2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro review, test ride

We get astride this giant from Ducati to see if the beast can be tamed. Or does its sheer size make that impossible?

Published on Jun 10, 2017 07:00:00 AM

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2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro review, test ride

The amount of feedback and control you get while off-road is commendable for such a large, heavy motorcycle.

The comfort zone

Getting on the bike can be a bit daunting. I'm about 5ft 10in and my feet just about reach the ground. The good part, however, is that it gets a main stand but you'll need some proper muscle power to actually use it. This is definitely a bike for taller, larger-built riders. Once you're astride the Enduro, you're sitting well inside the bike; the seat is enormously comfortable. The handlebars are nice and wide and the front visor is manually adjustable and easy to use. And once you get it all the way up, the wind protection is just brilliant. Just a slight tuck in and you can hold this position all day, with minimal fatigue from windblast. And if you start to get a bit tired, all you have to do is stand up. The spiked pegs hold your feet in place brilliantly, and the tank has just the right contours to squeeze in your knees. This position feels so natural on this bike, you could probably stand and ride all day.

Heavy ammunition

The Enduro gets Ducati's Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Valve Timing) engine which has benefits on and off the road. The engine pulls smoothly from 2,000rpm, ensuring you don't have to sift through the gears too much. However, you have to keep an eye out for the false neutrals between fourth, fifth and sixth gears – typical in Ducatis. The throttle response is sharp and power feels good as the revs climb, with the bike pulling noticeably harder around the 6,000rpm mark. But the fuelling did feel a bit jerky in Urban mode. The 160hp produced is enough grunt for a motorcycle this large. Although, while off-road, putting it in Enduro mode with power limited to 100hp is definitely advisable; it's more than adequate while riding in the dirt.

Float or sink?

The crowning glory of the Multistrada is how well it changes its character in the different riding modes. Once you actually get moving, all assumptions of it being a ridiculously large motorcycle start to fade away. It is extremely manageable and rider-friendly. Here's where you get to explore the beauty of the different modes. In Urban mode, the Enduro feels a bit underpowered, but this should be good for wet riding conditions. The fuelling feels a bit jerky as well. The problem here, however, is the amount of heat generated in slow-moving traffic. The larger tank restricts the flow of air around the engine and ends up sending searing levels of heat towards your left thigh. A short blast into triple-digit speeds does see the temperature drop.

In Touring mode, the suspension feels soft and absorbs bumps at all speeds beautifully. However, in the corners, it does tend to lollop over bumps and that hampers precision. In Sport mode, the Enduro's nature changes from relaxed to very crisp. Although the suspension is still a bit soft, the bike encourages you to push it harder. It tips into and tackles corners with poise and precision; not something you'd expect from such a large motorcycle. And even with its upright riding position, it could give sportier machines a run for their money.