflowing with torque in the mid-range. The combination of DVT variable distribution and XDiavel cylinder capacity works very well together. With 158 horsepower, the Multistrada is a hair more powerful than before, presumably a little more unreasonable. Then, proud of its 13.2 kg.m of torque, 85% of which is available from 3500 rpm, the machine will boast of offering serious bursts of power at the slightest solicitation. You can load as much as you can the saddles and the cases, the MTS 1260 does not fear a lack of breath.

This motorcycle being the origin point of the expedition, Ducati has planned a series of packs according to the profile where it will ride its wheels:

- Touring Pack: heated grips, side cases, and center stand - Sport Pack: Termignoni homologated Ducati Performance exhaust (Europe only), carbon fiber front fender, reservoir caps and brake and clutch fluid cover in CNC aluminum - Urban Pack: top case, tank bag with lock and USB connector - Enduro Pack: additional LED lighting and Ducati Performance by Touratech components: engine protection bars, radiator protection bars and grille, engine guard, wider kickstand base, and off-road footrests

Some clarifications on the Riding Modes:

- Sport mode offers 158 horsepower and 13 kg.m of torque, with sporty suspension. It is also characterized by low intervention of traction control (DTC) and anti-wheeling (DWC), and ABS level 2. This combination of rear anti-dribble and cornering ABS is ideal for experienced riders who want to test their limits. - In Touring mode, the Multistrada delivers 158 hp in a smoother and less direct way at the throttle response. Active safety is enhanced by higher sensitivity levels of DTC and DWC, to maintain stability. ABS is set to intervention level 3, ideal for touring, which allows the rear wheel anti-dribble and cornering ABS to be triggered, while optimizing the combined front/rear braking effect. A suspension better suited to long distances is chosen, guaranteeing first-class comfort for the rider and passenger. - In Urban mode, power is reduced to 100 hp. The motorcycle is tuned for optimal agility with the corresponding Skyhook (DSS) mapping. DTC and DWC are set to a high level for maximum safety on imperfect urban roads. ABS is set to level 3. - Enduro mode allows the engine power to be set to a maximum of 100 hp, with an off-road orientation as well as the DSS mapping. DTC and DWC are low and ABS is set to level 1, which is suitable for off-road use on surfaces with low grip: rear wheel anti-dribble detection is disabled, cornering detection is disabled, and rear wheel ABS is disabled.

M.B - Manufacturer photos