Why Your 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Is Using More Fuel Than It Should
Shop parts for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.The 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, chain-driven four-stroke — a 1,262cc Testastretta DVT L-twin with ride-by-wire throttle control and a fully electronic ignition. That configuration matters when you start hunting for a fuel economy problem, because it rules out an entire category of causes that belong to carbureted machines. There is no choke to leave partially on, no float bowl to stick, and no jets to gum up. Everything below is aimed at the systems this bike actually has.
Confirm the Change Is Real Before Chasing It
Riders notice poor fuel economy in one of two ways: they track every fill-up and watch the numbers slide, or they realize they are stopping at the pump more often. Both are valid, but confirm the change is genuine before diagnosing.
The reliable method is tank-to-tank. Fill to the same level each time, reset the trip meter or note the odometer, ride normally, then refill and divide the distance covered by the fuel added. A single tank proves very little; one long highway run can skew the result badly. Track three or four consecutive fill-ups before drawing conclusions.
Also consider whether anything changed in how the bike measures distance. A different rear tire size, or a change in sprocket sizes, alters the relationship between the wheels and the speedometer, so the odometer can under-report the distance you actually traveled — making your calculated economy look worse than reality.
Riding Conditions and Habits That Quietly Cost Fuel
Not every drop in economy is mechanical. Cold weather thickens engine oil and lengthens warm-up, and many regions switch to a winter fuel blend that contains less energy per volume. Ethanol-blended fuel has a similar effect. A steady headwind, a passenger, or loaded panniers all add drag and weight the engine must overcome.
Rider behavior matters just as much. Sustained high-speed running, hard acceleration, and lots of short trips where the engine never fully warms up all consume more fuel than a relaxed pace on a warm day. Long idle warm-ups are pure waste — fuel burned while covering zero distance. If your commute or weekend route changed recently, that alone can explain the difference.
Rolling Resistance, Brakes, and the Drive Chain
Underinflated tires are the most common and most easily overlooked cause of poor fuel economy on any motorcycle. Low pressure increases the contact patch and the energy required to roll, and it wears the tire faster. Check pressures cold, with a good gauge.
A brake caliper that drags — from corroded pistons, contaminated fluid, or a sticking pad — forces the engine to work against friction that should not be there. After a ride, carefully feel the brake discs; one noticeably hotter than the others points to a dragging caliper.
Because the Multistrada 1260 S is chain-driven, the chain deserves attention too. A dry, rusty, or overtightened chain robs power and fuel. Clean and lubricate it, and set tension to spec.
Air Intake and Ignition Quality
A clogged or heavily soiled air filter restricts airflow and forces the engine to work harder for the same output. On a bike ridden in dusty conditions or one that has sat for long periods, check it early. Replacement is inexpensive, and the effect on performance and economy can be noticeable.
Spark plugs that are worn, fouled, or gapped incorrectly cause incomplete combustion, wasting fuel and making the engine feel flat. Pull the plugs and read them: a healthy plug has a light tan insulator, while a black, sooty appearance suggests rich running. Because this bike uses a fully electronic ignition, there are no contact points to wear or timing to drift — that old-bike cause does not apply here.
What the Fuel Injection System Can Get Wrong
Fuel injection is precise, but it depends on sensor data, and a sensor that lies pushes the mixture rich. The oxygen sensors in the exhaust report on combustion, and a lazy or failed sensor can leave the system running richer than intended. A faulty engine or coolant temperature sensor is another common culprit: if it reports the engine as colder than it really is, the system adds fuel it does not need.
Injectors can become dirty or partially clogged, delivering an uneven spray that burns poorly, and a leaking injector dribbles fuel when it should be closed. On a twin like this one, throttle bodies that fall out of synchronization can hurt efficiency and smoothness. Stored fault codes are worth reading; the ECU may already know something is wrong even if the bike runs acceptably. Finally, check for fuel leaks: a weeping line, fitting, or injector seal wastes fuel.
Engine Condition and Operating Temperature
An engine that has lost compression through normal wear cannot convert fuel into power as efficiently, so more throttle is needed for the same speed. A compression check confirms this, and it is best left to a shop with the right gauges.
Because this bike is liquid-cooled, a thermostat stuck open is a real possibility. It prevents the engine from reaching full operating temperature, and a cold-running engine uses more fuel. If the temperature gauge rarely climbs to its normal range, have the cooling system checked.
Modifications That Change Fueling
An aftermarket exhaust or a high-flow air filter installed without matching fuel injection tuning is a frequent cause of rich running. The engine breathes more freely, but the fueling map was never adjusted to suit, and the result is wasted fuel, sooty plugs, and sometimes a rough idle. If the mileage dropped right after a modification, that timing is your clue.
When to Hand It to a Mechanic
Some symptoms point to something deeper than a dirty filter or a soft tire. A strong fuel smell, black smoke from the exhaust, sooty spark plugs, a dashboard warning light, or rough running alongside the mileage drop all justify a professional diagnosis. The same goes for a drop that persists after you have corrected tire pressures, serviced the chain, and replaced the air filter and plugs. Describe what you observed — when the change started, how you measured it, and any symptoms that came with it.
Related Shopping Categories
Shop Fuel System Parts for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.
Shop Air Filters for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.
Shop Tires for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.
Shop Brake Parts for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.
Shop Spark Plugs for a 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Motorcycle.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your motorcycle's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.
