Ducati has unveiled two special versions of the Multistrada, exactly a year after the litre-class touring motorcycle was unveiled at the 2014 EICMA. Called Multistrada Pikes Peak and Multistrada Enduro, these new versions are two very specifically purpose built motorcycles based on the 1200 S model.
Named after the highly acclaimed annual hill climb event in Colorado, US, the Multistrada Pikes Peak is a sportier version of the litre-class sports touring motorcycle. It comes specced with sophisticated fully-adjustable Ohlins USD forks and rear suspension. A Termignoni exhaust system and a carbon fibre windshield are offered as optional extras. It also gets a splendid dual-tone livery inspired by Ducati’s racing colours.
The Multistrada Enduro on the other hand, gets a more comprehensive set of technical and mechanical updates. The wheelbase has been increased by 27mm, while the suspension travel has been raised from 1700mm to 200mm to help it cope with rough terrains. The Multistrada Enduro rides on rugged wire spoke wheels, with the front end getting a bigger 19-inch rim. The fuel tank capacity has been raised to 30 litres. The front ‘beak’ of the bike has been extended to match the larger tyre. It also gets aluminium side panels to give the bike a rugged look, and knobbly Pirelli tyres to improve its off-road capabilities. It is available in three paint schemes – red, white and grey.
Both the Multistrada Pikes Peak and Multistrada Enduro employ the same 1198cc Testastretta DVT L-twin engine, which churns out 160bhp and 136Nm of torque. The engine gets ride-by-wire throttle with different rider modes, and is mated to a six-speed transmission. The electronics package has been carried over from the standard Multistrada 1200 S.
While the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S in itself seems capable of some moderate mud-plugging, the Multistrada Enduro is a full-blown off-roader and a tourer. The comprehensive set of updates have now made it a direct rival to other litre-class off-road motorcycles like the Triumph Tiger Explorer, KTM 1190 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin and the king of the hill - BMW R1200 GS.
