Ducati DesertX 2023 – Italians also know how to make off-road motorcycles

Ducati motorcycles are not particularly popular in Russia. Although, if you look at what the used market offers, it turns out that there are fans of Italian premium cars in our country.


There are about a thousand Ducati motorcycles on sale - several times less than any brand from Japan, but close to Suzuki, of which there are 1,7 thousand on sale. Moreover, there are also new Italian-made bikes - without mileage and at impressive prices.

For example, for a brand new Ducati DesertX, the hero of our article today, they are asking from 2,04 million rubles. True, for the 2022 models.


There's not much room on the used market either. The model is new, debuting in 2022, so they offer to purchase it for at least 1,7 million.

Is it worth the risk buying an Italian bike? This is already a matter of prestige. Definitely, Japanese models are more reliable. But they won't be able to give the style that Ducati has. And DesertX looks attractive compared to other, usually boring tour enduros.

Appearance and features

If you compare the motorcycle with some popular models, the first thing that comes to mind is the Honda Africa Twin. It looks like the Italians copied it. More precisely, they created their own “based on”. No wonder, “Africa” is the generally recognized leader of the class.


But Ducati DesertX has a number of its own features:

✅ Stylish
✅ Daring
✅ Looks like a rally-ready model

At first glance, it seems that the motorcycle is suitable for global travel without modifications. You just need to be aware before going to the most remote places - this is a premium product, spare parts for which are difficult to get.

Engine and gearbox

So that all customers understand that this is a real Italian bike, a classic Testastretta engine was installed in the frame. This 937cc power unit has been tested in several legendary Ducati models.


The engine is L-twin type, that is, two-cylinder, with a specific arrangement of “pots”. One of them is horizontal. The engine has four valves per cylinder. The power system, of course, is injection, and the cooling is liquid.

The power of the power unit is 110 hp. With. The valve clearances need to be adjusted, but the interval is impressive - 29 thousand kilometers.

The gearbox is six-speed. On the one hand, it is identical to that found on the Ducati Multistrada V2. But the Italian designers made an “evil” enduro rather than a touring model. Therefore, the checkpoint is configured differently. The first two passes are very short. The third to fifth ones are also not as long as those of the Multistrada. And only the sixth has a gear ratio that is ideal for driving on the highway.


The purpose of this is clear to fans of off-road driving - traction is higher at low speeds. You can drive through the most difficult areas without any problems. Just don’t forget that a motorcycle with a 1 cm000 engine a priori cannot be light. By the way, when equipped, it weighs an impressive 3 kg. You need strength to hold the bike in the mud, and you have to lift it somehow.

Modern trends

SUVs don't have to be structurally complex. All jeepers know this. Fans of enduro motorcycles are also aware that equipment must be repairable, preferably in “field” conditions.

Unfortunately, modern bikes with a volume of more than 500 cm3 are not particularly suitable for these parameters. DesertX from Ducati is no exception. Firstly, there is full cruise control. Secondly, there was also a quickshifter - a system that helps shift gears up and down without using the clutch.


The on-board computer offers movement in several modes:

✅ City
✅ Tourist
✅ Enduro
✅ Sports
✅ Rain
✅ Rally

In addition to the above, Ducati DesertX pleases with engine braking control, DTC, ABS, and a choice of engine output modes. In general, there will be something to test and study, especially if something fails. And the latter will happen sooner or later.


The dashboard is, of course, electronic. It looks atypical even for modern motorcycles. It’s as if the tablet was attached to the steering wheel, and even with the “column” facing up. Although, the manufacturer did this for a reason – it’s convenient to read information from the stand on the footrests.

Chassis

The frame of the Ducati DesertX is steel, made of pipes, and the “cage” characteristic of this brand. Aluminum pendulum, double-sided.


The wheels of the motorcycle are of different sizes - R21 at the front, R18 at the rear. They allow you to install aggressive off-road tires.


Inverted front fork. The wheels are all spoked – this is the best solution for an off-road bike. A cast disc may burst if subjected to a strong impact. And without several spokes you will be able to continue moving.

How he drives

Although the Ducati DesertX looks like a typical enduro, in “sport” mode it is capable of actively moving along the trails. The Italian manufacturer has experience in this area, so there are no complaints about the dynamics.

By the way, in tourist mode only the response to the throttle changes. It is not as frantic as in “sport”, but smooth.


A standard windshield protects the rider from air currents. They pass just above the helmet. For those who like to travel long distances, the manufacturer offers an optional higher windshield.


The weight distribution of the bike is ideal - it allows even those who are just starting to master this science to jump.

With a height of 175-185 cm, the riding position on the motorcycle is comfortable. The seat is narrowed towards the front edge - this helps even short riders stand on both feet. And most importantly, the Ducati DesertX is comfortable, predictable and controllable when standing on the pegs. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate this.


There are no complaints about the brakes - they work at any speed. Thanks to the presence of a “smart” ABS system, you can mindlessly press the handle - the front wheel will still not lock. For professionals, it will be useful to know that the rear anti-lock can be disabled separately. This will help in the mud.

Should I take it?

If you take a closer look at the Ducati DesertX, this already hints that the motorcycle is not being bought with the last bit of money. Moreover, bikes from the famous Italian manufacturer are not the standard of reliability in any case.

Ducati motorcycles are all about style. They attract increased attention from others. But the shortcomings, such as expensive spare parts and the length of wait for their delivery, are something that you have to come to terms with.


With Japanese equipment, delivery times will be approximately the same. But they break less often.

And if you don’t want to wait for parts, we can recommend purchasing a Chinese bike. The spare parts are cheap there, and everything is in stock, except plastic. True, in this case you will have to forget about style, as well as about dynamics coupled with power. And the motorcycle industry from the Middle Kingdom breaks down regularly.

The Ducati DesertX is a bike that looks like it came straight from the Dakar rally raid. Plus it has Italian charm. It is possible that for this alone it is worth paying an amount of 1,7 million rubles.