EICMA 2015: Cruiser, off-roader and LAMS bikes for Ducati

“A major departure for our brand,” was how Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali described the XDiavel, Multistrada Enduro and Scrambler Sixty2 when he unveiled the new models to the world’s press at EICMA in Milan overnight. For the first time, the Italian marque will offer a true forward-controls cruiser in the XDiavel, a true off-road version of the Multistrada as well as a true entry-level machine in the LAMS-approved 399cc Scrambler Sixty2.

Hitting the American cruiser brands where it hurts, the aggressive new XDiavel is powered by a 1262cc Testastretta engine with variable valve timing capable of 156hp (114.7kW) at 9500rpm and 129Nm at 5000rpm.

While the tubular steel trellis frame is very Ducati, it’s the first time we’ve seen belt final drive from the Bologna-based brand and the feet-forward controls is a new concept, too. Though it seems even the Ducati itself struggled with it claiming the XDiavel offers no less than 60 ergonomic options for riders achieved from four footpeg positions, five seats to choose from and four different handlebars.

It’s laden with the firm’s latest electronics package and boasts anti-lock braking, eight-level traction control, three engine modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), power launch, cruise control and all accessed via the 3.5-inch TFT full-colour display.

Long and no featherweight, the XDiavel has a wheelbase of 1615mm, weighs just shy of 250kg ready to ride and Ducati claims it can reach cornering lean angles of 40 degrees. Typically, the brand will offer an S variant of the XDiavel and will get add-ons like top-shelf Brembo calipers, lighter wheels, CNC-machined bling and Bluetooth capability.

The XDiavel will go on sale locally in February 2016, priced at $27,490 for the standard model and $32,490 for the S.

Ducati will finally throw its hat in the big-bore off-road adventure bike ring with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. A heavily revised version of the already capable Multistrada, the enduro variant offers riders the ability to ride places the road-biased model can’t.

As well as the utilitarian aluminium bodywork, the big boon for the Enduro is the 19-inch tubeless wire-spoked front wheel (matched to a 17-inch rear) and long-travel suspension which Ducati says is as high as 200mm. It boasts a decent 250mm of ground clearance aided by the high-mounted exhaust and off-road pegs.

The fuel tank has been increased to a 30-litre capacity which should be good for 450km, presumably in the softer of the four riding modes which remain the same as the standard Multistrada (Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro). There are plenty of electronic aids on the enduro-spec Multi with cornering anti-lock braking, cornering lights, traction control, wheelie control and Ducati’s 'Vehicle Hold Control' for those side-of-the-mountain hill starts.

The Multistrada 1200 Enduro will go on sale in April 2016, with prices as follows: red $29,990, grey or white $30,290, T-Pack $32,290, and grey or white T-Pack $32,590.

The EICMA event saw the unveiling of two new variants of the popular Scrambler and, while Troy Bayliss was on hand to unveil the Flat Track Pro model, all eyes were on the entry-level 399cc version dubbed the Sixty2.

Its power output of 41hp (30.1kW) and ready-to-ride weight of 183kg puts it well into the LAMS-approved category here in Australia, and it will be Ducati’s second attempt at a learner bike after the 659 Monster. Lighter and smaller all round, the rear tyre is a 160-section down from the 180-section of the 803cc options, conventional 41mm forks replace the upside-down affairs, a lighter swingarm and a reduced tank capacity all make for the most accessible and hipster Ducati yet. It has a seat height of 790mm but both a low and high option (770mm and 810mm) if you prefer. The 803cc Flat Track Pro model is based around the bike Bayliss campaigned in the AMA flat track scene recently and has more power and a bevy of bolt-on race parts.

The two Scramblers will also go on sale in February 2016, at $11,990 (Sixty2) and $16,990 (Flat Track Pro) respectively.