2017 Ducati Multistrada Enduro v Triumph Tiger Explorer XC comparison

There's a reason why apex predators succeed in staying at the top of the food chain. Nature has moulded them into beasts that dominate everything around them. Well, Ducati and Triumph seem to have taken a crack at emulating nature by developing their own exquisite versions of such predators. Although apex predators may actively avoid coming face-to-face with each other in the wild, we've managed to get these two apex adventure tourers to battle it out in a competition of strength, versatility and value. So, let the wild games begin.

War paint

Both these motorcycles not only demand your attention, they command respect thanks to their magnificent sizes. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if these two actually gave a few SUVs a complex. When you first approach the Enduro, that front facade is sure to catch your eye. Its bird-of-prey-like front beak and that set of dual headlights with the manually adjustable, high flyscreen are a signature of the Multistrada series, although the Enduro version gets an even bigger front beak. Look beyond that and the proportions start to take on a more gargantuan nature. The 30-litre, bulbous fuel tank sits authoritatively in the centre, and that is what really stands out on the Enduro. The curves blend so seamlessly with the edges, there's a nice, deep swoop into the seat. If anyone can make a purpose-built, adventure motorcycle look beautiful, it's got to be the Italians. The rest of the seat, the pillion seat, and the rear end are shared with the other Multistrada models.

The Tiger Explorer may not be the prettiest motorcycle out there but its menacing front facade with those large, dual headlights exudes a sense of purpose expected from an adventure motorcycle. The upswept, rugged jawline adds to its whole predatory appeal. It gets a tall, manually adjustable windscreen that is a bit difficult to operate. There are two knobs on either side of the fairing that need to be loosened before you can alter the height; so, adjusting the screen on the go will be impossible. It also gets these shrouded fog lights that sit below the fairing as a standard fitment, and really help with night riding, especially when off-roading.

Lethal gadgets

Just behind the windscreen of the Explorer is an LCD instrument cluster that uses handlebar-mounted thumb switches with the up/down scroll facility. Although, navigating through this menu is a bit of a complicated affair and can only be done when at a standstill. This 2014 version of the Explorer is a bit dated in terms of features and equipment when compared to the likes of the Multistrada Enduro. If you're not a big fan of electronic nannies, this could definitely work in your favour. You do get a three-stage traction control (off, 1 and 2) and switchable ABS, but that's about it. However, it misses out on more advanced electronics like power modes, a TFT screen and electronically adjustable suspension.

The Enduro, on the other hand, gets all the bells and whistles in terms of electronics. If you've ridden the other Multistrada models, the TFT instrument cluster is going to be rather familiar. It is well laid out, customisable, easy to read, and light-adaptive. But the Multistrada's party trick is its rider modes that can be easily accessed via the toggle buttons on the left switchgear. Once you get the hang of navigating through the menu, it's simply amazing how customisable the entire motorcycle is from just the cockpit. This is the top-of-the-line Multistrada model, so everything from your suspension to your engine character can be controlled electronically. The four basic rider modes – Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro – can be switched when on the go. But when stationary, you can go into each mode and customise the character of the Enduro even further.