2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro : living up to its name
5 August 2019
The new Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro aims to achieve the difficult goal of being efficient on both asphalt and gravel, thanks in large part to its 1,262-cc twin-cylinder Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT) system, providing fuller power curve at any speed. With its 30-litre tank, the new Ducati intends to emerge victorious in this highly contested category.
Its clean look, curvaceous lines, and carefully balanced front-to-rear design are captivating elements highly characteristic of Ducati, meeting standards of quality and finishing well above average in this segment. Lighter than the road version by 3 kg, the Multistrada 1260 Enduro remains a heavy machine to maneuver, weighing in at 254 kg. That said, engineers agree that it punches above its weight with sound, predictable, and stable behaviour that allows it to travel at a good pace on dirt roads.
Living up to its name
With near-perfect ergonomics along with excellent protection against the elements for your head, torso, and legs, it allows you to drive fast for long stretches without getting tired. It can also cover vast distances without running out of fuel, with a gas mileage of almost 450 km per tank — an important characteristic for a machine destined for adventures away from civilization. Its high seat (860 mm) cannot be adjusted, which will force the shortest among us to go for the optional saddle, which sits 20 mm lower.
The suspensions have been updated as well — specifically, the inclusion of 185 mm of adjustable travel front and rear, as well as the adoption of elements of Sachs’ semi-active electromagnetic suspension system. It also lives up to its “Enduro” name, sporting 19” spoked alloy wheels at the front and 17” alloy wheels at the back with Pirelli’s Scorpion Trail tires.
Multistrada 1260 Enduro: variable valve timing
The engine boasts the latest Testastretta engine, a 1,262-cc DVT system, 158 horsepower and 94.4 lbf. ft. of torque, ensuring fluidity, user-friendliness, and complete driving pleasure, no matter what type of terrain you drive on. There are a number of electronic driver aids: the Ducati Multistrada Enduro is equipped with a “ride-by-wire” system, gearshift assistance that helps you shift up and down, traction control, Bosch Cornering ABS, electronic adaptive lighting, cruise control, and a TFT colour dashboard. In addition to the usual features, the latter includes a Ducati Bluetooth Multimedia Connectivity System, which allows you to customize the machine from your smartphone. This device provides access to, among other things, geolocation, maintenance requirements, and user manual data in PDF format.
This exotic, skilfully designed bike will undoubtedly excel on the road and take you off the beaten path at a moment’s notice. Your weekend escape plan from work will have a touch of class.
By Pascal Bastien
