Ducati revealing a 1260 Multistrada Enduro; a jump
up from the previous 1200 version. With the increase of its flagship
model to a bigger Multistrada Enduro, the range continues to evolve. At the
heart of the machine is a new 1262cc Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic
Variable Timing) engine pumping out 158 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque. The new
Multistrada 1260 Enduro also features major chassis and electronics upgrades
and an all-new color scheme.
Compared to the Multistrada 1260, the Enduro version
has a six-speed gearbox with a shorter first gear to improve performance in
off-road riding. To improve handling, engine calibration has been completely
overhauled, with torque delivery differentiated in each Riding Mode according
to the selected gear. What’s more, again with an eye to improving
rider-friendliness, engine braking control is now differentiated on a gear by
gear basis. To hone comfort even further, cruise control has also been
recalibrated.
The new Euro 4-compliant 1262cc Ducati Testastretta
DVT ensures outstanding pulling power right from the low-to-mid rev range. In
fact, 85% of maximum torque is already available below 3,500 rpm with –
compared to the torque curve on the engine that powered the previous model – a
17% increase at 5,500 rpm. This makes the Multistrada 1260 Enduro the
motorcycle with the highest torque (at 4,000 rpm, the most common rev rate
while riding) in its category.
While the new Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro
provides impressive performance, power delivery is kept under control thanks to
the Riding Modes, the new Ride by Wire function, and the DQS (Ducati Quick
Shift) Up & Down, which significantly improves the ride experience by
ensuring precise, fluid upshift and downshift gear meshing.
The Multistrada 1260 Enduro features 19″ front and
17″ rear spoked wheels and a new electronic semi-active Sachs suspension with
185 mm of travel both front and rear. A 30-liter fuel tank gives the new
machine a claimed range of 450 km and beyond. The riding position
on the Multistrada 1260 Enduro is designed to ensure improved off-road control
further aided by a lower center of gravity compared to the 1200 version.
However, to ensure maximum on-road comfort, the handlebars have been lowered 30
mm and, consequently, the tank cover has been reshaped. For off-road lovers,
the accessory line also includes a lower screen. To protect the engine, the
Multistrada 1260 Enduro features, as standard, a new lighter aluminium sump
guard with support struts connected directly to the now-lighter frame.
Another as-standard feature on the Multistrada 1260
Enduro is the 860 mm high seat, 10 mm lower than the one on the 1200. The
resulting downward shift in the center of gravity enhances the ergonomics,
giving riders of all builds more riding confidence and improved maneuverability
when stationary. To ensure all riders can put their feet firmly on the ground,
an even lower (840 mm) seat is available as an accessory, as is a higher (880
mm) one, which is more comfortable and better suited to off-road riding. A
lower, narrower version of the passenger seat is also available as an
accessory: designed to match the rider’s seat, this makes it easier to ride the
bike in a more rearward standing position.
A sophisticated new Human Machine Interface (HMI)
ensures – via a 5’’ TFT color display and switch gear controls – user-friendly
control of all bike settings and functions, the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
included. The DMS connects the bike to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth,
giving access to all key multimedia functions (incoming calls, text messaging,
music). Other Multistrada 1260 Enduro features include cruise control and a
hands-free system.
The Multistrada 1260 Enduro will be previewed in
November at the EICMA fair in Milan and arrive at dealerships early in 2019.