Ducati DesertX Off-Road Motorcycle Unveiled

The DesertX is the most hardcore and focused adventure bike from Ducati

Two years after showcasing the concept, Ducati has launched the new DesertX. The bike is the most hardcore off-road motorcycle in the Italian bikemaker’s line-up and pays homage to the Dakar bikes from the 1980s.

The Ducati DesertX looks the part with a high-mounted fairing and windscreen, and twin circular LED headlights and DRLs. The large wheels, butch USD fork, and humungous fuel tank make the bike look imposing. The mid and rear section is utilitarian with a simple saddle, exposed frame, petite LED taillight, and a large muffler.

Being an out-and-out off-road machine, the DesertX employs a 21/18-inch wheel setup and runs on  Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres (the rims are tubeless). To tackle challenging terrains, it features a 46mm dia Kayaba USD fork and monoshock with 230mm and 220mm of travel, respectively. Both suspension units are adjustable for compression, rebound, and preload. Ground clearance is also impressive at 250mm, and the standard seat height is 875mm (low seat also available as an accessory).

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The Ducati DesertX weighs 202kg (dry) and gets a massive 21-litre fuel tank, resulting in fewer fuel stops while touring. You can also opt for an optional auxiliary fuel tank that gets automatically activated when the main tank hits reserve and offers additional 8 litres of fuel. Braking hardware is courtesy Brembo, and the Ducati ADV bike gets cornering ABS as standard.

Powering the mammoth is a 937cc Testastretta V-twin engine developing 110PS and 92Nm of peak torque. Ducati engineers have shortened the gear ratios of the first five gears for better low and mid-range drive during off-road, and the sixth gear is tall for holding higher top speeds while touring. Being a Ducati offering, the DesertX is loaded with electronic goodies such as multiple riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control, and a bi-directional quickshifter.

International sales for the Ducati DesertX will commence from May 2022 onward. India launch wouldn’t happen so quickly, and it’s likely to go on sale by late 2022 at a sticker price of around Rs 15 lakh.