The Ducati DesertX is a travel enduro with a 110 hp V2 engine and visual references to Dakar Rally machines. The test drive shows how the bike performs on the road and off-road. Plus: pictures, data, price.
- Perfect for off-road use
- Cultivated engine and six driving modes
- Extensive accessories list
Since exhibiting an off-road concept bike in the style of the Dakar racing machines from the 1980s at the EICMA in Milan in 2019, Ducati has had no peace: off-road fans from all over the world bombarded those responsible with inquiries and gave well-intentioned advice. As a result of the euphoria, the series-ready offshoot, the Ducati DesertX, was created in a record time of just two years of development in 2022.
Visually modelled on the concept bike and its historical models, the white Italian with red decorative stripes has a striking double headlight integrated into the front fairing with a towering windshield. This is reminiscent of the Cagiva Elefant, which won the 1990 Dakar Rally under Edi Orioli with a 900cc Ducati V2 engine . Its shape is dominated by the mighty tank and shows the typical narrow, long-legged look of a real off-road motorcycle, which is complemented by the coarsely profiled off-road tyres of 21 inches at the front and 18 at the rear.
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The DesertX is ideal for off-road use
The chassis is designed for real off-road use. With a steel tubular frame, optimal steering geometry and high-quality, fully adjustable Kayaba suspension elements with plenty of suspension travel at the front and rear for a ground clearance of 25 centimeters, the DesertX is well positioned for driving on rough terrain. However, this design results in a considerable seat height of 87.5 centimeters , which makes stopping a challenge even for those with long legs. When driving, the ergonomic triangle of footrests, seat and wide handlebars provides generous space that is definitely suitable for long journeys and good wind protection behind the non-adjustable screen.
In the test: 110 hp engine and six driving modes
The driving dynamics are provided by the 937 cc, 110 hp Desmo-V, known from the latest Monster , the Hypermotard, the SuperSport 950 and the Multistrada V2. This drive comes from the road, but was designed for off-road use with shorter first and second gears . As in the other models, the twin is highly refined, delivers plenty of power even at low revs and revs nicely linearly through the rev range. In order to do justice to the various purposes, the driver has four engine modes at his disposal, which significantly change the character.
Bundled in six driving modes – two off-road, three asphalt and one rain mode – various electronic settings are stored and can also be customized for engine braking, traction control, wheelie control, quickshifter and cornering ABS. In touring mode, the engine gently responds to the accelerator and uses the maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6500 rpm on asphalt for easy-to-control driving pleasure.
Things are more spontaneous, but also a little more fussy in Sport mode. Then the Ducati races along winding country roads with verve and a full 110 hp, behaving so obediently and neutrally that you almost forget the large 21-inch front wheel. Great praise is due to the Pirelli Scorpion Rallye STR , which enables lean angles that are not typical for off-road driving with their amazing grip.
The steering damper is hardly needed here, especially since the long wheelbase ensures a lot of stability anyway, but makes the DesertX a bit stubborn. The four-piston fixed callipers in the front wheel are perfect for driving on asphalt; they can be dosed precisely and decelerate extremely crisply when required.
Special off-road ABS
The Enduro mode is used on unpaved tracks, gravel and sand paths, which limits the twin to 75 hp and adjusts the ABS specifically for off-road use. While still using the accelerator spontaneously, the adapted traction control allows controlled slides on loose surfaces, which, thanks to the clean control, cannot even scare off-road beginners.
The off-road ABS helps even less experienced riders to get through the course safely and without falling. The DesertX handles deep potholes and gullies very well thanks to the excellent suspension elements , and the steering damper pays off here by preventing the front from wedging.
Ducati DesertX: Technical data, price
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| engine/transmission | Liquid-cooled 90° two-cylinder engine, 937 cc displacement, 81 kW/110 hp at 9250 rpm, max. torque 92 Nm at 6500 rpm; four valves/cylinder, desmodromic control, injection, six-speed gearbox, chain |
| performance and consumption | Top speed 210 km/h, 5.6 l/100 km |
| chassis | Steel trellis frame; 46 mm USD telescopic fork at the front, fully adjustable, 230 mm travel; cast aluminum double-sided swing arm at the rear, central spring strut fully adjustable, 220 mm travel; spoked wheels; tires 90/90-21 (front) and 150/70 R18 (rear). 320 mm double disc brake at the front, 265 mm single disc brake at the rear |
| dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1608 mm, seat height 875 mm, weight ready to drive 223 kg, payload 240 kg; tank capacity 21 l |
| assistance systems | Switchable cornering ABS, switchable traction control, six driving modes |
| Price | 16,790 euros |
Many additional features
The DesertX’s profile can be sharpened to your liking with all kinds of tailor-made accessories . The range extends from aluminum panniers to a rally seat, additional LED headlights and an additional tank at the rear. Unfortunately, a few essential travel features such as heated grips and the center stand are only available as accessories, but that doesn’t detract from the debut appearance.
Conclusion: Successful travel bike
As a great blend of street motorcycle and serious adventure bike, the DesertX opens up a field that Ducati had not previously explored – even if the price of around 17,000 euros reaches Ducati-typical regions.
