Ducati, the traditional motorbike manufacturer based in Borgo Panigale near Bologna, has been cultivating a small, fine line of e-bikes for a number of years now, which are manufactured by the Italian E-bike manufacturer Thok are produced. The latest addition to this line is the Futa e-road bike. The bike is named after the Futa Pass, the road that crosses the Apennine mountain range between Bologna and Florence and is known and loved by many motorised Ducatisti.
The Futa is based on a UD monocoque frame made of carbon fibre. The design and the tube shapes and cross-sections emphasise the aerodynamics, while the grey, black and red paintwork incorporates typical design elements of Ducati motorbikes.
Motor and components from FSA
The compact and, at 3.98 kilograms, comparatively light rear hub motor with 250 watts and 42 newton metres of torque is supplied by FSA (HM 1.0 system), while the 250 Wh battery is integrated into the down tube. An optional range extender with 250 Wh is available as an accessory. The drive has five support levels, which can be selected via the Garmin controller on the handlebars. The associated FSA app provides information on all relevant riding data and the remaining battery life. It is also possible to download software updates via the app.
The bike is equipped with the K-Force-WE group from FSAwhose 2x12 gears are operated wirelessly and electronically. The cranks and brake levers are made of carbon fibre. Hydraulic disc brakes with 160 millimetre discs round off the equipment. The AGX30 carbon wheels from Vision are fitted with 35 millimetre wide Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR tyres. According to the manufacturer, the total weight of the e-road bike is 12.4 kilos.
Launch of the Futa e-road bike: limited edition special model
However, Ducati would not be the well-known exclusive (motorbike) manufacturer if it had not also produced a limited edition of the new Futa with only 50 units. The special model is available with Campagnolo's Super Record EPS rolls on Metron 40 SL wheels from Vision and weighs 12.2 kilograms according to the manufacturer. The range extender comes as standard on this model, as does the Garmin Edge Explore bike computer on the handlebars.
The models are available through the Ducati dealer network and online at www.ebike.ducati.com can be ordered. The Futa is available for 7,690 euros, the lighter, limited edition of the Futa for 11,990 euros.
Thomas Musch
Publisher
