2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 First Ride Review
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- With more torque and more tech than ever before, could the Multistrada 1260 be the perfect getaway bike?
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If you were going to rob a bank on a motorcycle, what would you choose? It needs to be fast, like any good getaway vehicle, and agile enough to evade Johnny Law. There might as well be comfort and amenities too, right? Bluetooth connectivity to contact your crew on the burner phone, plus cruise control so you maintain an inconspicuous speed while you make the call. Plus electronically adjustable suspension and ride modes for city, freeway, and back roads. You’re a bank robber, not an animal! And of course, you’ll need space for the stacks of money.
Allow me to suggest a Ducati Multistrada. It's fast, comfortable, dripping with technology, and there are approximately 10,000 new ones on the road each year, so you won't stand out in the wrong way. Since you'll be wealthy from your bold raid of First Merchants you might as well spring for the swankiest one to date: the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Touring. Yes, I know, $22,395 is a pretty penny to spend-and we'll talk about why you might as well splurge on the S version rather than $18,695 for the base model-but you get an awful lot of motorcycle for the money.
The Tech, And What's New
You might be thinking that the new Multi 1260 looks a lot like the bike that debuted in 2010 with the 1,198cc 11° engine, and you'd be right. Aesthetics withstanding, since then the bike has been updated with Skyhook semi-active suspension (2013) and Desmodromic Variable Timing (2015) as well as many other small upgrades over the years-saddlebag latches, a color dash unit, and the like. The meaningful moves for the 2018 model involve inheriting the XDiavel's 1,262cc engine, a longer wheelbase, and updates to the color dash.
First, the powerplant, which caused a bit of a stir around here when it debuted the DVT valve system. Genius as it is, DVT didn't work perfectly right out of the gate, but in XDiavel form the engine grew to be monstrously torquey (thanks to 1.6mm of stroke added) and smoothed out considerably with evolution of the tuning. Ducati claim 18 percent more torque at 5,500 rpm, patching the dip in torque that plagued the Multi 1200 DVT mill.
The chassis updates involved lengthening the swingarm by 1.9 inches and adding a degree of rake (and 0.2 inch of trail), which adds up to a wheelbase that’s 2.2 inches longer-that’s a lot. The frame was also updated to hold the XDiavel powerplant, and while the Sachs fork and shock use the same external hardware, they are adjusted differently for the new setup. I asked why the wheelbase and rake stretch and what I heard was, “stability.” Apparently, Ducati felt it could make a bike just as agile but more stable when ridden fast with a passenger and full luggage. More on that later.
The dash is the same size but has a higher-resolution TFT screen and updated software to navigate the galaxy of options within-that includes everything from damping characteristics in the suspension to adjusting each of the electronic rider aids individually. Basically, instead of only offering a spread of settings from which to choose (1 through 8 for traction control, for example), there is guidance built in-select TC Level 2 and the bike tells you that’s best for performance on dry roads, where TC Level 7 is best for performance on wet roads. It’s all a little arbitrary, and dependent on rider skill, of course, but it’s a step toward people learning how the system is meant to operate. (For an example of how the menus look and work, see the video embedded below.)
Other changes and updates slung around the Multi 1260 include new heated grips, a “more reliable” keyless ignition (evidently the previous one was finicky), an up/down quickshifter option (standard on the S), and a tire-pressure monitoring system option. There’s also the Ducati Link App, which will allow owners to adjust settings from their phone, link with social media, track and share rides, win badges and points for logging miles, and keep track of service intervals-18,000 miles between valve adjustments, by the way, and 9,000 for basic service. The app is available starting in February of 2018.
Full story here: www.cycleworld...
This bike by the numbers:
Price as Tested: $22,595
Displacement: 1262cc
Claimed Wet Weight: 518 lb. (235 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal. (20L)
Seat Height: 33.3/32.5 in. (845/825mm)
Claimed Horsepower: 158 hp @ 9500 rpm
Claimed Torque: 95.1 lb.-ft. @ 7500 rpm
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Zack, you do excellent ride reports. Thanks.
I have a Multi 950 and I absolutley love it. I spent my first riding season on it and put over 10k miles on it in 6 months. I hope some day to be able to afford the 1260, they are amazing bikes! Great video, thanks for the review.
Did you ever upgrade from the 950?
I upgraded to the 1200 Enduro.
Best review I've seen (or read) of this new Multi 1260. Gran Canaria looks like a gem. And the 1260 seems like a top contender for ideal all-rounder if money's no object.
Best MC video I've seen in ages, thank you Zack! To do those twisties and provide a rolling commentary like it was your average morning commute was hilarious but very informed. I ove the Multi, but you made me love it even more. Stay safe, and thank you!
Wow, you can engage in an intriguing monolog while throwing a new bike in the twisties on a road you've never ridden. Impressive and respect. I can't talk and ride at the same time.
I just watched a video of him pulling some proper speed around a track on the new penigale V4 and the dude is just chatting away like one of his MC Commute vids. The guy is a legend!
Bloody brilliant review Zac . So much good info, beautiful scenery, and the trademark ZC humour. Thanks!
Rode it today. My favorite bike ever. I love the ride modes.
Brett Vogel had to go used , too much $$$$ but my fave also !!! Check it out !!😎😎 czcams.com/video/r2p9mr19-QQ/video.html
Gotta love how you're the only one out of that pack of Multi riders that can appreciate and 'high five' the Honda 70 and rider....Well done, Zack! BTW, nice review of a Nice bike!
Allen Huling Agree! Cool attitude and great review.
Great video. Zack is becoming increasingly on-point when it comes to covering the bikes key aspects. Appreciated.
I loved the Multistrada so much I bought one in 2015. A left over 2014 model. What I’ve observed is that DUCATI keeps chipping away at the nasty attitude that made the Multi so different and unique about the bike. I don’t mean to say that Multi is out of control like an old Kawasaki H1 or H2 was back in the 70s. With its short wheelbase, skyhook suspenders and mode control. These bikes were really three bikes in one. Nasty and mean, ready to point the beak thing at the sun or moon with just a flick of the wrist or dive quickly into a switchback easily creasing apex’s meant for 600s. Shift mode and the bike would act like an urban traffic splitter with quiet soft gentle precision. Easy on the butt and soft on acceleration, soaking up pot holes like a dirt bike. All I can say about the latest changes is that if you want to be a BMW Rt, then give it a better seat and a bigger fairing, it would be a better Rt. But don’t ruin a good hooligans bike, just create a different model and leave the old one alone, accept for the more power part, we like that real good!
The dang scenery alone made this video really worth my watch . I would have enjoyed those mountain roads on any bike. Awesome...
So funny to see Zack go along those twisties between 20 and 30mph in second gear and think I do those speeds in sixth with my litle FZ6R. Excellent video! That seems a hell of a bike, although that isn't my bike type. Seems very, very good for long trips. Thank you, MC!
Love that you picked out the Dacia, very cool and a great review, Thanks.
Here he comes again, my fav channel :) please add more touring review with this bike
what u feel comparing with KTM Adventure 1290?
Great review, the roads look fantastic, especially the surface looked perfect
Okay...that road is amazing and terrifying all at the same time. Very impressed you can give a bike review while riding this road! Rode a Multistrada a couple of years ago. Awesome bike.
Thumbs up for James May callout
That guy is wearing gear on his Honda 70! Major props!
I had a DAX 70 about 45 years ago! Super fun little bike:)
I would absolutely love to run my Tuono down that road!
Great vlog. Informative and entertaining. How does the bike feel in terms of center of gravity? Does the V twin make it seem top heavy?
GOOD NEWS! It’s the Dacia Sandero!
Thanks for the Sunday morning Ride Zack, next time I won't be drinking my coffee it made me feel motion sickness sat in my chair.... waiting for winter to be over before waking up the bikes in the Garage. Keep the reviews coming, love your detailed approach to reviews, and your knowledge of what most of us are looking for in Bike Reviews. Happy holidays look forward to following you next year!!
The passion transpires in all your videos, big thumbs up
Great vid! Also, lovely location. Had 10 days at Gran Canaria with a friend. We rented two Duke 390 for the whole time. Just amazing! Like a crazy big go-cart track.
It's a..... Dacia Sandero! Laughed at that bit. Zack and Ari make great videos both individually, and together, keep up the good work Motorcyclist!
Tanks Zac Loved the way you rate the bike for what was designed for but still indicate or show what it does. awesome road magic scenery but you still held my attention. MORE PLEASE.
Great video man! I'm buying this bike thanks to your video, hands down the best video on CZcams for this bike.
Zack, you do excellente job. Thank you from Rio de Janeiro..!!
omg that road!!!
awhiteguy24 it was freaking me out how he could just go off one of those cliffs if he lost it...not that he would but you never know! Awesome road
and those views!
Thanks for the video! What a ride, huh? The Canary Islands in December is paradise on Earth. When it's freaking cold in the northern countries of Europe, you can ride at 20ºC
Ok, so tested the 1260S Multi and the new BMW GS1250TE on the same day. The GS feels like BMW has spent months riding the Multi. The new motor is very good, smooth & powerful. Downside with the Multi, I found the throttle could be a bit twitchy, even in Touring. But, gearbox and quickshifter better on the Multi. Suspension better on the Multi, and for me more comfortable. The Multi handles really well, particularly the front, whereas on the GS it can feel a little remote or vague. Only downside for me is that the Multi screen is no good if you are 6ft or over. Other things the switchgear is better on the Multi. Stock tyres on Multi are much better than the rubbish on the GS. Both about the same price (almost). But with the Multi you have to pay for a centrestand and heated grips..wtf. At that price they should be a given. I think the Multi really is a Sunday morning blast bike and all-day tourer, just a little more fun than the GS. For build-quality...close, but Multi has it, surprising, but true. For example, my 2.5 year old GSA has switchgear that sticks a little and a failed connector stopped the active suspension working. Thankfully, a warranty fix, but makes you think about cost when out of warranty. Anyway, I'm not an expert, but the Multi will suprise you...particularly if you whack the throttle wide open :-)
Outstanding stuff. Well done.
Absolutely awesome review brother. I have my two 2012 ohlins multistrada's S one with 51 K miles in Cape Town and the other same bike here in LA with 36K miles. Love them to the sky and beyond. Would totally buy the new one just for fun, but since mines are so good they'll be with me most likely for at least another decade or more.
You guys are awesome reviewers. Keep up the good work!!
in september i buy this bike ...amazing motorcicle...good video !
Best first ride reviews out there.
Amazing
Powerfull
Awesome
Very cool vídeo :):):)
Best wishes from México
And supporting your channel
same
Ugly,Overrated, Crap quality, did Ducati pay for this guy to go there and test this uglinest ? That's what i tought
Another great review Zach, kudos to you for the fluidity of the review and the engaging monologue. Great bike, though a tad too long it sounds like. I like the front and the cockpit area - really smooth compared to BMW.
Excellent report and review whilst throwing it around mountain bends!!
You've got this really working well Zach... I enjoy this treatment for a moto review.
got a kick out of the James May comment, yeah. Top Gear. cool ride.
Haha. Love the dude at the end so proud of his little bike
Neat little bike =)
That was an epic ride Zack, especially going through that mountain twistie by the sea ! I just couldn't see myself spending that much for one bike, my 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000LT does the job very well for me !
How was the seat for long distances? Any nuisance vibes? Given the format, you answered virtually all other questions (I’m close to buying) Well done Zack. It fun watching you have fun while reviewing bikes.
amazing video, best motorcycle review I ever saw.
Your reviews are the best. That must have been a cool place to ride a nice bike. AND you got paid!
Wow..omg..what atwisty technical road..and with no dot white line split..
Relaxing bike in touring mode..not cheap..
That road! Man and I thought Colorado had some bad ass canyons/shelf roads.
Right on! I knew I recognized the landscape after the first 3 seconds of the videos. Many of my riding videos are there, so feel free to check them out (e.g. my Dainese D1 jacket review). Beautiful landscapes: you go from subtropical landscapes & epic beaches to cold temperatures & a height over 7,000 ft in 45 minutes (volcanoes are snowed ATM). Trust me when I say that this was a great place to ride the 2018 Ducati Multistrada!
Personal opinion on the Multistrada vs your BMW S1000XR?
$23k right now in England will buy 3 brand new dacia sanderos!
Mat Watson would be happy with that!
This is good news.
Of course now that adventure scooters are going to dominate the world $23k might be better spent on 7 or 8 honda ruckus scooters, a big chainsaw for the fallen trees and beer/BBQ etc.
but what about the fun though
I get this reference.
A very very cool video...thx a lot for all info. If you can please make a review of the Ducati Supersport...
Excellent bike, but as you said... for 22K, it'd better be. BTW, WICKED road. I'm Spanish but i've never been to the Canaries, but i really should, they're a real jewel.
Zack Courts, the life and soul of the partaaaayyy.
I really enjoy ur review for this bike
beautiful scenery
totally riotous video. unbelievable roads...good job Zach...now how about that Versys 1000 Commute? :]
You sir are my favourite tester.
Great video in between commercials ! Quit it about halfway because of that!
A good review. A great MC. A scary road in places!
I lived in tenerife,los cristianos for 7 years!amazing place,and everything is very,very cheap,you could buy a package of Marlboro for 2 euros..Great riding roads too,like the climb to El teide,the vulcano where Star Wars was filmed
Awesome, as always. What can you say about this new Multi comparing it with the BMW S 1000 XR?
Hey Zac, great review. Will you be doing the Pikes Peak version multi anytime soon ?
The new Multi looks like a solid design... but I REALLY like the sharp handling of the multi (comfortable sportbike). I've toured for over 20,000 miles on my 15S and I know that "I" don't feel like it needed more stability for touring... and it certainly didn't need to get bigger. Having said that... I'm sure the new Multi is still an awesome bike and that MUCH fatter midrange is a very welcome addition.
Excellent review guys
That 70 was wicked!
Great video👍🏻
Maybe I’ll sell my 2015 Multistrada to buy a new 2018 version.
What an awesome road
ZC, what say to you and cohort Ari, are you up for a redux of the Grom fest with a couple of KTM 790s? Really dig the Multi ride reviews!
What about suspension comfort compare to ktm 1290s or a GS?
Great review of a bike that is out of the financial reach of most of us unless you want a mortgage size payment every month for five years. Good review never the less .
Wonder if you think the multi is better than the 2018 GS if you,ve had a chance to ride the beemer?
Great vid!
Very good report! Thanks!
With the new V4 this bike will be fantastic.
I'm glad you noticed the Dacia Sandero,James May's fav car! :)
Wingman’s Garage needs a Multi!!!
1:15 green dress 👌
cronicep 😏👌👍
your eyes are so good dude, bravo !
Ömer Çetin
Good eyes? How the hell did you miss that? That was the first thing I saw in the video. :D
SunzOffski
Don't talk nonsense. :P
LOL first thing i saw as well! well done boys.
A honda 70 was my first bike, oh the memories.
Always enjoy your reviews, Zack, thank you! What camera/audio setup are you using in/on your helmet? It’s wonderful!
Zack Courts Awesome! What mic, if I can ask?
Fantastic great and awesome review, thank you!!!!
Excellent review and story at 'CYCLE WORLD' This bike is one I am considering purchasing for 2018. Zach is great and simple at getting the message out, till the next one and cannot wait.
thanks for the effort and the share. thumbs up!
Looking forward to the commute 👍🏻
Great video Zack, thanks.
I like the red better but that’s still an awesome bike I can only dream about right now.
Brett Vogel keep playing that lottery. 😂
When you saw the Dacia, you should have been like "GREAT NEWS!" hahaha
Thanks great motorcycle. 👍🏼
Meh, I’ll stick with my 2016 1200S, but I’d love to have the quick shifter. Does anyone know if it can be retrofitted to the 2016?
I bought one. Best bike I’ve ever owned. 😍
What have you had before this bike? Thank you.
nigel bradshaw they are great !!! Turned over 84.000 on mine yesterday !!! Check out mine !! How did I do? czcams.com/video/r2p9mr19-QQ/video.html
Bravo on the top gear reference :)
I just want to say that, Ducati should use the new V4 on the next gen Diavel! And keep the V-Twin on the XDiavel!
Zack your job must really suck 😂 merry Christmas to you and ari
My fav motorcycle I think
Thumbup for the video info ...what a awesome view n road
Great review. I'm currently on a 2010 model (3rd gen?). Amazing machine with loads of possibilities.
iMotoPilot I HEAR YOU !!!! Check out my 2011 !! What do you think ? 😎😎😎🍺🍺🍺 czcams.com/video/r2p9mr19-QQ/video.html
That white car parking at the end :D
Hedbrant2 did they park in the middle of the white line? Lol
Yep, and that's the reason why my car often has scratches when I'm returning to the lot after I'm done shopping.
Blonde
Fun clip. Thanks for sharing.
When ever the new KTM GT come out , you guys should have a competitive video