Triumph Tiger 800 XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S Comparison – EXCLUSIVE

The scene of Adventure biking in India is getting better by the day. Not only the new generation, but many experienced riders too are also upgrading from basic motorcycles to premium ones. This is pushing the demand for more features and better products. An evolved adventure biker mostly looks for an upgrade periodically. If you are one, then obviously you would want to settle for nothing but the best. We pit two such adventure motorcycles against each other – which are arguably the best in the business. Let’s see the Triumph Tiger XCA vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S comparison.

Triumph Tiger XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S Design

Lets begin with the styling and design of the two. The Tiger is huge bike with very tall proportions. It looks purposeful and is quite butchy too. Broad seats, adjustable windshield with a wide handlebar are typical traits of an adventure motorcycle and they do don the Tiger. This is one macho motorcycle. On the other hand the Ducati Multistrada has a different approach.  It has sleeker styling which makes it look more sophisticated.  It literally screams out that it is Italian! The design language and lines on this bike are fabulous. A beak type front and elegant body line is exquisite.

In terms of features, the Tiger offers a detailed information display, cruise control, diff riding modes, 3 power sockets, it has good engine protection too. It also has switchable ABS and traction control, heated grips and seats.The Ducati Multistrada offers twin led headlamps,  a multimedia system with Bluetooth, music selection n sms reader. It has 4 riding modes. It has a more advanced ride by wire tech and also has a keyless access. There’s also a feature called wheelie control which calculates the incline angle and accordingly adjusts throttle response to prevent a topple during a wheelie.

The Tiger has a higher seat height than the Multistrada and can get a bit tricky for shorter riders.

Triumph Tiger XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S Engine

The Tiger XCa is a 800cc, 3-cylinder unit, that churns out 94bhp of power at 9250rpm and 79Nm of torque at 7850 rpm. This engine comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. The engine of the Tiger is a very refined unit and is pleasure to ride. There is good amount of torque available and the refined engine note is boon on long rides.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200S has a 1200cc twin-cylinder engine with DVT (Desmodromic Variable valve Timing), which is the first of its kind. It generates 160bhp of raw power at 9500rpm and a massive 136Nm of torque at 7500 rpm.  A six-speed gearbox does duty here and offers a slipper clutch as well.

  The exhaust has a ‘rat-a-tat’ kind of deep note which is pretty loud and performance buffs will love it. The DVT optimizes power n offers a better spread of torque. It also longer service intervals of 15000kms. In terms of outright performance, the Mutistrada has the upper hand here.

Triumph Tiger XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S Ride and Handling

The Tiger is more suited for extreme off road this is evident from the larger 21-inch front wheel which gives better leverage while encountering difficult surfaces, variable surface height, boulders etc. The long travel adjustable suspension system does it duty well. The Multistrada tilts more towards on road mannerisms offering better cornering abilities.

But having said that,  the way the suspension is tuned on the Multistrada, makes is easy to ride off road too.

Also the higher torque helps the bike overcome most terrains with ease. The Multistrada is also easier to ride standing compared to the Tiger,  mainly because the footpeg position is not as back set as theTiger’s. However, the foot space is much better on the Tiger and operating the brake and gear lever while standing is easier on the Tiger.

Both bikes are great to ride. The Ducati though has a better weight distribution and hence doesn’t feel heavy as it weighs 189 kgs, which is lighter than that of 221 kgs of the Tiger. The Multistrada also feels more confidence inspiring while leaning into corners. Both have multiple riding modes.

Triumph Tiger XCa vs Ducati Multistrada 1200S Price

Both bikes fall in similar price brackets. The Tiger 800 XCa costs 16.14 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai) and the Multistrada 1200S costs 18.5 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai). What u get extra is better performance, loads of equipment and exquisite styling.

There is another version of the Multistrada – the 1200 which is available at 16.6 lakhs (on-road, Mumbai) almost identical to the Tiger 800 XCA. The only things missing are some of the top end gizmos. But u get the same performance of the 1200S.

Verdict

Well, both the Triumph Tiger XCa and Ducati Multistrada 1200S are well equipped, accomplished adventure motorcycles. If you prefer taking your bike away from roads and are more into off-roading, then the Tiger is more suitable. However, if your on-road travel is higher and you desire better performance, on-road mannerisms and features, then Multistrada 1200S will suit you the most. Also, considering the value for the money you pay, the Ducati Multistrada 1200S comes out on top.