In 2018, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati Multistrada 1260S Pikes Peak, a special edition machine with an upgraded Testastretta DVT 1,262cc engine, a new chassis, and even more advanced electronics.
The most noted modification was the paint scheme, with a red, white, and black combination of colors inspired the winning bike, which competed in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race.
Unlike the tall windscreen of other models, the Pikes Peak model received a short and sporty carbon fiber screen, a small plexiglass one, carbon fiber fenders, and intake covers.
The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260S Pikes Peak model rolled on lighter forged aluminum wheels made by Marchessini instead of the five-spoke wheels used by other models, saving up to six kg (13 lbs).
Also, the bike received a new suspension system comprising a 48 mm fully adjustable Sachs USD fork on the front and a fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber on the rear with a single-sided swingarm.
At the bike's rear end, the manufacturer installed a Termignoni slip-on exhaust system that didn't change the power output but delivered a loud and sporty soundtrack.
As for performance, the 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260S Pikes Peak had its soul brought to life by a 1,262cc four-stroke liquid-cooled L-twin engine that delivered an output power of 158 hp at 9,500 rpm and 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) torque at 7,500 rpm.