Ducati TK-01 RR E-MTB on test: Downhill fun with a motocross look

Test / E-MTB: With the second E-MTB in the company's history, the Italians from Ducati are emphasizing their claim to build on the successes from the motorcycle sector. With fine components, a successful look and plenty of spring travel, the Ducati TK-01 RR is a real downhill artist.

Motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has also been involved with e-MTBs for a long time. The Italians have been active here since 2019 and work closely with their compatriots from Thok. This cooperation resulted, among other things, in the Mig-S E-Enduro, which is now getting its successor this year with the Ducati TR-01 RR. Nothing has changed in the basics: Maximum downhill fun meets a powerful Shimano motor and a flashy look that will certainly not only appeal to Ducati fans.

Motocross genes and plenty of trail potential

The basis is a completely redesigned aluminum frame, which was designed for use in rough terrain. This is not only evident when you look at the suspension travel: the E-Enduro from Ducati offers a whopping 170 mm at the rear and 180 mm at the front. Similarly, the wheel size mix with 29 inches at the front and 27,5 inches at the rear also indicates such tough qualities. Wheels of different sizes are now almost standard this season on a modern E-MTB in this spring travel range - however, Ducati and Thok already had this in 2019 with their predecessors and were therefore one of the trendsetters. This may also be due to the motocross experience of the Italians, who have been using this trick for many years.

When it comes to the drive, Ducati remains true to Shimano and uses the EP8, the current top motor from the bicycle giant. This is an excellent match for a sporty E-MTB like the TK-01 RR, because its strengths clearly lie in its dynamics and liveliness. With a torque of 85 Nm, it is also one of the most powerful units on the market. The fact that it can be integrated neatly and unobtrusively into the frame due to its compact dimensions pleases the eye of the beholder.

The motor on the Ducati TK-01 RR is combined with a 630 Wh battery, which also comes from Shimano. This is completely integrated in the down tube, so the distinctive "belly" of the predecessor with its semi-integrated integration is history. However, the look of the new Ducati E-MTB is no less striking, on the contrary: This is not only ensured by the consistent color scheme, but also by the two fenders on the down tube. These are designed to keep dirt and mud out of the rider's face and are to be understood as a small homage to the motorcycles from the company.

Balanced geometry

There are no experiments in terms of geometry and only a few adjustments have been made compared to the predecessor: The steering angle is a little slacker, the chain stays a little shorter. The rather short main frame by today's standards is quite remarkable - that promises a lot of agility, especially for an E-MTB with as much suspension travel as the Ducati.

Noble equipment far away from the mainstream

With a price of 01 euros, the Ducati TK-7.499 RR is quite an expensive undertaking - but you also get a high-quality equipment package with some components that you don't often find on complete bikes. This also applies directly to the suspension from Öhlins: Close relationships are also maintained with the Swedes in the motorcycle segment, so it is not too big a surprise that the RXF38 Air fork at the front and the TTX Air damper are used here gets full Öhlins power at the rear. The fork comes with thick 38mm stanchions, which promises a lot of rigidity and, like the damper, offers a lot of adjustment options. What off-road professionals and chassis experts should be happy about could be a bit overwhelming for newcomers at first. One or the other test drive may be necessary here until you have found your personal desired setup.

In addition to the motor and battery, the gears and brakes are also made by Shimano. With the XT M8120 you can look forward to one of the most powerful brake systems, which is also combined with large discs at the front and rear. Long descents shouldn't be a problem. A 12-speed mix with SLX and XT components is used for the circuit; the bandwidth is excellent at 510% and there is absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to switching performance.

The choice of wheels is interesting: With the Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy, there is an extremely high-quality wheel set that was specially developed for E-MTBs and has a few special features. The front wheel and rear wheel are not only different in size, there are also differences in the rim width and the number of spokes. How come? Crankbrothers relies on a very stiff front wheel for the greatest possible steering precision and a slightly more flexible rear wheel to increase comfort. The rims are fitted with tires from Pirelli, namely the Scorpion E-MTB S with a width of 2,6 inches.

We were a bit surprised when we looked at the scales: At just under 26 kilograms, the Ducati TK-01 RR is quite a heavy E-MTB by today's standards, which we didn't necessarily expect given the noble equipment.

The Ducati TK-01 RR on the trail

You can also feel the mentioned weight on the trail, but that's not necessarily a negative thing: combined with the sporty geometry and the great chassis, the Ducati comes pretty close to a "trail vacuum cleaner". line choice? Secondary! The Italians' bike irons out even the roughest of bumps and rarely falters. Speaking of silence: Unfortunately, the clearly perceptible engine clatter (as with almost every EP8 E-MTB) spoils the downhill fun a bit. You also need a bit of patience when adjusting the fork and damper - but once the setup is found, you can look forward to top performance.

The Ducati is similarly good-natured on climbs, where the EP8 motor can also fully demonstrate its strengths. Finely dosed but with a good punch, for example if you want to climb stairs.

We are a bit ambivalent when it comes to the tires: They offer good cushioning and decent grip on dry trails with firm ground, but they reach their limits in the wet and/or on deep ground - especially when you pick up the right speed. On the other hand, the poisonous brakes, which pack a lot, have no trouble at high speeds.