Just when you might have thought Ducati had tweaked the Multistrada 1200 as much as you'd think possible, the company took one more stab at it and created an Enduro version. True ADV riders may now have fewer reasons to question the Multistrada's offroad capability.
Look no farther than a few of the major changes Ducati made to make the Enduro far more dirt and long-distance friendly. Start with a bigger gas tank that has gone from the 20 liters (5.3 gallons) found on the Multistrada 1200 to 30 liters (7.9 gallons) on the Enduro. Ducati claims that increased fuel capacity will last you 450 km (280 miles) between fill-ups. That puts the Enduro right in line with what you'll find on the KTM 1290 Adventure or the BMW GSA.
Aluminum side panels and skidplate, front and rear mudguards and an extended beak provide protection from dirt and debris all give the Enduro the intended off-road look.
Improved off-road control and stability are evident with the addition of a steering damper, 19" spoked front and 17" spoked rear wheels, and an interesting addition the company is referring to as Vehicle Hold Control, which is said to make fully loaded uphill starts a little easier. Ducati also equipped the Enduro with a shell-cast aluminum double-sided swingarm; a distinct departure from the single-side version on the Multistrada.
The Enduro also has a Bosch ABS system with a 3-level setting to limit braking going into corners, and to provide better stopping power in the varied terrain and weather conditions an ADV rider is likely to encounter.
Comfort was also a focus, so Ducati fitted the front end of the Enduro with a Sachs front fork and a Sachs rear monoshock, both of which provide 200 mm (7.9 inches) of travel for optimized off-road use. Compared to the Multristrada 1200 suspension which provided 170 mm (6.7 inches) of travel front and back, the Enduro is bound to be better at soaking up some significant bumps and major backroad divots.
Other elements adding to the Enduro's improved ADV worthiness include a height-adjustable rear brake lever that can be set for optimal off- or on-road use, an articulated gear lever to prevent breakage in the event of a fall, and front footpegs with removable rubber inserts.
Ducati gave the Enduro the same ride modes available on the Multistrada 1200 S – Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro. There's also an 8-level adjustable traction control and 8-level adjustable wheelie control. Riding the Enduro in Enduro mode seems redundant, and we may need some time in the saddle to figure that one out.
Fans of the power and geometry of the Multistrada will be happy to know Ducati gave the Enduro the same 1198cc Testrastretta engine and the frame it sits in.
The Ducati Enduro goes on sale in April for European buyers only at a list price of £16,690 (about US$23,730) and with plenty of options available to kit it out for a plethora of adventures. There's no word as to when it will be available elsewhere in the world.
Check out the video below to see the Enduro in action.
Source: Ducati
