Journey on the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro: A Ride Through the Heart of Russia

For nearly two weeks, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro was my faithful travel companion, embodying the essence of Italian flair in a robust crossover body. My journey meandered through the mystical forests of Karelia, resonated with the distant howls of wolves, and I found solace on the untouched moss beds of Rybachy beneath the expansive Arctic skies. This adventure was a true testament to the purpose and spirit of large touring enduros.

_{Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro}

The class, and who rules it

Big touring enduros represent the pinnacle of engineering from leading manufacturers, forming an exclusive realm ruled by BMW, KTM and Ducati. This segment goes beyond what Suzuki’s V-Strom 1000 and Yamaha’s XT1200Z Super Tenere offer, boasting top-tier features like electronically adjustable suspensions, innovative cornering ABS and a plethora of safety sensors — everything from wheelie control to critiquing roadside coffee.

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro loaded for a long journey

The accompanying vehicle was a Volkswagen Amarok Canyon with a three-liter diesel six-cylinder engine. Along with my Enduro, a Multistrada 950 S and a Scrambler Desert Sled were also on the trip

The Evolution of Ducati’s Enduro

The Ducati 1200 Enduro set a high benchmark, but the new 1260 Enduro has pushed the boundaries further. The engine has expanded to 1262 cc, boosting the power output from 152 to 158 hp, with a torque plateau of 128 Nm smoothed over 3500 to 5000 rpm. Intriguingly, the suspension travel has been reduced from 200 to 185 mm for both the fork and mono-shock, a move aimed at lowering the seat height and the motorcycle’s center of mass. But does it impact its off-road prowess? The Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo System, a marvel of technology straight out of sci-fi, claims to balance these changes.

The five-inch colour TFT dashboard of the Multistrada 1260 Enduro

The five-inch color TFT instrument panel seems overwhelming at first, but not every luxury car has that many features! My preference is to have DWC & DTC off: I disabled Wheelie and Traction Control

Dashboard, controls and luggage

The colorful five-inch TFT dashboard screen initially seems overloaded, but it offers functionality not found in every luxury car. DWC & DTC in the off position — my choice: I disabled Wheelie and Traction Control.

The left handlebar switchgear of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro

You quickly get used to the abundance of buttons on the left remote control, everything is logically located and doesn’t require any unnecessary movements

Getting used to the abundance of buttons on the left handlebar happens quickly; everything is logically placed and doesn’t require unnecessary movements.

The engine's crankcase protection plate, marked by stone strikes

The crankcase guard has stoically withstood dozens of stone strikes, but its modest size still makes one nervous – it’s better to install additional protection

The crankcase protection stoically withstood dozens of stone hits, but its modest size still causes some concern — it’s better to install additional protection.

The Touratech panniers fitted to the Multistrada 1260 Enduro

Touratech makes branded cases for the Ducati 1260 Enduro: the left one, with a capacity of 45 liters, can easily accommodate any helmet, the right one, 40-liter, is a little more modest due to the muffler

The official panniers for the Ducati 1260 Enduro are made by Touratech: the left one, with a volume of 45 liters (as shown in the picture), can easily accommodate any helmet, while the right 40-liter one is slightly smaller because of the exhaust.

The Expedition of a Lifetime

The three Ducatis and the support Amarok setting off from Moscow

The first 700 kilometers of asphalt to St. Petersburg were only the beginning of our immersion into the unique beauty of the Russian North. On asphalt, the Ducati 1260 Enduro remains incomparable—neither the 30-liter fuel tank nor the respectable 254 kg curb weight (not counting the optional panniers, which together with the mounting system add another 15 kg) have affected its character in any way

To truly understand the capabilities of the Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, I embarked on an epic expedition through Karelia to the Rybachy Peninsula, the westernmost point of Russia. This 6000-kilometer journey, half on diverse dirt tracks, started and ended in Moscow. It was a test of endurance and spirit, with nights under the stars and challenging terrain. My companions were the versatile Multistrada 950 S and the spirited Scrambler Desert Sled, with the robust Volkswagen Amarok Canyon as our support vehicle.

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro on the highway north

In St. Petersburg, we changed to the moderate-compound Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires. And on the second day, on the way to Vottovaara, we hit the dirt

The riding party on the road to Saint Petersburg

By the second day, I had fully adapted to the Ducati 1260. I tried to find the appropriate electronic modes and chose the best option for myself – the Enduro engine mode in combination with the ABS system on the front wheel at “one” and the ABS on the rear wheel completely disabled

The initial 700 kilometers to Saint Petersburg were a prelude to the enchanting Russian North. The Ducati 1260 Enduro, despite its 30-liter fuel tank and its 254 kg weight, proved to be an unparalleled machine on the asphalt. It combines the raw power of a naked bike with the luxury of a tourer, effortlessly cruising at speeds rivalling those of elite sports cars while maintaining exceptional comfort and efficiency.

Fitting Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires in Saint Petersburg

The Scrambler sat in the back of our pickup truck all the way to Kandalaksha

Into Karelia

In Saint Petersburg we switched gears, outfitting the bike with Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires, ready for the off-road adventures ahead. Our journey to Vottovaara was steeped in history and natural beauty, a testament to the rich tapestry that is Karelia.

The forest tracks of Karelia on the way to Vottovaara

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is a true off-road warrior

Karelia left an indelible mark on me, a chapter from an enthralling saga of nature and history. The towns of Kem and Umba linger in my memory with their authentic saunas, the aroma of birch and fresh wood enveloping me even now.

A Karelian lake at dusk during the expedition

Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro

By the second day, the Ducati Multistrada 1260 and I were in perfect harmony. I settled on the Enduro engine mode, combined with front-wheel ABS and a disabled rear-wheel anti-lock braking system. The traction control was off too. Despite the reduced suspension travel, the bike’s off-road capability was impressive, though occasional bumps to the engine guard reminded me of the changes. The Multistrada 950 S, piloted by my colleague, effortlessly maintained speeds of 90—100 km/h on rugged terrain, urging me to match its pace.

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro on a gravel track in Karelia

Euro 5 exhaust system provides excellent drying capabilities for motorcycle boots

The Scrambler Desert Sled, initially relegated to our support vehicle, truly shone once unleashed on Rybachy’s off-road paths. Compared with its heavier Ducati siblings, it felt agile and effortless, easily navigating terrain that demanded intense focus from the larger models.

The Vaydagubsky lighthouse on German Cape, Rybachy Peninsula

^{The Vaydagubsky lighthouse on German Cape of the Rybachy Peninsula is still operational.}

_{The Sredniy Peninsula and the Motovsky Gulf of the Barents Sea.}

The weight problem

The challenge with beasts like the Multistrada 1260 S or BMW’s ‘big goose’ lies in their weight. Handling a quarter ton of machine through mud or sand is a formidable task for even seasoned riders. For the less experienced, venturing beyond a hundred meters off the asphalt can be daunting.

The heavily loaded Multistrada 1260 Enduro on soft ground

Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro on the Rybachy Peninsula in the Murmansk region

Riding the Multistrada through a stretch of mud

Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, Ducati Multistrada 950 S on the rocky shore of the Barents Sea on the Rybachy Peninsula

Rybachy and German Cape

But the soul of adventure lay beyond the comfort of paved roads. After a week in the serene landscapes of Karelia, we reached Lake Kanentyavr and the Rybachy Peninsula. The next three days were among the most enriching of my motorcycling journeys. From fording rivers to being captivated by haunting reminders of war scattered across this rugged terrain, the experience was deeply moving.

Fording a river on the Rybachy Peninsula

We spent the night in tents at Cape Nemetsky

Wartime remains scattered across the tundra of Rybachy

We spent the night in tents at Cape Nemetsky

Camping on German Cape, gazing towards Norway’s coast, and the thrilling 40-kilometer return journey, where we even rescued our stuck Amarok, added to the adventure. Navigating through Rybachy in complete darkness, with the Scrambler’s fuel tank emptied yet again, starkly contrasted with the monotony of asphalt roads.

The camp on German Cape, with the Barents Sea beyond

A dirt road on the Rybachy Peninsula in the Murmansk region, known as the “old German” road

The support Amarok being recovered from soft ground

Sredny Peninsula in the Murmansk Region

These experiences left me pondering my financial choices and challenging my stereotypes. Remarkably, not a single Ducati faltered throughout the entire journey.