EICMA 2015: Ducati unveils the 1200 Multistrada Enduro

From 400cc entry-level street machines to firebreathing, belt-driven power cruisers, Ducati is leaving no stones unturned to wow motorcycling aficionados at the ongoing EICMA 2015. The 2016 Ducati 1200 Multistrada Enduro is the latest addition to this burgeoning line-up; an adventure tourer that is now, in the true sense of the word, a full-fledged adventure tourer and not just a capable sports tourer. It still looks like a Multistrada, albeit with a bigger front wheel and knobblies attached to it, but Ducati has given it a host of changes that has us salivating from the first time the wraps were taken off at Milan.
 
First, what’s remained unchanged: the proven 1198cc L-Twin Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine, but now equipped with a new exhaust system. It makes 160 PS of peak power and comes with four riding modes viz., Enduro, Sport, Touring, and Urban. The Enduro also features a slightly shorter first gear than the other models in the line-up to help improve performance in slower, more technical conditions.

Now on to what’s changed, the tasty bits, and there’s a lot here. The cast alloy wheels of the original Multistrada has been ditched in favour of spoked wheels, the front measuring in at 19 inches, and the rear at 17 inches. Both ends are shod with Metzeler Karoo 3 dirt-biased tyres. The fuel tank capacity has been increased to 30 litres, and the front beak and fender has been redesigned to act as better mud guards. The handlebars are now higher and the seat now narrower at the front over the pegs to make riding while standing easier. Like many dual sports, the pegs now have a grippier design with removable rubber inserts.

There's 200mm of suspension travel at both front and rear, 30mm more than the Multistrada S, and 205mm of ground clearance, 31mm more than the existing model. Although the 1200 Multistrada Enduro shares suspension components and electronics with the S model Multistradas - namely a Sachs 48mm fully adjustable USD fork out front and fully adjustable Sachs unit at the rear - there’s now an electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment thanks to the Ducati Skyhook Suspension system. The backend is particular to the Enduro also, as Ducati has employed the use of a shell-cast aluminum double-sided swingarm that is longer than the single-sided units found on other Multistrada models.

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And then there’s electronics, lots of it: Ducati’s aforementioned Skyhook system, Wheelie Control, Ducati Traction Control and Cornering ABS. There are eight Traction Control and Wheelie Control settings while the Bosch Cornering ABS system has three levels and options to choose between – just the front wheel engaged, both wheels engaged or disabling the system all together. Vehicle Hold Control, to aid uphill starts, and the first for any Ducati, is also on offer.
 
Ducati will be offering the 1200 Multistrada Enduro in three colours, Ducati Red, Phantom Grey and Star White Silk, with a whole range of touring options and accessories, including the exquisite aluminium hard luggage set that they had on display at EICMA. Prices and other details will be revealed close to the launch, which should be happening soon enough.