Two years ago, Ducati presented a new adventure bike concept to the public, generating a strong and positive reaction from motorcyclists around the world. This important feedback gave the Bologna-based manufacturer the decisive push to transform that concept into this functional, competent, and effective motorcycle.
Finally, Ducati unwraps the DesertX adventure bike.
DesertX: bike with no limits
The new Ducati DesertX is perhaps Bologna’s most off-road-oriented large capacity bike to date. Powered by a 937cc Testastretta L-twin engine, this beast churns out 112 Ps (110 Hp) of power and 92 Nm of torque. This power can then be controlled through the DesertX’s 6 customizable riding modes, including Enduro and Rally modes.
Like any Ducati motorcycle, the DesertX also enjoys an abundance of computer-aided features to make the ride safer and pleasurable to the rider – all can be controlled via a 5-inch full-color TFT instrument panel.
Fitted with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, the new DesertX has been designed with real off-road riding in mind. This means that, in theory, the DesertX should be able to go where most large-capacity adventure bikes can’t if a skilled rider is on the saddle.
The chassis layout of the new Ducati DesertX includes a new steel trellis frame, which works in combination with the long travel suspension with dedicated settings, to ensure effective operation even in the most demanding off-road conditions.
This optimization of components combined with the extensive use of composite materials has enabled Ducati to reduce the DesertX’s overall weight, listed at only 202kg dry. What this means is that the DesertX is more than 20 kilograms lighter than BMW’s R 1250 GS, Honda’s CRF1100L Africa Twin, and Harley-Davidson’s Pan America 1250 Special that we tested.
A capable adventure bike won’t be complete without a capable suspension system. For the DesertX, Ducati has tapped the expertise of the Japanese and has installed a pair of 46mm KYB inverted forks for the front with 230mm of travel, while the rear gets a single KYB spring shock absorber with 220mm of travel.
Also worth noting is the optional 8-liter rear sub-tank of the DesertX to complement its 21-liter tank that guarantees extended fuel range when doing an adventure ride.
Availability in the PH
Combining the design cues of the 80s rally motorcycles with today’s top-class technology, the DesertX also goes away from the traditional beak design found in most adventure bikes these days.
Also, the DesertX looks like a very promising adventure bike, with its array of off-road-biased equipment, the possibilities of where the bike can travel are quite endless – which we hope we can attest ourselves soon once the bike becomes available here in the country sometime in Q4 of next year.
