Overview of Multistrada 1260 Engine

DVT system

Developed and fine-tuned by Ducati engineers, the DVT system optimises performance and fluidity of delivery at all end speed levels. The Ducati Testrastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine, which varies both the timing of the camshaft that controls the intake valves, and the camshaft that controls the exhaust valves independently, it optimizes performance at high speeds to achieve maximum power, while improving smooth delivery and increasing torque at low and medium range speeds. This means you have an engine that changes its characteristics by continuously varying the rpm without the rider even noticing it, remaining within the Euro 4 approval requirements whilst paying great attention to fuel consumption.

Displacement and torque

Thanks to its new displacement of 1262 cm3, the new Multistrada 1260 engine sets outstanding new riding and performance standards. In developing this new engine, derived from the unit fitted on the new Multistrada 1200, Ducati engineers focused on guaranteeing the maximum and best possible torque delivery at low and mid range engine speeds. 85% of the torque is in fact already available below 3,500 rpm with an 18% increase in the curve at 5,500 rpm compared to the previous model. All this makes the new Multistrada 1260 the motorcycle with the highest torque value in its category, an exceptional 4,000 rpm, i.e. the average rpm rate used when riding. To reach this new displacement level, the piston stroke was increased from 67.9 to 71.5 mm (the bore remains 106 mm). This was achieved thanks to the use of new connecting rods, a new crankshaft and new cylinders. The DVT system was then recalibrated to maximise mid to low range engine torque delivery, leading to a maximum power of 158 hp at 9,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.2 kgm at 7,500 rpm.

Exhaust system

In order to achieve the extraordinary performance of the new Multistrada 1260, the exhaust and intake systems were also redesigned. The exhaust has a new pipe design, a new internal layout of the pre-damper and a new silencer, while the air intake inlet area has also been redesigned.

Desmo appeal

The Ducati Testastretta DVT also uses the engine valve timing system that has made Ducati famous throughout the world. Thanks to this particular system, the intake valve and exhaust valve are mechanically closed using a technique and accuracy similar to those of the opening phase. The term Desmodromic comes from the Greek terms ""desmos = controlled"" and ""dromos = movement, path""; in mechanics it is used to describe mechanisms which have both a command to activate them in one direction and another command to activate them in the other (known as closing or return). This system, used on all Ducati models, demonstrates its validity (efficacy) also on the Ducati Corse Superbikes and Desmosedici MotoGP bikes. In the design of the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine, the desmodromic solution provided a clear advantage over a traditional spring system. Actuating valves at low engine speeds requires less force, as there is no compression of springs, and this has resulted in the possibility to contain the size of the individual variators which, in turn, brings advantages to the containment of weight and overall system integration.

Overview of Multistrada 1260 Chassis

Frame

The new Multistrada 1260 chassis is based on the use of a new frame and a longer swingarm. The steering angle has been increased by 1 degree, from 24° to 25° while the swingarm, also new, is 48 mm longer. The new Multistrada 1260 has a chassis based on the use of a new chassis and a longer swingarm. The steering angle has been increased by 1 degree, from 24° to 25° while the swingarm, also new, is 48 mm longer. These changes have led to a total increase of the wheelbase of 55 mm. This, coupled with the new character of the engine and the new suspension calibration, mean that the new Multistrada 1260 is even more effective when tackling curves whilst ensuring maximum stability even at full load, with side panniers and pillion rider onboard. The ""layout"" adopted for the frame consists of a front trellis with large diameter thinner tubes, two side subframes enclosed by a rear support element made of fibre loaded engineering plastic for maximum torsional rigidity. The single-arm swingarm is obtained from a single die-cast , with four cores bonded together on the inside, subsequently machined and painted. The result is a magnificently sculpted, beautiful and functional component, bestowing ulterior prestige to the new Multistrada 1260 and guaranteeing excellent road grip.

Suspension

The S version suspensions of the new Multistrada 1260 are of the semi-active type and are controlled by the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system. The new Multistrada 1260 features a Kayaba 48-mm upside-down front fork with dedicated cast leg, with fully adjustable features (spring preload, hydraulic brake in compression and rebound, all on both forks). At the rear a Sachs shock absorber connects the swingarm to the left cast subframe: once again the features are adjustable - remote spring preload with hydraulic torque and hydraulic brakes in compression and rebound. The spring is progressive, resulting in increased riding comfort even when carrying the maximum load allowed. The S versions of the new Multistrada 1260 are fitted with a 48-mm Sachs fork with the sleeves in the characteristic grey ceramic that identifies semi-active suspensions and forged legs. The rear shock absorber is manufactured by Sachs. Both the suspensions are of the semi-active type and are controlled by the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution system. In addition to adjusting the compression and rebound damping adjustment and rear spring preloading, automatic and integrated in the Riding Mode or customisable via the on-board computer, the semi-active system continuously monitors these elements to ensure the perfect balance of the vehicle. Both suspensions allow a 170 mm front and rear wheel travel, a value that guarantees absolute comfort when travelling even at higher load values, and extra safety when riding on soft off-road tracks. The sensation of pure comfort is further enhanced in the S versions by the DSS Evolution function that allows the rider to quickly and easily adjust the track alignment of the bike according to the various riding configurations and the type of trip: single rider, rider with panniers, rider with pillion rider and rider with pillion rider and panniers. The suspensions, on both the new Multistrada 1260, and the new Multistrada 1260 and D|Air have revised internal calibration.

Tyres and rims

The new Multistrada 1260, 1260 S and 1260 S D|Air are all equipped with Y-shaped 5 spoke light alloy rims, 340 grams lighter than those mounted on the previous model. All versions are equipped with rims measuring 3.50" x 17" on the front and 6.00" x 17" at the rear, mounting a Pirelli SCORPION™ Trial II 120/70-17” tyre on the front and 190/55-17” on the rear.

Overview of Multistrada 1260 Equipment

ABS Cornering

The entire Multistrada 1260 family is equipped with the Brembo braking system fitted with the ABS 9.1ME Cornering device, an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). The entire Multistrada 1260 family is equipped with the Brembo braking system fitted with the ABS 9.1ME Cornering device, an integral part of the Ducati Safety Pack (DSP). ABS Cornering exploits Bosch's IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) platform to maximise balancing of the braking power delivered to the front and rear wheels even in critical situations and with the motorcycle in a leaning position. By interacting with the Riding Mode, the system is able to provide the ideal solution for every situation and riding condition. Thanks to an ABS control processor, Multistrada boasts a front and rear Electronic Combined Braking System, optimised for Urban and Touring Riding Modes, and takes advantage of reduced control in Sport mode, a context where preference is given to non-fully automated control. The combined braking system increases braking stability by using four pressure gauges, to best distribute the braking power between the front and rear wheels. Conceived to improve rear tyre control in abrupt braking situations, the ""lift-up prevention"" function of the ABS system is fully enabled in Urban and Touring Riding Modes. The ABS function is also available for front brakes only, a feature that Multistrada exploits in the Enduro Riding Mode in order to allow locking and rear drifts when braking on bumpy ground. ABS functions can however be switched off from the instrument panel in the Enduro Riding Mode and can save and reuse the same settings during the next Key-On.

The system integrates perfectly with the Ducati Riding Modes and interacts at three different levels. Level 2 ensures the balance between the front and rear without the rear wheel lift detection when riding in Sport mode, but with the Cornering feature enabled and calibrated for a sporting character riding style, level 3 allows optimisation of the combined braking action in the Touring and Urban modes with rear wheel lift-up prevention for maximum safety and the Cornering feature enabled and calibrated for ultimate safety. Level 1 offers the highest performance for off-road use, eliminating rear lift-up detection and allowing the drift during braking with the ABS applied to the front only. The front system on the new Multistrada 1260 is features Brembo 32 mm diameter 4-piston monobloc radial callipers and 2 brake pads, radial pumps with adjustable levers, 320 mm front double disc. At the rear there is a single 265 mm diameter disc featuring a floating calliper, once again branded Brembo. These components ensure braking performances that set the standard for the entire motorcycle industry, a characteristic that has always been common to all Ducati bikes. In the 1260 S version, the braking system is now even more powerful, borrowing it directly from Ducati's own Superbikes: it boasts 330 mm diameter discs at the front end coupled with Brembo M50 4-piston monobloc radial callipers.

Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) Evolution

The Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evolution system has been tweaked even further, with new forks and new sensors. The Evolution DSS (Ducati Skyhook Suspension) system has been tweaked even further and in this advanced version, it presents a new Sachs fork with pressurised cartridge and low friction sliding rods, a sensor that monitors the performance of the rear shock, and a software which also manages the data output by the inertial platform (IMU) using new processing algorithms. This system is fitted on the standard S versions of the new Multistrada 1260 and is based on a 48 mm fork and a Sachs rear shock, both electronically controlled, with the possibility to adjust the compression and extension damping in a continuous manner using a semi-active control to guarantee the ideal balance of the vehicle. More specifically, this system makes it possible to maintain a constant track alignment regardless of the road surface, minimizing the oscillations of the suspended masses whilst significantly boosting comfort and safety levels. The name Skyhook derives from the sensation that is felt whilst riding the bike, as if it were hooked up to the sky, so as to balance it and neutralise equilibrium aspects yet, at the same time, still remain extremely sensitive to all changes in track alignment. This innovative technology surpasses conventional passive type suspensions thanks to the constant control of the dynamic behaviour of the suspensions. The DSS Evolution intelligent system eliminates many of the negative effects caused by excessively soft or too hard settings without compromising on performance and safety. The DSS Evolution technology analyses the data provided by a number of sensors located on the sprung and unsprung frame components, to calculate and implement the damping required to achieve the smoothest level of operation possible. An accelerometer installed on the bottom yoke, and one installed inside the DSS Evolution control unit, communicate data on sprung masses, while an accelerometer on the fork axle lug provides inputs for unsprung masses. At the rear there is a sensor that specifically measures the suspension travel. The DSS Evolution system processes this information by means of a semi-active control algorithm that, taking into account an imaginary reference point fixed to the sky above the bike, enables instantaneous adjustment of the hydraulic brake settings to minimise vehicle movements at this point. In order to reduce the transfer of the loads produced by alternating braking and acceleration, the system exploits the longitudinal accelerometer of the Ducati Traction Control (DTC), the ABS system pressure sensors for the instantaneous calculation and activation of a response aimed at reducing the oscillations which the vehicle would be subject to, in addition to the data delivered by the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), data which dynamically indicate the track alignment of the bike on two axes (roll and pitch).

Vehicle Hold Control

The ABS that is installed on the new Multistrada 1260 is equipped with the Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) system. When activated, the system keeps the vehicle still by activating the rear brake (and automatically deactivates after 9 seconds if it is not used). The ABS that is installed on the new Multistrada 1260 is equipped with the Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) system. When activated, the system keeps the vehicle still by activating the rear brake (and automatically deactivates after 9 seconds if it is not used) and gives the user a more comfortable restart, especially in hilly conditions, modulating the pressure at start off, the only task left to the rider being that of modulating the throttle and clutch. This feature is activated when the motorcycle is at a standstill with the side stand retracted, and the rider applies high pressure to the front brake lever or the rear brake pedal. When activated, and depending on the vehicle status, the system calculates and applies a pressure on the rear system of the vehicle using the pump and valves of the ABS control unit. A pilot light indicates when the system is enabled, and can be activated at all ABS levels (except when the ABS is off). The same pilot light will start to flash when the system is going to release the rear brake pressure thus ceasing to hold the vehicle still: the decrease in pressure will be gradual.

New TFT instrument panel

The new Multistrada 1260 is equipped with a high visibility LCD instrument panel with a new information display and simplified menu management. To make navigation simpler, the left block now features new icons with information on the type of ""click” required: the empty ball corresponds to a simple push of the button; the full ball corresponds to a prolonged pressure on the button. The navigation enhancements include a comprehensibly redesigned interface on the new 5'' TFT instrument panel on the new Multilevel 1260 S and D | Air. The new TFT has increased resolution (186.59 PPI - 800xRGBx480), readability in sunlight and graphics that now make menu navigation and settings access much easier and instant identification of the selected Riding Mode, as it is assigned to a colour: red for Riding More Sport, white for Touring Mode (Night mode) or Black (Day mode), grey for Urban Mode and brown for Enduro Mode. The LCD or TFT units provide information on speed, engine rpm, gears, odometer, trip1 and trip2, engine coolant temperature, fuel level, and clock. The set Riding Mode is also displayed, along with residual autonomy, instantaneous consumption, average consumption, average speed, air temperature, travel time, and icy terrain alarm. In static conditions, the rider can use the left-hand block on the handlebar to access a ""setting"" menu to activate and adjust various functions, including customised DTCs and DWCs, and three levels of ABS Cornering intervention. In the S versions, the suspensions can be adjusted using a dedicated menu. In both static and dynamic conditions, the rider can switch Riding Mode by choosing from Sport, Touring, Urban or Enduro and load the settings depending on the various riding configurations: single rider, rider with panniers, rider with pillion rider and rider with pillion rider and panniers. In the S version, the headlight is a full LED equipped with the Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) function that optimises illumination of the road when riding around a bend based on the leaning angle of the bike. The Multistrada models also feature the 4 hazard indicator function, activated by pressing the dedicated button. Another new element on the Multistrada 1260 is the automatic switch-off of indicators based on the leaning angle of the bike. Thanks to the use of the Inertial Platform, the indicators will switch off after completing the turn or after a prolonged distance (varying between 200 and 2000 meters depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time the indicator button is pressed). The music media player interface on the TFT instrument panel has also been improved when connected to a mobile phone. In addition, the Enduro Riding Mode trip master has been updated and can now be paused, reduced and activated more quickly.

Ducati guarantees all its bikes for a period of 24 months from registration, with unlimited mileage.

Learn more about Ducati Warranty