Back in November, when Ducati unveiled its 2019 range, an unassuming model sat among the more powerful two-wheelers on display. It was an e-bike, but not of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire or Kymco SuperNEX variety. Rather, the MIG-RR is an enduro e-mountain bike—the first to be produced by Ducati.
“E-mountain bikes let cyclists take on climbs that, without the motor boost, wouldn’t be possible, and at the same time, they allow everyone to live the off-road on two wheels in total freedom,” the Italian motorcycle manufacturer says, adding that sales of “e-mtbs” are booming around the world, which is why it has decided to enter this market.
A collaboration between Ducati and Thok E-Bikes, the MIG-RR is based on the latter’s MIG pedal-assist models, and wears an exclusive livery designed by Aldo Drudi with the Ducati Design Center. Electric assistance comes from a 250-watt Shimano Steps E800 motor that puts out 70Nm and gets power from a 504Wh battery mounted below the diagonal tube of the bike’s frame. The battery cover’s design and mounting are “derived from the systems used on the fairings of the MotoGP Desmosedici.”
The front end gets a Fox 36 Factory Series Kashima fork with 170mm of travel, while the rear Horst-link suspension comes with a Fox DPX2 Factory Series shock absorber with 160mm of travel. The Mavic E-XA Drifter wheels—29 inches by 30mm in front, and 27.5 inches by 35mm in the back—are shod with Maxxis tires. Other high-performance parts include an 11-speed Shimano XT gear set, Rental Fatbar Lite Carbon 35 handlebars, and four-caliper Shimano Saint brakes.
Pricing for Thok’s top-of-the-line model, the MIG-R, starts at €5,250 (P315,305). The MIG-RR, meanwhile, has an asking price of €6,250 (P375,365). Ducati has confirmed that the model will go on sale in Europe from April 2019.
