Ducati Multistrada MTS 1260 DVT 2018-2020 Service Manual

TopSpeed's own launch coverage confirms exactly what carried over unchanged from the pricier S and Pikes Peak trims down to this base model: "the new Ducati Multistrada 1260 has been bestowed with the same 90-degree V-twin Ducati Testastretta DVT engine as found on the standard Multistrada but gets its stroke increased from 67.9 to 71.5 mm... peak power of 158 hp comes at 9,500 rpm and 95.5 lb-ft of torque at 7,500. Of which, 85% comes before the rpm hits 3,500, meaning, the Multistrada 1260 offers the highest torque output in its class at the most frequently used range." Motorcycle News' own timeline confirms exactly where this generation sits in the platform's ongoing development: "2018: Multistrada 1260: Long stroke motor from X-Diavel, calmer chassis dimensions, electronics upgrades and slight styling tweaks," describing this base model specifically as running "new longer stroke engine, chassis and electronics."

Power comes from the Testastretta DVT, a 1,262cc liquid-cooled 90-degree L-twin, DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder and dual spark, delivering a claimed 158 hp at 9,500 rpm and roughly 95.5-96 lb-ft (129.5-130 Nm) of torque at 7,500 rpm through a 6-speed gearbox with a light-action, wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch featuring self-servo action on drive and slipper action on over-run. WebBikeWorld's own coverage confirms the genuine engineering behind that broad torque spread: "developed and fine-tuned by Ducati engineers, the DVT system optimizes performance and fluidity of delivery at all end speed levels... in order to achieve the extraordinary performance of the new Multistrada 1260, the exhaust and intake systems were also redesigned. The exhaust has a new pipe design, a new internal layout of the pre-damper and a new silencer, while the air intake inlet area has also been redesigned."

TopSpeed's own review confirms the chassis received real geometry changes to match the new engine, not just a bigger motor bolted into the old frame: "the new Multistrada 1260 gets the chassis from the 1200 but is updated with an extended swinging arm and wheelbase that changes the riding geometry to a confident feel and provides in for sharper handling and stability by the rider." WebBikeWorld's own detailed spec breakdown confirms genuinely comprehensive standard electronics carried across the whole range including this base trim: "Ducati's advanced electric suite, which includes an IMU that governs the ABS and cornering lighting, traction control, wheelie control, Skyhook suspension, and the clever Vehicle Hold Control system that facilitates easy hill starts," alongside "redesigned chassis components, such as Y-shaped 5-spoke wheels, a longer swingarm, and a revised front end."

TopSpeed's own confirmed equipment list notes Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down was "standard from 1260 S and above" — meaning this specific base-model Multistrada 1260 was the one variant in the range where that clutchless shifting system was available as an option rather than standard fitment, a genuine equipment distinction worth confirming against the specific trim before assuming feature parity with its pricier S and Pikes Peak siblings. The chassis uses a steel trellis frame with conventional (non-semi-active) suspension on this base trim, versus the electronically adjustable Skyhook setup reserved for the S-badged models, with braking through dual Brembo front discs and standard ABS throughout the range. This exact 2018-2020 base-model configuration represents the entry point into Ducati's 1262cc DVT-generation Multistrada lineup before the brand's subsequent V4-powered redesign took over as the flagship adventure-touring architecture.

This factory service manual covers the procedures, torque specs, and diagrams needed to keep a 2018-2020 Multistrada 1260 (DVT) running the way it was built to.