2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

All-Round

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
467.4 pounds
2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

All-Round

Engine
In-line three, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
546.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsWindscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.-
ColoursDucati Red, white, dark greyGray, White
Warranty2 years unlimited mileage24 months unlimited mileage
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)845 mm855 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)33.3 inches33.7 inches
Seat Height825 mm / 32.5 in.855 mm / 33.7 in.
Wheelbase1,530 mm / 60.2 in.1520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height-1540 mm / 60.6 in.
Length2,200 mm / 86.6 in.-
Width-930 mm / 36.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.23 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-4.00 litres
Dry Weight212 kg / 467.4 lbs248 kg / 546.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons
Performance
Max Torque129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions122.0 Nm (12.4 kgf-m or 90.0 ft.lbs) @ 7600 Revolutions"
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.7453 HP/kg0.5685 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlDesmodromic valve controlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.2 x 2.8 inches3.3 x 2.8 inches
Displacement (ci)77.01 cubic inches74.14 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1262.00 cc1215.0 cc
CO2120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Bore x Stroke (mm)106.0 x 71.5 mm85.0 x 71.4 mm
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeIn-line three, four-stroke
Engine DetailTestastretta DVT-
Fuel SystemInjection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mmInjection
Compression Ratio13.0:111.0:1
EmissionsEuro 4Euro 4
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipesStainless steel 3 into 1 side mounted stainless steel silencer
Fuel Consumption5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
IgnitionDual Spark-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-runWet. multi-plate
Final DriveChainShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveChain 5.30-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel TrellisTubular steel trellis frame. Single-­sided, cast aluminium alloy swing arm with shaft drive.
Suspension - Front48mm fully adjustable usd forks.WP 48 mm upside down forks, electronically adjustable damping,
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarmWP monoshock, electronically adjustable semi active damping,
Rake24.0°23.2°
SeatDual seatHeated rider and passenger seat
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in.100 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.7 in.190 mm / 7.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear170 mm / 6.7 in.193 mm / 7.6 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLCD displayLCD instrument pack with digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty, service indicator, clock, air temperature, frost warning, hazard warning lights, trip computer, Tyre pressure monitoring system
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)330 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)13.0 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.Double disc. Floating discs, radially mounted monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston, switchable ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.Single disc. Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS
Rims5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.Cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70-R19
Tyres - Rear190/55-17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S edges out the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa thanks to its lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 212 kg vs 248 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 825 mm vs 855 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 193 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S vs 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S and 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa is powered by In-line three, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is lighter at 212 kg compared to 248 kg for the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa - a difference of 36 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa?
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the lower seat at 825 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa sits higher at 855 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S or the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has the edge in lighter kerb weight and lower seat height, while the 2020 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa stands out for higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.