2017 Ducati Multistrada Enduro v Triumph Tiger Explorer XC comparison

The Multistrada 1200 Enduro and the Tiger 1200 Explorer XC are two beasts in their own rights. We find out which is the wilder one.

Published on Jun 28, 2017 04:28:00 PM

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2017 Ducati Multistrada Enduro v Triumph Tiger Explorer XC comparison

Besides the varying levels of power output, which are 160hp on high (Sport and Touring) and 100hp on low (Urban and Enduro), you get eight levels of traction control, wheelie control and ABS. Although, it must be noted that in Touring mode you get 100hp until the 4,000rpm mark, and from there on the full 160hp kicks in. There's also four settings available on Ducati's electronic Skyhook suspension, and 24 levels of preload. It's quite easy to filter through these options to make the Enduro ideal for the riding conditions and your level of skill. The motorcycle also gets Ducati's version of a hill-hold function, which releases the brakes gradually while stopped in Enduro mode.
The upswept silencer on the Explorer is humongous but gets a simple, sort of rectangular shape devoid of any drama. While viewing the profile of the Explorer, you realise the silencer is at an angle that is parallel to the bottom of the sub-frame and that lends a sort of flow into the minimalistic tail end. The grab rails are thick and it culminates in a vertical, twin-strip LED tail-light.

Tiger’s electronics feel dated.

The Enduro simply towers over the other Multistrada models and is also a bit taller than the Tiger Explorer. Both motorcycles get spoked wheels with a larger 19-inch front tyre. These aren't just regular rims; if you look closely, you'll notice that the spokes sit on the outside of the rim on the Enduro and the Explorer gets steel spokes that sit on a rail on the aluminium rim, instead of the rim itself. Besides being very durable (and expensive), this feature is what allows these motorcycles to have tubeless tyres. The Enduro also gets a double-sided swingarm instead of the single-sided one, which obviously can take more of a beating and really helps with stability when riding off-road. The Enduro also gets a raised, side-slung, single exhaust that keeps in tune with the typically Ducati L-twin soundtrack.

The comfort zone

The Explorer gets an aggressive-looking, well-chiseled 20-litre tank, while the Enduro gets a massive 30-litre one. However, when the Enduro is fully tanked up, it has the tendency to feel a bit top-heavy. The Tiger 1200 Explorer XC is a vehemently large motorcycle, but once you get astride this beast, it's really not as intimidating as it appears. The seat is two-stage adjustable from 837mm to 857mm. At the lower 837mm setting, the seat doesn't really feel that tall. I'm about 5ft 10in and my feet were sitting flat on the ground – a definite bonus when moving such a large motorcycle around with the engine off. Once you get a move on, the seat feels extremely comfortable and well cushioned. There's a well-shaped taper to the front of the seat that allows you to grip the tank with your knees quite comfortably. The wide handlebars, however, do feel like a bit of a stretch thanks to the long tank. But once you get accustomed to this, you could ride for hours at triple-digit speeds. The tall, adjustable front windscreen shields you well from the wind blast that accompanies high speed.

Enduro is definitely a bike for taller, bigger built riders. With a non-adjustable 850mm seat height, it's a bit of a daunting task getting astride (there are even taller options available at 870mm and 890mm). But once you get on, you're sitting well inside the bike. The seat is enormously comfortable. The handlebars are nice and wide, and the front visor is manually adjustable and easy to use. And once you get it all the way up, the wind protection is just brilliant. Just a slight tuck in and you can hold this position all day with minimal fatigue from windblast. If you start to get a bit tired, all you have to do is stand up. The spiked pegs hold your feet in place brilliantly, and the tank has just the right contours to squeeze in your knees. The standing position on the Enduro feels so natural, you could probably stand and ride the entire day.