Ducati Futa Limited Edition

One may think what they want about collaborations between motorcycle and bicycle manufacturers; Ducati's e-bikes are not just Ducati-branded status symbols, but rather high-end e-MTBs and e-road bikes. Behind the stylish and well-equipped products stands the company Thok, which has been specialized in designing e-bikes for enduro and all-mountain since 2017. The company not only provides Ducati with the frame basis but also the technical know-how as well as comprehensive service and support.

In 2022, Ducati expanded its range with an e-road bike named "Futa". The name is derived from the Futa Pass, a pass in the Apennine Mountains between Bologna and Florence. The Futa E-Racer is basically available in two models, equipped either with an FSA K-Force WE or a SRAM Rival eTap AXS group. Additionally, there was a limited edition Futa LTD Edition of 50 units with Ducati Corse paintwork, lower weight, and the exclusive Campagnolo EPS groupset; however, this is now sold out.

Nevertheless, we got our hands on "number 43" of the 11,999 euro e-road bike series, which we present to you below in the Bikeboard Showroom and would also like to test ride in the spring. Because even if the LTD Edition is no longer available, the LTD frame is absolutely identical to the standard models, and the FSA HM 1.0 motor also provides additional propulsion in other bikes.

Following the successful debut with the motor-assisted E-MTBs MIG-S, TK-01RR and Powerstage RR, Ducati decided to also offer its road-oriented customers a racing bike, with which they can enjoy cycling with friends without necessarily having to have the same level of fitness.

The Futa E-Racing bikes are powered by an FSA HM 1.0 rear hub motor with 250 watts and 42 Nm of torque, which is fed by a Li-ion battery with 252 Wh inside the downtube. Ducati states a range of up to 80 km, which can be doubled with a 250 Wh range extender. The Futa Limited Edition comes standard with this range extender, as well as a Garmin Edge Explorer, which has special maps and features pre-installed.

The five support levels can either be controlled via the main switch at the front on the top tube or by using the Garmin eBike remote control pre-installed on the left handlebar. The round remote control has 3 buttons: one for increasing or decreasing the current motor support, one for scrolling through the data pages of the Edge bicycle computer, and one for activating a custom third option. The eBike remote control is always ready for use, as it is powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery that lasts up to a year and features an automatic sleep mode.

The FSA main battery of the comparatively lightweight drive system, which weighs only 2.4 kg, is said to be able to charge within 4 hours and allows data display both on the Garmin Edge and via the FSA App on the smartphone.

Futa LTD Edition

* Frame size Medium, incl. tubes and Garmin eBike Remote Control

In contrast to other E-Bikes from Ducati, the Futa presents itself as an independent model, exclusively available through Ducati within Europe. The frame and fork are made of UD carbon and feature aerodynamic profiles. The robust frame set, specifically designed for E-road bikes, is characterized by dropped seat stays, promising high comfort and improved aerodynamics. However, there are no details on how the aerodynamics were measured or enhanced, nor is there any information about the weights of the frame and fork.

To ensure a clean aesthetic as well as aerodynamic advantages, all cables and lines were internally routed. The Futa makes a high-quality impression at first glance and convinces upon closer inspection: The frame and its paintwork appear cleanly processed, the edges are accurate and smooth, and it presents itself almost like a conventional road bike. Factory-wise, the Futa LTD is delivered with 35 mm wide TLR tires from Pirelli, while the frame and fork visually offer enough space for significantly wider tires.

The Futa LTD is available in three sizes, from Medium to X-Large, while Ducati also offers the Small size for the standard variant. With a height of 175 cm, NoPain falls pretty much into the Medium category, which is recommended for riders from 168 to 177 cm. According to Ducati, it features a sporty endurance geometry, offering a balanced mix of endurance, comfort, aerodynamics, and performance. This statement also aligns with many of the specified values: A reach of 377 mm in size Medium is similarly short as the Merida Scultura Endurance in M - however, without motor support. The stack of 562 mm is also at the lower end of the spectrum.

Geometry

Despite the comparatively long 419 mm chainstays, the Futa nevertheless has a surprisingly short wheelbase of only 1,002 mm in size Medium, which for an endurance bike tends to indicate a lively ride. In comparison, the Scott Solace eRide has a wheelbase of 1,037 mm in size Medium, which is probably due to the advantage of the hub motor (FSA) over the TQ mid-drive motor installed in the Scott.

((This is a report on the first electric racing bike by motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.)){{Undoubtedly, the Ducati Futa LTD is not a bargain in terms of price, but it is equipped with the finest components that FSA, Vision, and Campagnolo have to offer.

In addition to the extensive equipment with the FSA Range Extender, the Garmin eBike remote control, and a Garmin Edge Explorer bike computer, the noble e-racer features an electronic Campagnolo Super Record EPS groupset with 2x12 gears, a Super Record UT Ti 52/36 carbon crankset, a K-Force WE cassette with 11-32 teeth, as well as an FSA chain. Aerodynamic Vision Metron 40 SL wheels with carbon rims and the Vision Metron Carbon 5D cockpit with integrated stem and aero computer mount complete the package.

We are already looking forward to bright sunshine and warmer temperatures to extensively test the Ducati Futa LTD E-Road bike. In the spring, you can learn more on Bikeboard about our experiences with the motor support of the FSA hub motor and generally about the riding characteristics of this Italian E-racer. Stay tuned!