After hyping up its fans with the concept version back in 2019, Ducati finally released the production version of its new DesertX adventure motorcycle this week, and its specs, design, and packaging lead us to believe it’ll be a winner. Onlookers will be pleased by the appealing retro looks, while the rider will be pleased with the machine’s modern capabilities and power.
- Motorcycle: Ducati DesertX
- Location: Fossil Rock, Sharjah desert, United Arab Emirates
- Photog: Unknown, Ducati
- Camera: Unknown
The DesertX, which will be sold as a 2022 model, starts at $16,795 before destination charges, but you get a lot of motorcycle for the money. Ducati said it developed a new chassis specifically for off-roading, and it features a new steel trellis frame. For power, it uses a revised version of the 937-cc liquid-cooled 11-degree Testastretta engine that is used in other Ducati models, such as the Multistrada V2 and the Monster. It makes a claimed 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, which should be more than enough to power the 445-pound bike.
The DesertX looks pretty thanks to design inspiration from ’80s enduro motorcycles, but it’s doubtful owners will keep them clean for long. Up front, the bike has an adjustable setup from a 1.8-inch upside-down Kayaba Fork with more than nine inches of travel while the rear monoshock allows for 8.66 inches of travel. The seat is 34.4 inches higih, and the bike has 9.8 inches of ground clearance, in part thanks to the 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear.
This photo was taken in the middle of the desert, exactly where this type of bike belongs. We have nothing but admiration for people who are willing to jump. Learn more about the DesertX in the launch video below.
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