Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Review
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro – Click above for high resolution image gallery

Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Review

Bike Tested: Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro; Road Test No. 847; Test Location: Rajmachi and Mumbai

Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 21,43,350/-

The Ducati Multistrada Enduro is a beefy, healthy and a mad machine under a leash

Ducatis are the mad motorcycles which whenever they come to our garage, have gained an infinite amount of attention. And we’ve had the pleasure of having a good time for the weekend they arrive. My first riding interaction with a Ducati was with Diavel Carbon. Followed up with the Scrambler Icon which we had for a travelogue and now it was time for the largest Ducati bike, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. I always had a thing for adventure motorcycles but the moment I was standing next to the Multistrada, I was a little frightened by the amount of mass it carried.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35535974381/[/flickr]

The monstrous front surely will remind you of Transformers

Styling – The design of the Multistrada is very controversial. Many like it for the massiveness, while a few don’t as they find it to have an alien face. However, the design of the Enduro is very similar to the regular Multistrada but differs in quite a few ways. The most noticeable difference is the massive size of the fuel tank with a long fairing beak. The windshield too is huge and the overall mass at the front comprises of almost 50% of the motorcycle. As the media bike is completely accessorised, it gets a steel guard for the front fairing too which gets tiny LED foglamps.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35626737546/[/flickr]

Just looks at the design, there are so many things put together

The hanging mass includes a pair of long travel upside-down forks at the front and a side mounted monoshock suspension holding a dual side swingarm unlike the regular Multistrada which has a single sided swingarm. Both front and rear tyres come with spoke wheels. The rear seat is high and gets a nice grab rail while the rear tail-lamp is an LED unit with a dual boomerang design. Also, you cannot miss the sleek and thin exhaust which goes along with the overall design very well. Our media bike was also ready with the pannier mounts and guards next to it.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35626746706/[/flickr]

The 5.0-inch console displays all the information you would ever need

Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The switchgear on the right comprises of a starter button next to the ignition switch and a hand warmer button. On the left, the switchgear consists of a high beam switch, fog lamp switch, parking lamp switch, cruise control buttons, horn and indicator switch and a toggle switch to play around with the console and switch the riding modes. The all digital console is huge and displays an insane amount of information. From the basic trip and odometer to fuel consumption, fuel gauge, riding mode, ABS, traction and wheelie control levels. With the speedo in the center, gear position indicator on the right and the top has the tachometer which redlines at 9000 RPM.

[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/35666316375/[/flickr]

All the mass at the front of the motorcycle, it feels heavy

Ergonomics – Adventure motorcycle ergonomics? Yes, it’s comfortable but the main task is getting on to the bike. At a seat height of 870 mm, you would rather think twice. It’s difficult for short as well as tall riders as you can’t help but tip-toe while managing the bike. The seat is very wide for the rider thanks to the wide tank. Even though the tank is huge, the handlebars are placed right and keep the rider close and engaged to the bike. At 254 kgs, the weight of the Multistrada Enduro is too much to handle and I missed my leg once due to gravel and sadly tipped over the Enduro. The pillion, however, stays very comfortable and has room to move around, it is rather comfortable to hold the rider while on the move.