The new Ducati Multistrada Enduro is a purpose-built, off-roading, mile-munching machine with good on-road manners
The Enduro is the latest Multi to grace the Indian roads and it does a good job of attracting all the attention with its tall and wide stance.
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Electronically adjustable suspension offers an enjoyable ride
The most noticeable thing from the saddle was the high windscreen that provides excellent wind-protection and features height adjustment too. The large TFT instrument console works flawlessly, displaying an array of information such as ABS, Ducati's Traction Control levels, and the Ducati Wheelie Control.
All-digital console is highly visible and packed with useful informatio
The Enduro also comes with Ducati Multimedia System that allows you to connect your smartphone to the bike and answer calls, listen to music and also see notifications. The Multistrada Link app on your phone also records the bike's performance.
The 200-mm semi-automatic suspension has oodles of travel and the swingarm has been strengthened to take the beating the off-road trails have to give. The fuel tank is now bigger for improved range and the bash-plate is now made of thicker aluminium and is mounted on the frame rather than the engine. The footrests are proper off-road style units and the handlebar is taller, which allows shorter riders to grip the bars properly even while standing.
An intimidating front-end is topped off by an adjustable windscreen. Pics/Sanjay Raikar
But the gem in the Multi's crown is that Testastretta L-twin engine. It comes with four engine maps that are selectable via the buttons on the left bar. The default Urban mode and even the Enduro mode deliver 100 PS for city and trail riding and in the Touring and Sport mode you get all the 160 horses. However, these modes are highly customisable.
The response from the ride-by-wire throttle is smooth.
Besides, the Desmo Variable Valve Timing technology of the L-twin allows ultra-smooth delivery at low revs, which makes riding effortless in the city. The semi-active suspension with 200 mm of travel was doing a good job of absorbing all the undulations. The ground clearance of the bike too is massive, which allowed us to go over rocks and occasional boulders without a scratch to the bash-plate.
Traction control and ABS worked flawlessly. Vibrations, however, are ever present but are not bothersome. The bike munches miles just like the standard Multis. The engine and throttle response is sharper, the suspension firms up nicely, allowing you to attack corners with vigour. The Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres are super sticky and aids handling.
The wide handlebar comes handy while going through twisty roads as it gives you more leverage to go from turn to turn. The radially-mounted four-pot monobloc Brembo callipers up front are simply great. The brake feel is progressive and there is enough bite to stop the Multi. And the cornering ABS works like clockwork.
The Enduro is a purposeful off-roading machine made for the purists. At R17.44 lakh (ex-Delhi), it may be expensive but a superb alternative to the German machine it competes with. The Enduro has got all the modern gadgetry along with excellent off-road credentials and good on-road dynamics.
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