Ducati Latest Electric Bikes

[Hugh Janus]

No need to worry about desmodromic valve-adjustment intervals with Ducati’s latest streetbike. The pedal-assist Futa is light, fast, powerful, and gorgeous, just what you want in a Duc. (Ducati/)

We already know that Ducati is developing racebikes for the MotoE series. Rumor has it former racer Alex de Angelis has already secretly tested the first prototype on an Italian racetrack. The project, developed with Dorna’s full support, may eventually lead to a line of electric Ducati sportbikes for the street. Ducati is expected to take full advantage of parent company Audi’s experience with battery-powered electric vehicles.

Yet Ducati is already in the ebike business. Back in 2019, the folks in Borgo Panigale established a partnership with Thok E-Bikes to coproduce pedal-assisted bicycles, primarily high-end off-road models. This partnership took a big step forward in 2022 when the existing MIG-S and TK-01RR models received major upgrades, and a new road model, the Futa, was also added.

The Ducati MIG-S

The Ducati MIG-S is an all-mountain ebike designed to negotiate difficult trails. For 2022, it gets the latest Shimano EP8 drive unit; the 5.7-pound component can generate 6.2 pound-feet of torque. Also new is a 630 watt-hour Shimano battery. The new MIG-S now features fully adjustable RockShox 35 RC fork and RockShox Super Deluxe rear shock.

Related: Italdesign Gives Us an Electric Ducati

The MIG-S is Ducati’s all-rounder. A Shimano drive unit and battery are improvements this year. Look closely, and you’ll see the front wheel is larger in diameter than the rear, like a gasoline-engined dirt bike. (Ducati/)

Wheel travel is 150mm at the front and 140mm at the rear. The bike uses a “mullet” wheel setup, with a 29-inch wheel up front and a 27.5-inch rear, both equipped with Pirelli Scorpion tires. SRAM supplies both the 12-speed “transmission” and the powerful braking system, the latter based on a pair of 203mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers.

The TK-01RR Limited Edition

The TK-01 RR uses an Öhlins DH38 air fork and Öhlins shock—legit premium components. Also note the dual triple clamps joining the fork to the frame—just like a “real” dirt bike. (Ducati/)

For the e-enduro specialists, Ducati has developed the highly sophisticated TK-01RR Limited Edition, equipped with an Öhlins DH38 air fork and Öhlins TTX spring shock, good for 180mm of front-wheel travel and 170mm of travel at the rear.

The fork features a double-triple clamp steering-head design for extra rigidity and steering precision, while Shimano supplies its latest Di2 XT 11-speed electronic shifter. Given the extreme downhill capability of the bike, theTK-01RR wears a powerful Magura MT7 braking system with a 220mm front and 203mm rear disc teamed with four-piston calipers. Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels with carbon fiber rims come as standard equipment.

Related: Ducati CEO on MotoE and Electric Bike Plans

Magura components will be a familiar name to some old-school motorcyclists, and you can find them again on Ducati’s TK-01RR. The bike uses Magura disc brakes front and rear. (Ducati/)

One for the Road

Ducati’s sporty road ebike is a total novelty. It’s named the Futa, after the Apennines Futa Pass where Ducatisti meet to challenge other motorcyclists in wild hill climb competitions. The Ducati Futa is a top-quality roadgoing ebike that features a carbon fiber frame offering high torsional rigidity, but which also caters to rider comfort, especially with its carbon fiber handlebar.

Named after the famous Apennine mountain pass, the new Futa is designed to climb. Its lightweight, carbon fiber frame and plentiful power help it do so. (Ducati/)

The FSA System HM 1.0 electric motor is located in the rear hub. It delivers 250W and 3.1 pound-feet of peak torque, powered by a 250Wh FSA battery integrated in the downtube. An additional 250 watt-hour range extender is also available. The motor pairs with a wireless electronic-shifting 12-speed freewheel. Using the Garmin control system on the handlebar, the rider can select from five assistance modes.

The Futa weighs just 26.3 pounds, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber components. Its design is also refined to offer the lowest possible wind resistance. Vision carbon fiber AGX30 wheels use Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR tires. The Futa will also be available in a special limited edition of 50 numbered units, which will weigh about 2 pounds less. These bikes will also feature sophisticated components like the Campagnolo Super Record EPS electromechanical gruppo, a benchmark in terms of performance built with ceramic bearings and extensive titanium construction.

Related: Ducati MIG-RR Electric Mountain Bike Review

When was the last time Ducati made a serious dirt bike? Today, if you’re talking about the MIG-S. (Ducati/)

Ducati’s electric motorcycle for public consumption is still quite a ways off; for now, if you want an electric Duc, you’ll have to pedal.

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[Sir Fallsalot]

Ducati and electric doesn't bear thinking about 

[Buckster]

I would look hella cool in my Lycra on one of those.

[Catteeclan]