Ducati Multistrada 1260: 2018 Pirelli SA BoTY finalist

By Réhann Coetzee

Ducati has never made a boring bike. Maybe some of their designs were a little hard on the eye, but generally they make exciting bikes that are quite sexy. And the latest Multistrada is no exception.

This is the third generation of the Multistrada that makes it to the Pirelli SA Bike of The Year list of finalists. The previous two were 1200s and it was interesting to see how much better the second 1200 was than the first one I rode in the BoTY.

The 1260, as can be deducted from the larger engine size, takes the performance spread to the next level and the quick shifter makes it very easy to go way too fast very quickly.

The main portion of the BoTY testing was scheduled at the Gerotek testing facility close to Hartbeespoort Dam, but I rode the Multi from Rivonia to Gerotek – and it was fun. The ride had a fair share of morning peak traffic and then the R512 opened up for some spirited riding where traffic got lighter.

The road gets twistier when you climb the hills towards Broederstroom and slowing down for heavy vehicles and then accelerating past them while making ample use of the quick shifter also contributes to the sound effects. The Multistrada is a fast and powerful bike and it is fun to ride too fast.

The seating position is upright, although your knees bend almost as much as on a sports bike, so that is still a disappointment for me. It handles as well as you would expect from a Ducati, but the ride is quite comfortable, sometimes bordering on plush.

The Multistrada has the new Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) 1 262cc engine, new chassis, more advanced electronics and an aesthetic update that includes new fairing panels and lighter, sportier looking wheels.

Ducati says when the Multistrada was launched back in 2010, it revolutionised the motorcycling world by offering four bikes in one: a sport bike, long-distance tourer, everyday runabout and an enduro. With its many new features and riding modes, the Multistrada 1260 brings a whole new level of performance, ease of riding, comfort and fun, they say.

The 1 262cc engine is Euro-4 approved and gives ample low-to-mid range torque for even better rideability in everyday use. With 85% of the torque available at 3 500rpm, delivery at 5 500rpm is 18% higher than its predecessor. According to Ducati, this means the Multistrada 1260 offers the highest torque output in its class at 4 000rpm, the most frequently used rev range.

The ride-by-wire throttle is new and smoother, more accurate up- and downshifting is by way of the the DQS (Ducati Quick Shift). The updated chassis, with a longer swinging arm and wheelbase and revised geometry up front, makes for sharper handling in curves and stability even when riding two-up at full load with the panniers.

Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) controls Cornering ABS, the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) functionality incorporated in the full LED headlight of the Multistrada S, and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC). Both DWC and DTC feature rider-settable eight-level sensitivity and can be disabled.

Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) – still a feature I see absolutely no use for – has been included as standard on the Multistrada 1260.

Cruise control sits in the switchgear on the left handlebar. On the S version a Bluetooth module is included as standard. This activates the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) and can connect the bike to a smartphone for control of basic functions such as receiving incoming calls, notification of text messages or playing music via the handlebar controls. The corresponding information is displayed on the new TFT dashboard.

The Multistrada 1260 offers long maintenance intervals, with an oil change required every 15 000km and a “Desmo Service” every 30 000km.

Technically speaking: Ducati 1260 Multistrada

Engine: 1 262cc, V-2-cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled

Power: 116kW @ 9 500rpm / 130Nm @ 7 500rpm

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 20 litres

Seat height: 825-845mm

Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 190/55/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 320mm double disks (front); 2-piston 265mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 232kg

Price: R217 900