Hi guys owned my 1200s dvt just over a year now and I’ve got it exactly how I want it with the usual sprocket change, Oberon clutch and things like evotech tail tidy, bikes mint and just passed 11k miles however Ive been looking at a 1260s 20 plate with similar mileage and already got the bits I’ve done to mine. I’d like to think I could get around 7k for mine and the 1260 is another 2-3k, now price isn’t too important but what I really want to know is, are the 1260 a much better worthwhile change over the dvt, I’d like a quickshifter but don’t see much else different other then engine? Any words from some of you guys who’ve changed bikes?
Multistrada comparisons 1200s Dry weight. 212 kg Wet weight. 235 kg Horsepower 160hp Torque. 136 Nm @ 7500 1260 Dry weight 209 kg Wet weight 232kg Horsepower 158hp @ 7500 Torque 130 Nm The 1260 has a slightly longer Wheelbase at 1529mm. This was to counter stability issues at very high speeds with luggage. I fitted a steering damper and have never run into this issue on my 1200s. The longer wheelbase makes it more stable but it also makes it slower to turn. Hence I went for the steering damper. I also fitted an Akrapovic full system and Marchesini wheels to bring the dry weight down close to 200kg. I changed the rear sprocket by 2 teeth and fitted an Oberon clutch slave cylinder. I also put a Healtech quickshifter on it which was great but had to remove it when I installed Rapidbike Evo, instead of getting it remapped. It’s really sorted out but I too have long since been hanging my nose over changing to a 1260 PP or a V4 PP but the reduction in torque has put me off, amongst other things. The only way to decide is to test ride them, which I intend to do. Thus far however, I’m not convinced.
I changed from a well sorted 1200s to a 1260s. Despite a Rapidbike and full Arrows exhaust the 1200 still suffered a dip in midrange torque. I’d ridden a 1260 on a test ride and knew that engine had that problem sorted. So I even though I was happy with the performance of my 1200, I knew the 1260 was a better engine. I’ve had the 1260 for two years now and couldn’t be happier. There are other advantages too - the above mentioned quick shifter, heated grips that actually get hot, to name two. The slightly longer swing arm does not affect quick handling at all in my experience, and probably noyt yours either unless you ride like you are on a track day; in fact I love the stability I find in the curves. If you change to a 1260 you will be pleased.
My first multi was a 1200S, since then I've had two 1260's and I can echo others comments. It's simply a more refined bike. My 1200S was great fun, but the moment I moved to a 1260 it was clear it was a natural progression (in the wrong direction, some might say) and I remember being hesitant when hearing about the longer wheelbase... Didn't notice a difference on the bends, only additional stability. I have done a large number of modifications and upgrades to my current 1260 to get it exactly how I like it, and having now seen the rewards, weight reduction is by far the biggest impact for this bike. I dropped a tooth on the front sprocket which helped with acceleration feeling smoother and more matched to the rev range, I also upgraded to lighter wheels, put in a lithium battery, after market rearsets, bars, master cylinders, disks, callipers, carbon belly etc etc. But, it's turned it from a couch crotch rocket to a absolute hooligan and I love it (when it's on the road... ). You won't be disappointed and for the value of a second hand 1260 these days, you're getting a LOT of bike for the money.
lovely bike mate! yep I totally agree for the money the 1200 and the 1260 you cant buy anything like them, tiger1200's or bow gs's seem alot more overpriced and they won't give you the same smile riding! sounds like you have to do similar mods to the 1200 just to get them perfect with the gearing, clutch slave cylinder etc too which ive already done to my 1200. the 1260s ive seen has had all that with the usual evotech bits thrown in and a full Akra system too which could be a bonus but noise could be a concern as I don't like them too loud these days! what is it exactly that makes the 1260 engine better then the 1200, is it more smoother low down etc?
Hi mate. I changed to my '18 1260S from my '16 1200S in Feb this year. I immediately noticed the improvement with the dash layout and much more intuitive means of changing the settings. A good improvement. The QS is a really noticeable change and makes overtakes and hard acceleration a real pleasure. Less noticeable but extremely useful are the features for hill hold (by applying a good pull on the front brake lever or push down on the rear lever when stationary on a hill) and the self cancelling indicators. Power delivery wise, not much difference between 1200S and 1260S in the real world. They're both phenomenally quick. I do find the 1260 doesn't turn as well for the reason stated (longer wheelbase). The rear swing arm is noticeably longer and Ducati have moved the access position for the rear shock lower mounting pin so it's supposedly less prone to seaizure from road spray and corrosion. The left hand engine case has a new black plastic cover over the water pump area which supposedly is more protection from the casing corroding but there's a foam insert on the back of it that needs removal otherwise it acts like a sponge and does the opposite. The tank side panels and their black mounting plastic frames are redesigned but perform the same function. No change to all the other panels as far as I can tell with most parts interchangeable with the 1200. I too fitted an Oberon clutch slave cylinder and a 14T front sprocket which were a real bonus making the clutch a lot lighter and easier to control and far better for ride ability in slow traffic and in achieving 30/40/50 mph speeds without labouring the engine. I also fitted a HealTech Exhaust Servo Eliminator and disconnected the exhaust flap valve. I'm considering refitting back to my standard exhaust after I've cleaned up the standard muffler/silencer as the Delkavich straight through is a tad too noisy for me even with the baffles in. I'm just about to change the standard front fork springs to Hyperpro with new seals/bushes and fresh 5W oil. Everything about the 1260 has been well thought through. A great improvement over the 1200 IMO and we'll work the extra £2-3k once you sell the 1200. Good luck mate. Rich.
The plastic cover with foam was to try and reduce noise, get rid of the foam asap as otherwise fit will cause corrosion
Longer wheelbase was to add stability as said. Worse with panniers and top case loaded and fitted. If I recall correctly there was a fatal accident on the autostrada of a wealthy rider, could even have been nobility, there were hints of stability issues around that. Oddly I can't find mention of this in a general Internet search. The work on the engine/fuelling filled in a dip in the torque curve. It's a slightly more refined iteration of the model, some would say it's a step in the wrong direction and removed character. Very happy with the two 1260s I've owned.
I have 1260GT best move i made PX my v4s for it just back from Norway on it .normal 1ltr of oil in 3000miles.also have V4Diavel but find myself using 1260 more.no problems with 1260 apart from fuel gauge waiting to have its 3rd when serviced end of Aurgust. only problem ive had is rear mud flap thing fell apart in Slovenia last year
I had a 2013 Twin Spark 1200, and that engine was epic. When the DVT was introduced I was excited to get one. Variable valve timing was a good step as it made the motor more efficient, so I swapped bikes. The DVT is a fine bike, but the engine was not as good as the Twin Spark imho with a noticeable dip in mid range torque, as mentioned above by Bumpkin. To me it felt like turbo lag, which was disappointing - otherwise it was a very good bike and I rode it for 8 years and 50k miles. When I had a test ride on a 1260 I was delighted to find the engine was back to being as good or better than the Twin Spark, and in the two years I’ve owned my 1260 it has lived up to that. That is my experience, so on the basis of the improved engine performance alone it is worth changing up, let alone all the other refinements it has over the 1200 DVT.
Interesting and timely thread this… I pick a 1260 up this Friday! Have a 1200R Monster for hooligan days and always wanted a multi for some more comfort, test ride made my mind up in short order, decent riding position and a cracking engine! it has all I want in the way of goodies except the exhaust, any recommendations that are not mega wallet bending or stupid loud would be appreciated. There seem to be a lot of decat pipes from China floating about on eBay, anyone tried one? ta all!
I had a full Arrows decat on my DVT, and it was excellent. Lovely tone and only cost me about £700 direct from Italy. It would cost more now with time and VAT, but I can recommend it for workmanship, looks and sound.
It's still pricy, but the 'full' termi and it's accompanying map transform the engine. It uses the original headers, gets rid of the dense mid box and gives the bike room to breathe. With the baffle it's perfectly acceptable in a built up area. Without however, can be a little loud for some, personally I love it without a baffle.
I have had the same bikes, and agree with Coman, a 2013 twin spark, 2017 1200s now a 2019 1260s, I rode a 2022 V4s, preferred the 1260.
thanks for the replies guys, I took my 1200 out last night after a few weeks off riding my grom and ktm and my goodness you quickly forget just how fast they are and how theyre happiest at the higher speeds flowing round bends!! I gave the back brake its annual bleed before and thats all good again, presume the 1260 has the same issue there still? definitely missing that quickshifter/blipper on the hard acceleration for sure but im definitely going to start looking out for a 1260s. out of interest what do you guys think I should be asking for my 1200s, its a 66 plate 2016 1200s dvt and just done 11k miles, very clean, had belts last year and then I did a full service myself this year with plugs and air filter and 2 new angel it's recently. panniers I'll be keeping though for the next one! was hoping around £7k but seeing very mixed prices and can see these bikes don't seem to sell quickly for some odd reason as theyre spec loaded and so rideable!!
I test rode a V4s and all things considered couldn't see the point in me upgrading. Even when I wrote off my 1260s I spent a premium on a 1260 Pikes Peak where the same money could have bought a decent V4. The 1260 does it for me, I love the character of the v-twin and have it fully sorted, parts transferred, and can't see a change any time soon.
