would even test the recovery skills of a
serious enduro rider, let alone a novice
in an adventure suit.
But in the interests of investigative
journalism, both indulge in a spot of light
gravel trail for a few miles, which
demonstrates fairly quickly the GS, in
standard trim, is better suited to the
lumps and bumps. Its pegs are serrated
for better boot grip (although the rubber
can be removed from the Enduro’s pegs)
and the BMW’s bars are about an inch
higher than the Ducati’s (makes a huge
difference in terms of throttle control
and bike handling when you’re standing
on the pegs). And when both bikes are in
their off-road modes, the BMW has the
softer, more gentle suspension set-up
for managing big yumps and dips, while
its lower state of engine tune makes it
more comfortable at choffing its way
through the undergrowth on tickover.
The GS Adventure is more confident
and controlled when it hits puddles and
small jumps; the Ducati feels as if it has
the greater potential for getting silly.ERGONOMICS
With the R1250GS oneitherhighor
higher seat setting,it’sstillloftierthan
the Enduro’s unadjustable 8 60mm.The
GS also has slightlyhigherbarsbut
they’re closer to therider,makingan
upper body that feelsa touchmore
compact. However,theGS’shighseat
means the Endurohasa slightlymore
cramped leg position.Asa whole,the
Enduro chassis sitsclosertotheground
than the GS, whichcontributesto its
lower seat height.SPEC 2019 DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 ENDURO
Price £19,798 as tested (£17,901 base plus £1987 Touring Pack; panniers and heated grips) Engine 1262cc 90° V-twin, 4v per
cyl, Desmodromic, variable-valve, l/c Power (measured) 145bhp @ 9600rpm Torque (measured) 90lb·ft @ 7800rpm
Transmission 6-speed, chain Frame steel-tube trellis Front suspension 48mm forks, 185mm travel, semi-active rebound
and compression damping Rear suspension monoshock, 185mm travel, automatic preload semi-active compression and
rebound damping Front brakes 320mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers Rear brake 265mm disc, 2-piston caliper Front
tyre 120/70 ZR19 Rear tyre 170/60 ZR17 Wheelbase 1592mm Rake/trail 25 ̊/112mm Seat height 860mm Kerb weight
(measured) 289.2kg (48.4% front/51.6% rear) Fuel capacity 30 litresTheDucatiisthe
morefrantic of
thetwo — all
powerandnoise