DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 (2018 - on) Review

The standard KYB forks and Sachs rear shock are impressive in all conditions. The ride is plush, but there’s enough control when you test the sporty side of the Ducati; for 90% of the time the suspension is faultless. Comfort is on a par with the pricier S model. The Brembo stoppers are a slightly lower spec, but on the road you don’t notice. Both the standard and S model share the same excellent cornering ABS.

We are braving the cold on Ducati’s new standard £14,295 Multistrada. The standard model is £2900 cheaper but you don’t get the semi-active suspension or the new TFT clock. However the fully adjustable standard suspension is impressive so far. Would you pay extra or opt standard? pic.twitter.com/Y4ffDR1w76

— Motor Cycle News (@MCNnews) January 8, 2018

The base model shares the same new, longer-stroke 1262cc, DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), X-Diavel derived engine as the S model, with new mapping and exhaust. This equates to 156bhp @9500rpm and 95.5ftlb @7500rpm, 6 more bhp than previously with a significant increase in torque, especially lower down in the rev range.

The new 1260 provides even more drive than before. The low down grunt is class leading, pulling hard from as little as 3500rpm. You can leave 30mph zones in fifth gear and it will pull smoothly, and it will drive with force. At low speed it's clatter free and at motorway speeds around 80mph, it’s hovering just over 4,000rpm, directly in the meat of the torque. A stunning engine.

Cycle parts are all top notch and Ducati claims improved fit and finish for the 1260. Service intervals are 9000-miles, or every 12 months.

In November 2019, Ducati also introduced the '4Ever Multistrada' scheme; giving all machines in the 2020 Multistrada range a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

£2900 cheaper than the acclaimed S model and just as good on the road. You even get the same engine and chassis as the S model, but lower spec gadgets and brakes, plus the suspension is now manual, not semi-active.

The standard model has the same rider aids as the pricier S model, which includes; cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie, gear-by-gear engine braking and the four rider modes, Sports, Touring, Urban and Enduro.

You also get the same keyless ignition, cruise control, self-cancelling indicators, hill-hold control and back-lit switchgear.

But you don’t get a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity and LED cornering headlights. You also have to change gear manually as only the S model comes with the quickshifter/autoblipper.