EICMA 2015: First Look at the 2016 Ducati Multistrada Enduro & Pikes Peak

When it comes to on-road adventure touring motorcycles Ducati's Multistrada 1200 has long been a powerhouse, with brute strength combined with the agility of a much smaller bike. With the addition of Skyhook in 2013 it made the leap to luxury, but one piece of the ADV puzzle was still largely missing; dirt. Ducati has addressed that in 2016, by debuting the Multistrada 1200 Enduro at EICMA.

True adventurers will be happy to see the addition of spoke wheels (19-inch front and 17-inch rear) and an increase of fuel capacity to an impressive 7.9 gallons. The Enduro is an adaptation of the 2015 Multistrada, which debuted Ducati's DVT system (see Ducati's Desmodromic Variable Timing video here) as well as a host of other features, including cornering lights and cruise control (read the 2015 Multistrada First Ride here). The Enduro uses a new exhaust system as well, mounted higher considering the bike's off-road bent.

On top of all of the technology draped over the 2015 Multi, the 2016 Enduro version adds Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), a hill-hold function to help starts while pointed uphill, a first for any Ducati. Suspension has also been lengthened by more than one inch for a total of 7.9 inches of travel—the standard bike is limited to 6.7 inches. A slightly smaller windscreen an a new seat also differentiate the Enduro, as well as the boxy, aluminum luggage that is expected to be available.

MULTISTRADA PIKES PEAK

Named for the iconic Pikes Peak hill climb competition in Colorado (where the Multi has seen success in the past), the 2016 Multistrada line sees a continuation of the Pikes Peak nameplate, and the same style of upgrades, on the DVT version of the Multistrada 1200. An Öhlins fork and Öhlins TTX36 shock (both mechanically adjustable) top the spec sheet of the new Pikes Peak, along with an available carbon fiber Termignoni muffler and a low, carbon fiber windscreen. Red stitching on the seat and stripes on the 3-spoke wheels set the Pikes Peak apart, too, along with small carbon components sprinkled over the bike—the front fender, tank cover, and lateral front partitions. Along with the typical suite of Bologna’s electronics (Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, ABS, Cornering Lights, Bluetooth Multimedia System) the Pikes Peak can be outfitted with three different packages of accessories. The Touring Pack (heated grips, saddlebags, and a centerstand), the Urban Pack (top case, lockable tank bag with USB), and the Enduro Pack (LED lights, Touratech engine/radiator crash bars, sump guard, wide kickstand base, and off-road footpegs).

Both the Enduro and Pikes Peak are based on the redesigned 2015 Multistrada and therefore inherit the full-color TFT dash, cruise control, and DVT engine, as well as the Bosch/Brembo 9.1ME cornering braking system. The Pikes Peak is available only in the race-livery red-and-white colorway with red frame, while the Enduro will be available in Ducati Red, Phantom Grey, or Star White Silk. No word yet on pricing, but expect both up-spec models to see a slight price bump from the standard 2015 Multistrada 1200 S’s $19,695 MSRP. Exact availability in the US is yet to be announced.