2018–2020 · Adventure · Buyer's Guide
Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak (MY2018)
Canyon Carver With Touring Credentials
The Machine's Character
The Pikes Peak is the Multistrada 1260 built for riders who care most about the road between the viewpoints. The 1262 cc Testastretta DVT L-twin makes 158 hp at 9,500 rpm and 96 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. It sits in a steel trellis frame on forged wheels, with fully adjustable top-shelf suspension at both ends, a sport exhaust and that race-inspired livery. ABS, traction control, ride modes, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down, cruise control, keyless ignition and a TFT with smartphone connectivity all come standard. Within the Multistrada range this is the sharpest, most focused version, and it looks the part.
Be clear about what this bike is. It runs 17-inch wheels front and rear, and by my adventure yardstick a 17-inch front wheel rules out real off-road work. So treat it as a tall, premium road machine that happens to wear adventure clothes. It suits the experienced rider who covers long paved days and wants a Ducati with presence. Build quality is good, but it has a few known annoyances. The clutch is heavy, the gearbox can be sticky at low speed, and on the stock fueling the engine can stall as you roll to a stop. Budget for a dealer who knows the model.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 158 hp (116 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) @ 7,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 1262 cc |
| Engine | L-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 |
| Seat height | 32.5 in (825 mm) |
| Wet weight | 505 lb (229 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal (20 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Cruise Control Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Optional
- Adjustable Seat Height Standard
- Luggage System Optional
Connectivity
- TFT Display Standard
- Smartphone Connectivity Standard
- USB Charging Port Optional
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) Optional
Drivetrain
- Quickshifter Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down Clutchless ridingFull throttle upshift Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
Known issues
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Sticky gear change and heavy clutch
The gear change can be sticky and the hydraulic clutch heavy, particularly at low speeds. Finding neutral can be difficult.
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Rear brake fading or dragging
Some owners report rear brake pad issues at low speeds or poor performance, possibly due to bleeding issues or master cylinder heat.
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Leaking front brake reservoir
The front brake reservoir may leak fluid, a known issue that sometimes normalizes with use but may require a seal replacement.
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Fuel level sensor failure
The fuel level sensor may fail, causing inaccurate gauge readings. Ducati typically replaces it under warranty.
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Engine stalling when coming to a stop
Many owners experience the engine stalling or idle dropping too low when pulling in the clutch at low speeds, often attributed to lean fueling from the stock ECU map. A reflash or careful adjustment of idle/throttle settings frequently resolves the issue.
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Engine casing paint wear
The silver paint on the engine casing can rub off from contact with riding trousers, revealing bare metal.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2016
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak (MY2016)
Superbike Soul, Touring Bones
Compare to the previous model →Alternatives to the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2022–2024
Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak (MY2022)
The Track-Bred Road Tourer
Competitor · 2019–2024
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT (MY2019)
177 Horses, Street-Legal Superbike
Roughly $2,300 cheaper used than this bike at 6 yr
Competitor · 2015–2019
BMW S 1000 XR (K49)
Superbike Engine, All-Day Posture
Roughly $3,500 cheaper used than this bike at 7 yr
Same Platform · 2018
Ducati Multistrada 1260 (AC-S)
Italian Soul, Sport-Touring Muscle
Roughly $2,300 cheaper used than this bike at 8 yr