Ducati Multistrada Enduro first ride incoming

It’s easy to explain what Ducati’s new Multistrada 1200 Enduro is. It’s a Multistrada 1200 S with added Enduro. In other words, Ducati have taken the 1200 S – even down to an almost identical 160bhp, 1198cc V-twin with variable valve timing, semi-active suspension and a mind-boggling array of electronics – and given the chassis genuine off-road potential by adapting or changing the bits that matter in away from tarmac.

That means the Enduro gets wire-spoked 19in front and 17in rear rims to add off-road control and extend the range of suitable trail rubber, a modified riding position with 50mm higher bars, a taller seat height (unadjustable, but optional heights), 30mm more suspension travel and modified damping rates, more ground clearance, a proper bashplate, flexible steel levers and pegs instead of brittle aluminium, off-road style serrated pegs with rubber inserts, a longer ‘beak’, a double sided swingarm for more strength and less weight, hard-wearing aluminium side panels for better knee grip, a steering damper, and a higher exhaust. 

Crucially, the Enduro also gets a 30 litre tank for a claimed 280-mile range. And, just as importantly, Ducati say none of the standard Multistrada’s on-road capability has been lost – they claim it’s still hugely impressive at swallowing motorway miles and handling twisty mountain roads with ease.

So with off-road capability matched to an enormous, high-tech spec and premium touring potential, Ducati’s Multistrada Enduro is a very clear globetrotting rival to flagships like BMW’s R1200 GS Adventure, KTM’s 1290 Super Adventure, Aprilia’s Caponord Rally and Triumph’s new Tiger Explorer.

It’s taken Ducati long enough to build a proper adventure bike, so they’ve had plenty of time to get it right. Find out if they have when we’ll get a full riding impression later today.