Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro breaks cover

It was just a matter of time we guess. The Multistrada Enduro is now the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro. It's just about a year since Italian manufacturer updated its flagship adventure tourer family, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 and now the more hardcore Multistrada Enduro has received the same set of updates. Highlighting the changes once again is the bigger, more powerful, 1,262cc Testastretta V-twin engine with variable valve timing technology dubbed the Desmodromic Variable Timing or DVT.

The Ducati is a midlife update, but the update includes a raft of changes to the motorcycle inside out, right from the more powerful, 1,262cc engine

The engine debuted on the Ducati XDiavel before finding its way onto the Multistrada 1260 and offers a slightly higher 158PS along with 127Nm. Even more impressive though is the fact that 85 percent of the peak torque is now available below 3,500rpm! Torque offered at 5,500rpm is up by 17 percent as well we're told, so expect even more ballistic performance all round. The bi-directional quickshifter from the Multistrada 1260 has made its way onto the Enduro along with Bosch's six axis IMU, which brings with it rider aids like DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control), Bosch cornering ABS and not to mention, DTC (Ducati Traction Control).

The addition of a six-axis IMU brings with it a host of additions to the list of rider aids on the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, including Vehicle Hold Control to tackle inclines on tricky surfaces

Keeping the bike's off-road focus in mind the 1260 Enduro also gets VHC or Vehicle Hold Control to enable cleaner take-offs on inclines, especially on tricky surfaces. The system is activated by applying additional pressure onto either brake levers at standstill. VHC then calculates and applies pressure accordingly on the rear brake, for 9 seconds. Riding modes include Sport, Touring Urban and Enduro and customisation is possible for nearly everything in every mode, thereby affording riders greater freedom to tailor the bike to their riding style.

The semi-active electronic suspension (Ducati Skyhook Suspension) on the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro has been recalibrated as part of the update and now works in sync with the bike's six-aix IMU

Just like the Multistrada 1260, the DSS or Ducati Skyhook Suspension on the 1260 Enduro has been recalibrated too and also works in sync with the IMU now. Coming to physical changes, the 1260 Enduro now runs on Pirelli's Scorpion Trail II tyres which claim better off-road ability and longer life. The riding position has been revised as well. Seat height is 10mm lower than the Multistrada 1260 and 1260S, while the handlebars are now placed 30mm lower than before and the tank cover has been redesigned as well to improve ergonomics. The aluminium sump guard is attached to the frame directly while the frame and swingarm are both lighter now.

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro also features a revised, 5 inch TFT display which offers more information, in a clearer format

Rounding off this extensive list of updates is the new 5 inch TFT display for the instrument cluster. This is the same as the Multistrada 1260 and offers a better interface and easier readability on the go. The DMS or Ducati Multimedia System allows riders to sync their smartphones via Bluetooth, thereby enabling connectivity for receiving phone calls, text messages and more. The Ducati Link App customise riding mode and other settings via their phone itself apart from offering information about service schedules and the like. There's revised graphics too and 1260 is now writ large across the tank, which makes for a fresher appearance.

The Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro promises better on and off-road abilities than the 1200, which should help it take on its competitors like the BMW R1200GS and Triumph better

We've packed our bags and are heading to Italy to ride the Multistrada 1260 Enduro, so stay tuned to OVERDRIVE's social media channels for updates. We'll also bring you a detailed first ride review later this week, telling you how the motorcycle feels to ride on and off-road both!

Also see: Road Test - 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 S