Ducati has finally lifted the cover off the all-new DesertX during the sixth and final episode of their World Première 2022 series hosted over the last few months. The much-anticipated machine is Ducati’s contemporary interpretation of the iconic Rally Bikes that competed during the golden age of the Paris-Dakar and is their most dirt-worthy model released yet. Notably, the final design revealed today is surprisingly close to the concept that grabbed so much attention when it debuted in 2019.

At the heart of the DesertX is an updated 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valvetrain engine delivering 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 68 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm. This powerplant features all the improvements already seen on the Multistrada V2, including the light and compact 8-disc clutch and the gearbox equipped with a geardrum mounted on bearings to reduce friction and improve precision and smoothness while shifting. This contributes also to a reduction of the total weight of the engine of 3.7 lb (1.7 kg) compared to the previous version.

The DesertX receives its own unique chassis with a steel trellis frame sporting 9.1 inches of suspension travel in front and 8.7 inches in the rear, along with a 21”/18” tubeless spoked wheel combo shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires. It also receives a sturdy 46mm fork with a dirt-friendly rake of 27.6° and a long 63.3-inch wheelbase, all of which should give it a planted feel during aggressive off-road riding. And there’s ample ground clearance too with 9.8 inches on tap.

Proper range to face longer journeys is enabled by a 5.54 U.S. gallons (21 l) fuel tank, and the ability to mount a rear tank (available as an accessory) for an additional 2.1 gallons (8 l) of fuel and a total of 7.7 gallons (29 l). Fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank is enabled when the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level and can be activated from the dashboard. The DesertX also has a great load capacity at 528 pounds to accommodate luggage and a passenger on longer trips.

The gearbox has different dedicated ratios with respect to those of the Multistrada V2. The ratios have been shortened overall on all gears up to fifth, to ensure the best off-road behavior. First and second gears, in particular, are much shorter, in order to facilitate the low-speed driving during off-road use. Sixth gear has been kept properly long though to facilitate highway cruising at low engine speeds for reduced fuel consumption and increased comfort.

Like all Ducati motorcycles, the braking system of this new bike benefits from Cornering ABS. The front features Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with four 30mm pistons, axial pump with adjustable levers and double 320mm discs with aluminum flanges. At the rear, on the other hand, a single 265 mm disc with a twin-piston floating caliper, again by Brembo. 

Ducati’s state-of-the-art electronic rider aids include 6 Riding Modes working in combination with 4 Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low) that modify the power and responsiveness of the Testastretta engine. The main new features are specific settings for the Enduro Riding Mode and the introduction of the new Rally Riding Mode, in addition to Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet.

With Enduro Riding Mode, the reduced power and specially designed control settings allow the rider to tackle more demanding dirt roads with greater safety while also making it easier for less experienced off-road riders. The Rally Riding Mode, on the other hand, with full engine power and reduced electronic controls, is designed for more experienced riders who want to make the most of DesertX’s off-road performance.

Each Ride Mode also works with the the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to adjust the character of the bike according to the rider’s input, by acting on the intervention levels of the various electronic controls: Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down and ABS Cornering. ABS Cornering, in particular, can be set on 3 levels to adapt to the situation and rider’s skill. In the Riding Modes dedicated to off-road (Enduro and Rally), ABS Cornering can also be completely deactivated via the switch cube with a specific button.

The dashboard of the DesertX, vertically oriented and positioned to offer clear information in the stand-up riding position, features a high resolution 5” full-TFT color display. The instrumentation is predisposed to integrate the Ducati Multimedia System which allows the rider to connect their Phone to activate functions such as music and incoming/outgoing calls or Turn-by-Turn navigation (optional), which displays directions directly on the dashboard.

The rider is offered the opportunity to choose between two Information display Modes: Standard and Rally. The Standard option provides all the road information: tachometer and speedometer are clearly visible, as well as the engaged gear, fuel level and other useful journey information. The trip master function is part of the Rally Info Mode. This simulates the operation of the trip master used in rally motorcycles and allows one to manually adjust the odometer indication, using the buttons on the left switch cube.

Premium technological features are also represented by the lighting system, which is full LED. The unique double front headlight has two twin-function poly-ellipsoidal modules with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and has been designed to ensure excellent visibility, particularly important for a motorcycle designed for traveling in a range of conditions. The rear light is equipped with the Ducati Brake Light, a system that in the event of sudden braking, automatically activates the flashing of the brake light to alert following vehicles, further improving rider safety.

All of the DesertX’s equipment results in a wet weight of 492 pounds and a seat height of 34.4 inches. The combination of a particularly narrow inner leg curve and initial suspension compliance ensures an easy reach to the ground. The saddle height can still be reduced further by means of a low accessory saddle and suspension lowering kit.

The DesertX in Star White Silk livery will start arriving in North American dealerships in June of 2022. Starting pricing for the United States will be an MSRP of $16,795. Canadian pricing will start at MSRP $19,295 CAD and pricing for Mexico will start at MSRP $382,500 MEX.

Ducati DesertX Specs