Ducati Multistrada 1260 [2018-2019]

Everybody knows that Ducati takes its top-of-the line bikes very seriously. In fact, the Italian bike maker constantly endeavours to equip its machines with some really expensive and top-class components to make it fast. Really fast! The masters at Bologna wanted to do the same thing with the new Multistrada 1260S. So they went to Ohlins, Termignoni and guys who have truck load of carbon atoms to create the fastest Multistrada ever – the Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak. The bike that won the 2018 edition of the iconic Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

The Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak gets some visual enhancements which have also improved its overall performance. While the base design remains the same as the 1260S, it gets a new red and white paint scheme to act as a major differentiator factor. But there are a few serious changes. The front mudguard, front fuel-tank cover and top-fairing sides are now carbon fibre. The adjustable windscreen too, is made of carbon fibre. The lightweight alloy wheels have been replaced with forged aluminium wheels, which are 3kgs lighter. The Italians have also installed a lighter Termignoni exhaust. All these additions and changes have reduced the overall weight by almost 6kgs and that means better power-to-weight ratio. 

The Pikes Peak edition gets the exact same 1261cc Testastretta DVT  158bhp 130Nm engine as the 1260S. It develops the exact same output as the standard touring model. The Desmodronic Valve Timing system has been revised, just like the exhaust and the intake. The Pikes Peak also benefits from a new ride-by-wire system to improve the fuelling.

The major change here is in the suspension setup. The Sachs with Ducati Skyhook Suspension system (DSS) is out and Ohlins are in. But these premium forks can be adjustable mechanically only. For the rear, there’s a remote function to make things less complicated for the rider. The brakes have been upgraded to Brembo monobloc M50s to bring in the best braking for this fast tourer. 

Just like the 1260S, the Pikes Peak also gets gets Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and cornering ABS that takes data from the inertial platform (IMU). It also gets Ducati Quick Shift System (DQS), various riding modes and vehicle hill control. The full-LED headlamps is a standard feature on the 1260S. The new colour TFT instrument cluster too is alluring.

The Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak is one lively and exciting motorcycle. It can get really fast in the blink of an eye. The most impressive aspect of this machine is its ability to stay calm when needed, thanks to the tractable motor. But there’s very little motivation to do this and that’s reasonable. Because the serious acceleration and the surge in grunt makes the experience an addictive affair. The bike zips up beyond illegal speed limits in no time and can comfortably stay there for long, if your heart lets you do that. But the shorter windscreen doesn’t take care of the wind that blasts your way. Plus, the blacked-out carbon fibre windscreen hampers vision considerably. 

In the corners, the bike is willing to give in more. The credit also goes to the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. These are really good and sticky tyres. The Ohlins setup is nice and plush. It eats up the bumps and potholes, even the big ones without any drama. As expected, the Brembo M50s performed really well. The bite and feel are just right for this 229kg bike. 

To sum it up, the 1260 Pikes Peak has an explosive engine, precise handling, excellent brakes and comfortable suspension. This sounds like a complete package right? Well, it does, but the pricing makes it unreachable for most people. But it’s a Pikes Peak. So it is not for everyone. It’s only for those who wants to stand out, and be admired and looked upon. 

A whopping Rs 24.50 lakhs (on-road Mumbai) is how much you have to shell out for this bike. That is at least Rs 2 lakhs more than the 1260S and Rs 4.5 lakhs more than the standard base model. 

Photography by Asif Zubairi & Prabal Deep