Ducati superbike Multistrada to launch on June 19, in India
Italian superbike maker Ducati will be launching the Ducati Multistrada 1260 on June 19 in India. The new Multistrada, which replaces the Ducati Multistrada 1200, gets a slightly larger motor, a reworked chassis, and plenty of new features. Internationally, the flagship tourer is available in four variants but only the standard Multistrada 1260 and Multistrada 1260 S will enter the India market. Here's more.
The Ducati Multistrada range gets a larger 1262cc motor
The Ducati Multistrada line-up gets the 1262cc DVT Testastretta engine which has been revised to gain more displacement, power, torque and meet emission regulations. The twin-cylinder motor, mated to a six-speed gearbox, is tuned to deliver a power of 158bhp at 9,750rpm and a peak torque of 129.5Nm at 7,500rpm. The motorcycle will require oil changes after every 15,000kms and valve adjustments after 30,000kms.
The Multistrada 1260 gets new chassis, updated brakes and suspension
The Ducati Multistrada 1260 gets a fully-adjustable 48mm Kayaba inverted fork and fully-adjustable Sachs rear shockers. The motorcycle also comes with a new chassis and longer swingarm for improved maneuverability. For braking performance, the adventure bike gets Brembo Monobloc radial calipers with four pistons holding dual 320mm discs at the front and a single 265mm Brembo disc with a floating clamp at the rear.
Multistrada 1260 gets some styling updates
While retaining the characteristic design of the Multistrada range, the upcoming motorcycle gets new side panels and redesigned alloy wheels. The standard Multistrada 1260 variant retains the LCD screen for instrumentation while the S model offers a full-color TFT instrument panel.
The Ducati flagship motorcycle gets several electronic driving aids
While retaining the electronic rider aids of the previous version, the upgraded Ducati Multistrada 1260 gets a new ride-by-wire electronic throttle system, an eight-level Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, and Cruise control. The motorcycle offers four riding modes namely Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro and each mode has its own settings for traction control, DWC, and Anti-lock Braking System.
Pricing
The Ducati Multistrada 1260 will be manufactured in Thailand and imported into India as a Completely Built Unit. It is expected to be priced at Rs. 16-16.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the standard model and Rs. 19 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-of-the-line Multistrada 1260 S model.
About Ducati and its India plans
Ducati, owned by the Volkswagen Group-owned, re-entered India in 2013 and has sold around 2,000 bikes in India. The company aims to sustain double-digit growth as it expects a 100% growth in the next 3-4 years. In India, Ducati sells its complete portfolio of 27 motorcycles and will introduce Multistrada 1260, Scrambler 1100, 2018 Monster 821 and 959 Panigale Corse this year.
