Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro India launch on July 9

The Ducati Multistrada is an extremely versatile motorcycle, but despite its adventure-tourer status, is predominantly road-biased. Ducati addressed this in 2016, by introducing an Enduro variant of the Multistrada and now, its most recent iteration, the Multistrada Enduro 1260 is set to launch in India on July 9, 2019.

We’ve already ridden the motorcycle abroad, and you can head here to read all about it. The Multistrada Enduro 1260 is powered by the Testastretta DVT engine that’s also seen on the road-going Multistrada 1260. The 1,262cc twin produces 158hp at 9,500rpm and 128Nm of torque at 7,500rpm – plenty enough to kick up dust on the 254kg motorcycle. A 6-speed gearbox mated to the up-down Ducati Quick Shifter is standard.

Also on offer is an impressive electronics package that includes a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, four tailorable riding modes (Urban, Sport, Touring and Enduro), Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Traction Control, Vehicle Hold Control (hill-hold assist) and a Skyhook suspension package. The 5.0-inch TFT display allows pairing with a smartphone, letting you monitor ride statics and even alter the bike’s setup.

Given its off-road intended design, the Enduro 1260 is a tall motorcycle. However, Ducati has made some changes from the previous generation to help it appeal to a wider audience. Firstly, suspension travel at either end has been reduced to 185mm (down by 15mm) and the standard seat height, too, has been dropped by 10mm to hit the 860mm mark. A low seat height option of 840mm is available as well. The 1260 Enduro comes with tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres – 120/70 R19 at the front and 170/60 R17 at the rear – shod on wire-spoke wheels.

In terms of competition, the Multistrada Enduro 1260 will rival the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure (Rs 18.25 lakh), a motorcycle that’s considered the quintessence of the segment. The segment also consists of the Tiger 1200 XCx (Rs 17 lakh), another very capable motorcycle. Given the additional kit and ability, Ducati will charge a premium over the Multistrada 1260 which costs Rs 17.8 lakh. It will also carry a price tag that’s higher than that of Multistrada 1200 Enduro, which is currently on sale in the country at Rs 18.03 lakh.