Ducati’s latest version of its top-line Multistrada offers more midrange power, better aerodynamics, more stability and easier rider-aid setup. Photography by Milagro.
Take some of the twistiest roads in the world, wrap them around a 6,400-foot-high volcano on an exotic isle off the coast of northwestern Africa and you have Gran Canaria, the third largest island in the Spanish Canary Islands archipelago, which?lucky for us?is hugely popular with Ducati for introducing new models. The latest is the 2018 Multistrada 1260, which now derives its Testastretta 11-degree DVT L-twin from the muscular X-Diavel cruiser. Adapting the engine to the Multi required a new intake and exhaust and relocating the X-Diavel?s hidden water pump to the side on the Multi, since it has a different frame and engine beauty isn?t as crucial. But it was worth it to get the 1,262cc engine?s longer stroke and 64cc bump in displacement, which give the largest Multistrada an 18-percent increase in torque at 5,500 rpm, smack in the midrange where most of the business of sport touring gets done. New trim and wheels and reshaped fairing panels nicely update the Multi 1260’s style.
Although Ducati claimed higher peak numbers for the Multistrada 1200?s engine with variable valve timing (DVT) when it was first introduced for 2015, for the Multistrada 1260 it says max horsepower is up 6, to 158 at 9,500 rpm, and claimed torque output maxes out at 95.1 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. Up or down those are pretty st...