December 14, 2021 | By Sam Anderson
Ducati DesertX spent more than 2 years in the concept phase. The mass-produced bikes just released are very close to the proposed design.
In Ducati’s annual world premiere video series, the brand showcased its latest products, updates and innovations. On December 9, the long-awaited DesertX adventure bike was finally born in the sixth and final series of 2021.
This bike uses engine specifications for low-end torque, plus dust-proof parts and dimensions, and a new suspension. A large number of riding modes support performance adjustments tailored to various off-road conditions.
Upon delivery, DesertX closely echoed the concept of 2019. Between the two, Ducati's most notable is the replacement of the engine.
Instead of choosing the original Scrambler 1100, it chose a smaller 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valve power unit. It outputs 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 68 pound-feet at 6,500 rpm.
Optimizations include a lighter and more compact 8-plate clutch and gear drums mounted on bearings to reduce friction during gear shifts.
Ducati used the same gearbox in the Multistrada V2 last time. Compared to that bike, the first five gears of DesertX are shorter, making crawling and low-speed riding easier. A higher sixth gear helps to drive on the highway at a lower engine speed, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving rider comfort.
The steel trellis of the DesertX chassis supports suspension travel of 9.1 inches at the front and 8.7 inches at the rear. The bicycle is mounted on a 21-inch/18-inch tubeless spoke wheel set with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.
A 46mm fork with a not-too-long 27.6-degree front angle, coupled with a long wheelbase of 63.3 inches, should help provide a grounded feel during aggressive dirt riding. For the diaper trail, the ground clearance is 9.8 inches.
Ducati uses parts from Bosch and Brembo to handle the brakes. Like all Ducati motorcycles, DesertX has cornering ABS, which uses a series of sensors, actuators and pressure regulators to prevent lock-up-even when the throttle is fully open (the brand claims).
The electronic rider assist equipment includes six riding modes, using four power modes to adapt the Testastretta engine to the conditions at hand. The modes range from Enduro (controlling the power output of the bike to facilitate off-road riding or inexperienced drivers) to Rally (more power, faster and less electronic safety control).
Self-explanatory wetlands, cities and tourist patterns are also on the deck. The rider controls all this on a compact vertical display.
DesertX makes full use of Ducati's various proprietary electronic control technologies, which can limit the consequences of losing traction on the wheels and rear wheels.
In order to explore the unknown for a longer time, customers can add an accessory 2.1-gallon rear fuel tank to the 5.54 gallon fuel tank of DesertX. It is estimated that 42 mpg makes the bicycle's maximum cruising range (including auxiliary fuel tank) approximately 300 miles.
The wet weight of DesertX is 492 pounds. The seat height is 34.4 inches. The narrow inner leg curve and soft initial suspension help to reach the ground more easily.
Ducati DesertX will land on North American distributors in June 2022 with its unique white pinstripe uniform. The suggested retail price of the only version of this bike is $16,795. To find one near you, please visit Ducati's dealer contact portal.
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Sam roams the American continent, following adventures, exploring natural wonders and finding good stories. After going to college to become a writer, he was distracted (or rescued) by rock climbing, and spent most of the next ten years on the road, supporting himself by trade work. He has addresses in the Adirondack Mountains, Las Vegas and Kansas, but his heart belongs to the mountains of Texas.
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