Ducati Goes Desert‑Hopped with the All‑Around Beast
For years, Ducati’s flirtation with dirt came down to the Multistrada Enduro and the Scrambler, but the brand’s newest square‑off is a whole new beast. The DesertX is Ducati’s first real one‑stop, all‑terrain machine that’s built to roam wherever the road (or sand) takes you.
What Is This “Dakar‑Lite” Revolution?
In Ducati’s eye, “Dakar‑Lite” means a mid‑weight adventure bike that packs a punch on gravel, sand, and city streets while keeping a friendly weight. Think less of the heavyweight HRC trailblazers and more of a nimble sidekick that still feels the thrill of a rally.
- Yamaha Tenere 700 – a lightweight, off‑road legend.
- KTM 890 Adventure R – straddles the sport‑touring line.
- MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 – set to join the lineup soon.
DesertX: Cheap‑in‑The‑Weight, Big‑on‑The‑Trail
Only love, no mehh. The DesertX offers the same touring chops you’d expect from a BMW F850 GS or a Triumph Tiger but with a lighter frame and a tastier off‑road snort. It’s the “slim‑tail” version of a high‑powered adventure, perfect for those who want to hit the road and then hit the dunes.
Launch Details
The machine arrives at the Ducati Singapore showroom on Saturday, August 20, 2022. The OTR price? Roughly $58,700, a figure that should make it easy to dream big while staying on the realistic side of the road.
So buckle up—whether you’re a corner‑banger or a dune‑tripper, Ducati’s DesertX is ready to tickle both worlds with equal ferocity.
Dakar-Lite
Adventure bikes: Off‑Road Legends Reborn
In the world of adventure biking, everyone’s chasing the same trail‑blazing groove, and Ducati has carved out its own path with the DesertX. Think of it as a modern day Cagiva Elefant – the Italian brand that once ruled the Dakar and now whispers its legacy into every bolt and spark.
Why it looks like a rally car
- Show‑stopping styling: Twin circular LED headlights, DRLs, and a front 21‑inch tire that screams “ready for anything”.
- Heavy‑duty chassis: A 240 kg load capacity means you can bring all your gear and still feel light on the road.
- Fuel‑the‑fire: Standard 21‑liter tank gives you 350 km of adventure in a single fill. Add the optional 8‑liter tail tank for extra range.
The cockpit – your command center
Standing on the pegs? No problem. Ducati’s vertically‑mounted 5.0‑inch TFT display is legible from everywhere, showcasing everything from engine data to navigation. It keeps the rides smooth and the vibe cool.
Modes for every mood
Six riding modes give you control over every scenario:
- Wet – All‑weather confidence.
- Urban – City‑slick ride.
- Touring – Long‑distance comfort.
- Sport – Quick, responsive performance.
- Enduro – Balanced off‑road prowess.
- Rally – New in Ducati’s lineup, this mode gives you raw power with minimal electronic spotting.
Tech to keep you safe
Beyond the modes, the DesertX comes loaded with:
- Traction Control – For those slippery moments.
- Wheelie Control – Keep your bike on the ground.
- Engine Brake Control – Smooth deceleration.
- Cornering ABS – Prevent wheel lock during turns.
- Quickshifter (up & down) – Shift without pulling the throttle.
- Cruise Control – Keep a steady speed on open roads.
All of these features combine to make the DesertX a serious contender for riders seeking both legacy and performance in their adventure gear.
Fighting Dirty
Ducati Unveils the DesertX – The Raw, Rugged Off‑Road Champion
For all you dirt‑cycle dreamers, Ducati has finally stopped bragging and let the desert bike do the talking.
Built From the Ground Up
Forget what you know about the Multistrada or the Desert Sled. The DesertX is a brand‑new bolt‑on beast.
- Suspension: Long‑travel KYB, manually adjustable, over 220 mm in both front and rear.
- Wheels: 21‑inch front, 18‑inch rear – a kitted‑up off‑road pair.
- Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, specially tuned for sand, mud, or whatever the trail throws.
Engine Powerhouse – But Low‑End Focused
The all‑new nine‑hundred‑seven‑cc 110‑horsepower engine is the same block found in the Multistrada V2. Ducati gave it a little more muscle in the lower ranges.
- Gear Ratios: Shorter first‑to‑third steps.
- Rear sprocket: Larger for more grunt on the first shift.
- Tested by a pro: Anton Meo – Enduro World Champion and Dakar Rally stage winner – put it through its paces.
Take‑It‑Out‑on‑Adventure
During World Ducati Week 2022, we strapped on the DesertX for a “DRE Adventure” session at the Misano Circuit.
- Obstacle stations that made us question our decision‑making skills.
- A genuine dirt track that mimicked a real off‑road expedition.
Behind the Scenes
Our coach may have quipped, “Don’t fuel up on crack before riding,” – a light‑hearted reminder that nothing beats a safe, sober ride.
Bottom line: the DesertX isn’t just a bike; it’s an invitation to conquer the wild, with every component tuned to make those dusty trails your playground.
X: A Gritty, Graceful Off‑Road Beast
Hard‑Hit Suspension That Keeps Your Cool
The X’s KYB suspension stays calm even when we crank up the approach speed. It flexes like a seasoned dancer while still holding the ride together—think of it as a cushion that never crumbles.
ABS That Stays Cool Under Pressure
During a sudden emergency stop, the bike’s front‑wheel ABS snapped into action, bringing the X to a halt in a remarkably short burst. One of our fellow journalists had to slam the brakes on a turning hill—an instant front‑wheel lockup scenario. Instead of a wild wheel washout, the X stayed beautifully stable.
Feel‑Genuine Handling for Newbies and Pros
Even on a modest dirt course, the X felt approachable. Its balance, wide‑open steering, and crisp power make tackling obstacles feel more like a joyride than a challenge.
Can It Be a Professional‑Grade Weapon?
We’re no Dakar legends yet, but the DesertX definitely boosts our off‑road confidence. In a skilled rider’s hands, it could become a true weapon on the dunes.
Quick Take‑Away Notes
- Suspension that’s tough yet flexible.
- ABS that prevents wheel lock and maintains control.
- Run‑of‑the‑mill dirt handling that’s beginner‑friendly.
- Potential to turn into a pro gear with the right rider.
