E-MTB / Test: The Ducati Powerstage RR stands out from other E-MTBs not only because of its striking appearance. Its exclusive equipment also makes the enduro, which is limited to 230 units, something special - but unfortunately also with a crucial disadvantage.
Ducati has been cooperating with the Italian manufacturer Thok in the area of e-bikes and e-MTBs for several years. The Powerstage RR is also based on the EEnduro Thok Gram, but gets its own paint job, fairly exclusive components and a hefty price tag of just under 12.000 euros. The bike is also limited to just 230 units. For the drive, Ducati relies on the quality of Shimano with the EP801 and the matching original battery, which can be removed from the down tube and has a capacity of 630 Wh.
Exclusive components
They just exist, these bikes that look like they're fast and fun even when they're stationary. That's exactly the case with the Ducati Powerstage RR: Even if the striking full carbon frame may not suit every biker's taste, it still stands out from the crowd. Its key data and the components installed on it clearly show where the bike, which weighs around 25 kg, is at home. 180 mm of suspension travel at the front, 170 at the rear, Mullet wheels with thick Pirelli tires and suspension components from Öhlins literally scream enduro.
Given the high price, it is not surprising that the Powerstage RR is equipped with fine components. But it actually exudes an exclusive touch, because many of them are not found on production bikes or are only found very rarely. This applies to the Öhlins chassis with steel spring dampers as well as to the E-MTB tires from Pirelli and the brakes from the Italian manufacturer Braking, whose products are otherwise responsible, among other things, for decelerating racing machines in MotoGP. Other premium parts like the Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheels seem almost ordinary. The fact that the actually good GX Eagle AXS circuit is installed is a bit disappointing given the very high price. Here we would have at least hoped for the new transmission variant, especially because the Ducati Powerstage RR is equipped with a UDH derailleur hanger.
| Frame | Thok Gram |
| Fork | Öhlins RXF38 |
| Drive | Shimano EP801 |
| Battery | 640 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Öhlins TTX22M |
| Wheels | Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon |
| Tire VR | Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S HyperWall |
| Tire HR | Pirelli Scorpion E-MTB S HyperWall |
| Derailleur | Sram GX Eagle AXS |
| Shifter | Sram AXS controllers |
| Crank | Shimano |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Braking First |
| Brake discs | 203 / 203 mm |
| Seatpost | OEM 175mm (L) |
| Saddle | Ducati |
| Stem | Ducati |
| Handlebar | Renthal Carbon 35mm |
The Ducati Powerstage RR on the trail
| M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 415 | 430 | 475 |
| Reach (mm) | 455 | 475 | 495 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 625 | 638 | 656 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| Bottom bracket drop (in mm) | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 450 | 450 | 450 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1246 | 1275 | 1300 |
Rarely have we found it as difficult to evaluate the driving characteristics as with the Ducati Powerstage RR. Because its extremely stiff frame with great geometry and the extremely sensitive but powerful chassis actually lay the foundation for an absolute top enduro that could keep up with the best in its class. But unfortunately Braking's brakes were not convincing - at best they only delivered sufficient performance. Despite being vented several times, they were often unpredictable and thus significantly hindered the enjoyment of driving. The very hard rubber compound of the tires also noticeably spoiled the driving pleasure, especially in wet conditions.
That's an incredible shame, because the bike has enormous potential with its great geometry and otherwise great features. Even uphill, it cuts a really good figure despite its large suspension travel reserves. This is partly due to the very central seating position, but also to the powerful Shimano EP801 motor.
