Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro analysed

Ducati’s Multistrada, is known for being a sporty and sophisticated adventure tourer. But, considering the competition, its adventure credentials were a little lacking. Well, Ducati has gone and fixed that with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro and it is now on sale in India for Rs 17.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Read on to find out just how deep the differences are between the Enduro and its road-going sibling the 1200S.

Engine

At the heart of the Enduro sits the strong 1,198cc L-Twin engine and 136Nm of torque. Both numbers are generated at the same rpms as the road-biased Multistradas. This variable valve-timing equipped engine widened usability on-road and will be even more important off-road.

Gearbox and ratios

There is change here. While the primary ratio (from crank to gearbox) is the same, the final drive (the chain’s drive’s front sprocket to wheel sprocket ratio) on the Enduro is shorter (which means less top speed, but more grunt to help you scramble along dusty and slushy trails. But to really help the Enduro crawl, the first gear has been shortened too.

Chassis

The road-going Multistrada has a sporty trellis frame setup, so while the Enduro is also built around that design, it has been tweaked to build its off-road credentials. The changes start from the geometry as the Enduro uses a more relaxed rake angle (25deg vs 24deg) and more trail (110mm vs 106mm). Along with a longer wheelbase (1,594mm vs 1,529mm), the Enduro should offer a greater sense of stability. The change in wheelbase is also because of a new longer dual-sided swingarm, which is better suited to handle the abuse dished out in the wild. A beefed up bash plate should help when the suspension runs out of travel. The Enduro’s dry weight is 13kg higher and the difference in wet weight is a more considerable 19kg, no doubt down to the bigger 30-litre fuel tank.

Suspension, wheels and tyres

When it comes to crawling, the new rims and tyres will help. The Enduro uses wire spoke wheels; the front is a 19-inch wheel compared to the Multistrada’s 17-inch alloy. The rear continues to be a 17-inch on both versions, however the Enduro uses a 170/60 profile as compared to the 190/55 unit on the road-biased Multi. Both versions use Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres. However, for those interested in really mucking about, you could opt for the Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres. Interestingly, the Enduro uses 320mm discs at the front instead of the 330mm units on the other Multistradas.

As can be expected of an adventure bike, the ground clearance is 205mm, up from the 1200 S’ 180mm. Suspension travel has also been increased to 200mm at both ends, up from 170mm. The Enduro also uses Ducati’s semi-active electronically adjustable Skyhook EVO system, that changes damping rates according to the road conditions. It helps while riding off-road too.
 

Ergonomics: changes and tweaks

Ergonomics have also been revised, with a 50mm taller handlebar for better control while riding off-road. The Enduro also comes with cast steel foot pegs with serrated edges. These can handle abuse better and the serrated edges offer more grip even with wet and slushy boots. Even the gear lever is made of steel as it is far less likely to break in the event of a fall. The rider’s seat is also sculpted keeping in mind rough road usage. The biggest challenge for most Indian riders will be the Enduro’s 870mm seat height. An optional low-seat drops it down to 850mm, but it’s still plenty more than the 825mm of the 1200S.

Electronic tweaks

The Enduro, like the 1200 S, offers cornering ABS (cornering ABS functionality deactivated in off-road mode, while ABS is active only on the front wheel), wheelie-control, traction control, power modes and all these can be adjusted via the menus shown on the 5-inch colour TFT display. As with the S, the Enduro offers full-LED headlamps and Bluetooth connectivity. And, well to find out the rest, we hope to ride the Enduro soon.

Ducati has given the Multistrada a thorough going over to help it tackle wild terrain. While it isn’t an all-new mud-slinging motorcycle, the Enduro’s modest price hike of one lakh rupees over the Multistrada 1200 S adds to the appeal of this adventurous package. We can’t wait to ride the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro and see what it can do in the dirt.