2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Specifications

Name: 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S
Brand: Ducati

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Overview

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is an all-round motorcycle built around 1262 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running Desmodromic valve control valve actuation, a compression ratio of 13.0:1. The bore and stroke measures 106 x 71.5 mm. 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S delivers 129.50 Nm @ 7500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 Multistrada 1260 S tips the scales at 212 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 825 mm and spans a 1,530 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Here is how the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S stacks up against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 497 models.

Engine displacement of 1262 cc is larger than that of 480 of the other 496 bikes in the All-Round category.
Only 9 of the other 292 bikes in the All-Round category have a higher torque than the 129.5 Nm of the Multistrada 1260 S.
With 825 mm, the Multistrada 1260 S has the joint 80th tallest seat height of 326 bikes in the All-Round category, 4% above the category average of 797 mm.
Narrowing the field to the 194 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 1262 cc is larger than that of 185 of the other 193.

2018 Multistrada 1260 S - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Strong front braking: The double disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
Large fuel range: The 20-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.

Considerations

Tall seat height: The 825 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The double disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the Multistrada 1260 S runs 48mm fully adjustable usd forks and Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Tubular steel Trellis - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Multistrada 1260 S - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S with its 1262 cc all-round, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 8 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Multistrada 1260 S should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the Multistrada 1260 S's 1262 cc v2, four-stroke. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 13.0:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The Multistrada 1260 S's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S have?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1262 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S weigh?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S weighs 212 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much torque does the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S produce?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S produces 129.50 Nm @ 7500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.

Is the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S suitable for shorter riders?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S has a seat height of 825 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S have?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S uses double disc with ABS, floating discs, four-piston calipers and Radially mounted at the front and single disc with ABS and two-piston calipers at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S use?

The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S runs 120/70-17 front and 190/55-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Spec Evolution

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 S was produced across 3 model years (2018-2020). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2018	2019	2020
Wet Weight	-	235.0 kg / 518.1 lbs	232.0 kg / 511.5 lbs
Dry Weight	212 kg / 467.4 lbs	212 kg / 467.4 lbs	209 kg / 460.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 US gallons
Displacement (cc)	1262.00 cc	1262.0 cc	1262.0 cc
Wheelbase	1,530 mm / 60.2 in.	1585 mm / 62.4 in.	1585 mm / 62.4 in.
Suspension - Rear	Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm	Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm	Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Colours	Ducati Red, white, dark grey	Ducati Red, Vulcano Grey, Iceberg White	Red, Black
Final Drive	Chain	Chain (final drive)	Chain (final drive)

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

212 kg / 467.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons

Full 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Specifications

Comments Windscreen. Traction control. Cruise control. Hands-Free.

Colours Ducati Red, white, dark grey

Warranty 2 years unlimited mileage

Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.) 33.3 inches

Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm) 845 mm

Seat Height 825 mm / 32.5 in.

Wheelbase 1,530 mm / 60.2 in.

Length 2,200 mm / 86.6 in.

Dry Weight 212 kg / 467.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons

Max Torque 129.50 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.7453 HP/kg

Displacement (cc) 1262.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 77.01 cubic inches

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control Desmodromic valve control

CO2 120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Bore x Stroke (in,) 4.2 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 106.0 x 71.5 mm

Engine Detail Testastretta DVT

Fuel System Injection. Bosch electronic fuel injection system, elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire, equivalent diameter 56 mm

Compression Ratio 13.0:1

Emissions Euro 4

Exhaust Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, alluminium tail pipes

Fuel Consumption 5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)

Ignition Dual Spark

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

Clutch Light action, wet, multiplate slipper clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive Chain 5.30

Frame Type Tubular steel Trellis

Suspension - Front 48mm fully adjustable usd forks.

Suspension - Rear Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Remote spring preload adjustment. Aluminium single-sided swingarm

Rake 24.0°

Seat Dual seat

Trail 109 mm / 4.3 in.

Wheel Travel - Front 170 mm / 6.7 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 170 mm / 6.7 in.

Instrumentation LCD display

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 13.0 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 330 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 9.6 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 245 mm

Brakes - Front Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.

Rims 5-spoke light alloy. Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tires.

Tyres - Front 120/70-17

Tyres - Rear 190/55-17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.