The new Ducati DesertX makes its debut in the desert and does so with a long list of innovations designed to satisfy those looking for a two-wheeler specific for off-road and at the same time pleasant on the road. Made by the Borgo Panigale Style Center, the new DesertX is inspired by the enduro motorcycles of the 80s and brings the series version of the concept presented in 2019 to the dealership. Characterized by the 21 “front wheel, 18” rear, long suspension excursion and ample ground clearance, the Emilian novelty is powered by the 937 cc and 110 horsepower Testastretta 11 ° engine. Expected at the dealership since May, it is also the protagonist of the sixth episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2022.
New Ducati DesertX, frame and cycling
The scheme adopted for the chassis includes a new steel trellis frame, which works in combination with long-travel suspension capable of guaranteeing optimal behavior even in the most demanding off-road vehicles also thanks to the dry weight contained in 202 kg. On the suspension front we find a 46 mm diameter Kayaba upside-down fork has 230 mm of travel and is adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. The single shock absorber, also Kayaba, is adjustable in compression, rebound and preload and, combined with the aluminum swingarm, allows a rear wheel travel of 220 mm. Ground clearance is also promoted, with 250 mm available
Ducati DesertX, brakes and tires
The DesertX Under brakes, like all Ducati motorcycles, the system is fitted with the ABS Cornering function. The front features Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with 4 30 mm diameter pistons, axial pump with adjustable levers and double 320 mm discs with aluminum flanges. At the rear, on the other hand, a single 265 mm diameter disc on which a twin-piston floating caliper, again from Brembo, works. Moving on to tires, the bike is equipped with Scorpion Rally STR tires as original equipment, with sizes 90 / 90-21 and 150/70 R18.
Ducati DesertX 2022, engine
The DesertX is powered by the 937 cm3 liquid-cooled Testastretta 11 ° desmodromic distribution engine, with 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. To offer the best possible performance in off-road driving and in various uses, the engine has been optimized specifically for this bike. In fact, the gearbox has different dedicated ratios compared to those of the Multistrada V2.
Ducati DesertX, saddle height and autonomy
The saddle-footrest-handlebar triangulation expresses its maximum potential in standing riding, typical of off-road riding, while the saddle height is 875 mm from the ground and is also available lower thanks to the available accessories. The autonomy suitable for longer journeys is guaranteed by the tank of over 21 l and the possibility of mounting a second tank in the rear part of the bike as an accessory, adding a further 8 l of petrol. The transfer of gasoline from the rear to the front tank is enabled when the fuel level in the main tank drops below a certain level and can be activated from the dashboard.
Ducati DesertX, riding mode
Moving on to electronics, there are 6 Riding Modes available on DesertX and they work in combination with the 4 Power Modes that modify the power and responsiveness of the Testastretta: Full, High, Medium, Low. The main novelty is the specific settings for the Enduro Riding Mode and the introduction of the new Rally Riding Mode, which are added to Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet. Each Riding Mode, also thanks to the presence of the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), can change the character of the bike according to the rider’s choices, by acting on the intervention levels of the various electronic controls. The Abs Cornering, in particular, can be set on 3 levels to be able to adapt to any situation and to the level of experience of the pilot. In the Riding Modes dedicated to off-road (Enduro and Rally), Abs Cornering can also be completely deactivated via the control block with a dedicated button.