2017 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro Review | MC Commute

Motorcyclist staffer Zack Courts is always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights. We thought some of it might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts, so we strapped a camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.

--

It's no secret we're always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones that always seem to have too much to say. "Write it down!" we always shout at each other. Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he's riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts.

So we strapped a GoPro camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren't more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we'll send him home on that one next.

[Timmayytoo]

I always enjoy these videos because Zack can talk intelligently about the bike while riding it, but I have one small quibble with something he said.

He suggested that the $21, 000-$24, 000 price is a lot to ask for the Enduro, but that puts it squarely in the middle of the price range of it's primary competitors.

I agree that nearly $25, 000 is a lot of money; more than I ever thought I would be willing to pay for any motorcycle. But I found that once you've ridden one of these top end ADV bikes for awhile, and realize that it can often replace your car for most journeys, the price becomes much more palatable.

[josech]

Agree on the heated grips. You learn how much comfort you can get from then until you have them.

[TheRamsberg]

Only one item was left out, I noticed that the wire wheels have the wires connecting to outside of the tires on the rims, thus allowing for the use of tubeless tires with wire wheels, without and wire spoke sealing systems having to be in place. Great review as always!

[kingsqueak]

Anyone who asks about heated grips has either never ridden very long below 50F, or simply has never tried them. Heated grips and gear is amazing. For the dirt-bike thing, the big adv bikes are amazing for lousy roads, paved and unpaved. They are of course not a dirt bike. Great job as usual.

[HBD]

would really appreciate Metric decimal system for weight, fuel capacity and dimensions if you're saying any, not just for this but for all your reviews because the world watchs you. Thank you

[jdwmmedia]

would love to do some cross country touring on this thing!! thats the dream

[threethrushes]

Heated grips are essential in Europe, and for Spring and Autumn evenings.

I used to want to cut off my hands with pain due to cold hands until I bought heated grips for my old bike and current squeeze.

Even on a balmy summer evening, I'll set the grips on 10% heat just for that toasty sensation.

[Jajeweet]

I wish these commutes came out more often!

[stoops]

Great info as always Zach. I would love to hear more on MC Commute about the other half of commuting... the gear! Tell me about that suit you are wearing, how does that bag feel while riding? How much can you fit in it? Are your boots comfortable enough to wear in the office all day? What if it rains? The thoughts on the bikes are wonderful, but as you well know, that's only one big part of commuting on a motorcycle.

[SweetSpotSC]

Has Ducati addressed the ethanol induced fuel tank swelling? I bought a 2014 Multistrada 1200 S Touring and within a year of exposure to CA's 10% ethanol fuel the tank was expanding and pushing the fuel cap upward out of the plastic tank shrouds. My first expanded tank was replaced under warranty. Within the second year of ownership the replacement tank also swelled and Ducati's response was that it's only a cosmetic issue and since the factory warranty had lapsed they would not replace the second tank. I love my Multistrada but the plastic tank issue is really frustrating, especially considering there is no known permanent fix and Ducati has known about the issue for many years. I know several people with the same bike who have the exact same expanding tank problem. As fun as it has been to own a Multistrada, the tank issue has left a bitter taste and I will likely purchase a different brand next time if they can't resolve this problem for its high-paying customers.

[istanbulianb]

"It's massive & entertaining and awesome...". I couldn't have put it better or more succinctly. Having bought one there is NO WAY I would green lane this beast but it sure puts a smile on my face. Even if the bulk is a bit intimidating. Great review; thanks.

[ABH]

great video, great presentation, great bike. love that it was scratched up and dirty! 2 questions, what tires were you running? and what was it like to pick it up when you fell? thanks

[thor]

I have a 13 Multistrada Gran Torismo and rides on gravel roads (which we have plenty of here in Canada) scare the crap out of me on the 190 rear tire. The Enduro will be my next bike for sure.

[KTM_Trooper]

had been like 2 weeks away from youtube and when im here i see the mc commute as my first vid on the notification! i couldnt be more happier!!

[AiroRider]

Awesome review, I'm hoping to be doing my own in the next few weeks, I can't wait! I'm still amazed by that fuel tank, it's huge!

[dinonoce]

I'd like to see the video of you on the track with the other Multistrada.

I have a 2016 MTS 1200S and I love it! It's a fantastic bike, and I agree that it's a tall sport bike. I'm thinking of taking mine to the track as well.

[whittlad]

Agree with what you say about the bike being top heavy and even for a tall person like myself (6'4") she's quite a hand full to get on. However, the bike is great fun, easy to ride, sounds fantastic and is a real head-turner. Only criticism are the heated grips of which are not very good.

[doxasnob]

Thanks! Never get tired of watching these.

[AkaAndyKnuckles]

Waited the whole video for you to back it in.

[FSCAlexander]

85 sodas... yup, that checks out! ☺️👍