Ducati means business
With its new e-enduros, Ducati is setting itself apart from other brands and finally building bikes in its own right. On paper, the carbon platform, three flip-chips and the Avinox M2S drive system add up to a technically ambitious overall package – albeit one with correspondingly high price tags. One clear advantage: the Ducati bikes are set to be available in traditional bike shops as well, not just at motorbike dealerships. This is good news for service and availability. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
Ducati in the e-MTB market? That’s nothing new, at least not at first glance. The Bologna-based motorbike brand already had several electric mountain bikes in its range, which were technically closely related to models from the Italian manufacturer Thok. It all began in 2018 with the Ducati MIG RR, based on the Thok MIG.
With the new generation, however, the relaunch is significantly more comprehensive: in collaboration with Gruppo Zecchetto, a new range of bicycles has been developed, which includes not only road bikes and gravel bikes but also the two e-MTBs, the DM-160 R and DM-170 RR. The Italian group of companies brings together, amongst others, DMT, Alé Cycling and the carbon specialist Diamant, and is responsible for development and production at Ducati Cycling.
Ducati DM-160 R and DM-170 RR: One platform, two personalities
Both e-MTBs are based on the same full-carbon frame, but are designed to cater to different uses. The DM-160 R comes as standard with two 29-inch wheels and is designed as a versatile, touring-capable and powerful all-mountain bike. The DM-170 RR, on the other hand, features a ‘mullet’ wheel set with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. With more suspension travel and Öhlins suspension, it is designed for challenging enduro trails, jumps and fast descents.
What’s particularly interesting is the frame’s adaptability. No fewer than three flip chips alter the suspension progression, the geometry and the wheel configuration. This means the platform can not only be set to a high or low position, but also tailored to different rear wheel sizes and a rear suspension that is more or less progressive.
This is technically more complex than the single geometry adjustment commonly found on many competitors’ models. However, it does require the owner to actually get to grips with the set-up and suspension tuning. Anyone who makes consistent use of the adjustment options should be able to tailor both Ducati models relatively precisely to their riding style, terrain and wheel preferences. Thanks to the Progression flip-chip, it should also be possible to use a steel spring.
The rear suspension operates as a four-bar linkage with a Horst-Link. The DM-160 R is specified as having 152 millimetres of rear travel, whilst the DM-170 RR offers 170 millimetres. With an anti-squat value of around 116 per cent at sag, the platform is designed to provide sufficient support whilst pedalling and on technical climbs.
Avinox M2S: Up to 150 Newton-metres in boost mode
When it comes to the drive system, Ducati has opted for one of the most powerful full-power systems currently available. The Avinox M2S, combined with the permanently integrated 800 Wh battery, delivers up to 130 Newton metres of torque and a peak power output of 1,300 watts. In the time-limited boost mode, up to 150 Newton metres are reportedly available for short bursts.
Our in-depth review shows how the second generation of the compact DJI drive performs in practice Review of the Avinox M2S. There, the motor impressed not only with its brute peak power, but also with modulation that had been further improved compared to the Avinox M1. The system is complemented by adaptive assistance modes, a comprehensive suite of sensors and a touchscreen integrated into the frame. The power characteristics of the individual ride modes can be adjusted via the accompanying app. With such a powerful drive system in particular, this feature is more than just a gimmick. A slightly more restrained setting may be the better choice on loose, steep or winding uphill sections.
Both Ducati models are powered by an 800 Wh battery. It is neatly integrated into the down tube, though it is not designed to be removed quickly. This ensures a clean frame design and potentially saves weight as well as eliminating the need for additional connection points. However, anyone who needs to remove the battery from the bike regularly to charge it, frequently transports the bike in a car or plans longer journeys should take the permanently integrated battery into account when making their purchase decision. Especially as the large battery accounts for a significant proportion of the bike’s total weight.
Ducati DM-160 R: Full 29 and robust specifications
On the DM-160 R, priced at 7,990 euros, a RockShox Zeb Select with a 38-millimetre chassis and 160 millimetres of travel handles the front suspension. At the rear is a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ measuring 205 x 60 millimetres. As well as rebound and compression adjustments, the shock features a Threshold lever that allows the rear suspension to be stiffened for longer climbs.
Shifting is handled mechanically via SRAM’s robust Eagle 90 drivetrain. This is complemented by Maven Base four-piston brakes with 200-millimetre discs, FSA NS i30 aluminium wheels and 2.4-inch-wide Continental Kryptotal tyres. A KS Rage-i seatpost offers 170 millimetres of travel in sizes S1 and S2, whilst size S3 offers 190 millimetres.
The geometry is modern, but not experimental. In size S2, Ducati combines a 477-millimetre reach with a 64-degree caster angle, a 78.5-degree virtual seat angle and 449-millimetre chainstays. As a result, the DM-160 R is unlikely to feel like a lively trail bike, but rather should offer plenty of traction, a smooth ride and a central riding position. The two large wheels are well suited to this approach: they should roll efficiently over steps and rocks on rough terrain and give the bike a good-natured character on long rides.
Ducati DM-170 RR: Mullet, Öhlins and AXS
The DM-170 RR is not only the more downhill-oriented version, but also the visibly more upmarket one – the Öhlins suspension is likely to appeal particularly to motorbike enthusiasts. At the front is an Öhlins RXF38 Air M.3 with 170 millimetres of travel, TTX18 damping and a three-chamber air spring. At the rear is an Öhlins TTX2 Air measuring 205 x 65 millimetres, also with 170 millimetres of suspension travel and Ducati-specific tuning.
The suspension offers a wide range of adjustment options and is therefore likely to require considerably more time to set up than the RockShox combination on the DM-160 R. In return, experienced riders can tailor the suspension more precisely to their riding style and the terrain. The RR’s spec also includes an electronic SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain, Maven Bronze brakes and an 800-millimetre-wide FSA Gradient carbon handlebar. Handy: the AXS rear derailleur is powered directly from the bike’s main battery. This eliminates the need for a separate derailleur battery, which might run out of power before the ride.
With a head angle of 63.5 degrees, the DM-170 RR has a rather slack geometry. At the same time, the reach and chainstays in size S2 are reduced to 471 and 442 millimetres respectively. However, you probably shouldn’t expect too much playfulness from the short rear end, likely due to the flat head angle and generous suspension travel.
A surprise when it comes to weight
Ducati states that the DM-160 R in size S2, excluding pedals, weighs 23.4 kilogrammes. The better-equipped DM-170 RR is said to be 600 grammes lighter at 22.8 kilogrammes, despite having more suspension travel. For e-MTBs with an 800 Wh battery, both figures are certainly impressive. This is particularly true given the robust suspension, the sturdy tyres and the spec designed for challenging descents. However, the manufacturer’s figures still need to be confirmed under real-world conditions.
The range of sizes on offer is less extensive. Ducati only offers the S1, S2 and S3. Whilst the reach measurements, ranging from around 450 to just over 500 millimetres, cover a comparatively wide spectrum, very small riders should nevertheless check carefully whether the S1 actually fits them, given the 29-inch front wheel and the 390-millimetre-long seat tube.
The same applies at the other end of the size chart. Whilst three frame sizes can, in theory, accommodate a wide range of body heights, they do not allow for as many fine gradations as the four or five sizes offered by some competitors.
Prices and availability
The Ducati DM-160 R costs 7,990 euros and is available in Matte Red Black. The DM-170 RR, finished in Nardò Grey Black, is priced at 9,490 euros. Both models are due to be available from October 2026 and will be sold through authorised bicycle retailers, the Ducati dealer network and the Ducati Cycling online shop.
A comparison of the Ducati DM-160 R and DM-170 RR
| Frame | UD Carbon | UD Carbon |
| Engine | Avinox M2S | Avinox M2S |
| Battery | 800 Wh, permanently integrated | 800 Wh, permanently integrated |
| Bicycle wheels | 29/29 inches | 29/27.5 inches |
| Fork | RockShox Zeb Select, 160 mm | Öhlins RXF38 Air M.3, 170 mm |
| Damper | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ | Öhlins TTX2 Air |
| Circuit | SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type | SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type |
| Brakes | SRAM Maven Base | SRAM Maven Bronze |
| Weight | 23.4 kg | 22.8 kg |
| Sizes | S1, S2, S3 | S1, S2, S3 |
| Price | 7,990 euros | 9,490 euros |
Weights as stated by the manufacturer for size S2, excluding pedals.
Adrian Kaether
Editor