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

In Touring mode, the suspension feels soft and beautifully absorbs bumps at all speeds. However, in the corners, it does tend to lollop around over bumps and that hampers precision. In Sport mode, the Enduro changes from a more relaxed nature to a very crisp one. Although the suspension is still a bit soft, the bike encourages you to push it harder. It tips into and tackles corners with poise and precision; not something you'd expect from such a large motorcycle. And even with the upright riding position, it could certainly give sportier machines a run for their money.

But it's the Enduro mode that sets this Multistrada apart. It just makes the motorcycle so much fun on dirt! However, a lot of muscle power is required here. With the ABS set at level one, the front ABS remains active while the rear switches off and allows you to lock up, square-off and tighten turns. Of course, I did end up finding the traction control a bit intrusive when trying to get the rear sliding, but that was sorted out by switching traction control off altogether. If you know what you're doing, this motorcycle could do trails all day. It would still be way too heavy for the more technical stuff but the Enduro does trump the Explorer in the handling department, thanks to its highly adaptable nature.

The world is your oyster

The Tiger 1200 Explorer XC is a genuinely likeable, rider-friendly motorcycle. It will get you across massive distances in utmost comfort as expected from a premium adventure tourer. But that's just about how far the ball goes. It falls woefully behind in terms of equipment when compared to the more recently updated competition. Which isn't really a deal-breaker per se; it just isn't as capable as the Multistrada. The beautiful part about the Enduro is just how easy it is to ride, despite its gargantuan proportions. But this is not a motorcycle for just anybody and definitely not a motorcycle for the city. Even if it falls within your budget and you're large enough to manage its size, you also need the kind of skills to really appreciate what it is really capable of.

The Explorer is more of the old-school charmer that will provide you with hours of carefree comfort and blissful riding on the highway. The Enduro, on the other hand, is a raging bull that's hiding silently, constantly egging you to wring out its full potential. The Enduro and its rider would probably view the entire world's terrain as a challenge waiting to be conquered. Given that attitude and its mind-boggling potential, we pick it over the Explorer. But we're also aware that not everyone would demand that sort of potential from a motorcycle and not everybody is a great fan of dirt-riding or adrenaline surges. And the Explorer is right there to satiate the needs of the motorcyclists who aren't big fans of electronics and tend to see this world in more subdued way. Well, to each his own.