The Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour revealed
With no V4 Multistrada until 2021, the 1260 S Grand Tour is filling the void in the Ducati adventure touring range
DUCATI’S new Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour is a special edition of the already very capable Multistrada 1260 S, which takes the mile-munching capabilities of the machine to the next level.
Hardware for the new bike is much the same as the current 1260 S, 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine with 158hp. It’s got the same electronics package as the current MTS 1260 S, and the same electronic Skyhook suspension provided by Sachs.
The bike comes ready fitted with a few options from the Ducati parts catalogue, there's a centre stand, extra plush rider, and passenger seat and of course, the panniers come as standard. The optional heated grips are also included on this bike, as are some additional LED lights and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
So, apart from some fancy matt-finishes and red wheels and frame what exactly are you getting for your nearly £20k? Well, err… no that’s it. The Grand Tour has none of the high-tech safety systems we assumed would be making an appearance at this year’s EICMA. No radar-guided cruise control or hazard avoidance systems. If you want the top of the range MTS 1260 S in your garage next year – this is it.
One thing that this does confirm though is that to get the electronic safety systems that we know Ducati have waiting in the wings, we’re almost certainly going to have to wait for the next generation of Multistrada to roll out of the Borgo Panigale gates – with V4 power.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
