Ducati just lifted the cover off the 2024 DesertX Rally, a machine the manufacturer says was built for “the most extreme adventures.” The new variant takes the already capable 937cc standard model to the next-level with race-bred equipment and other components inspired by enduro racing.

Developed and tested on racetracks, the DesertX Rally prototype made history for Ducati with 5x Enduro World Champion Antoine Meo snatching a win in the Erzbergrodeo Iron Prolog. Now in production form, the new DesertX Rally features Kayaba suspension boasting off-road focused technology derived from the world of motocross. Out front, the standard 46mm fork has been swapped for a 48mm closed cartridge unit while the rear features a piston increased to 46 mm optimized to improve the bike’s behavior in more extreme off-road use. To reduce friction and increase resistance to wear, the fork tubes are equipped with Kashima Coating and the sliders with DLC surface treatment. 

The new machine also gets longer legs with suspension travel at the front and rear increasing by 0.8 inches (20 mm) for a total travel of 9.8 inches (250 mm) and 9.4 inches (240 mm) respectively. All these variations, combined with a new fixing plate for the side stand, whose fulcrum has been moved upwards, raise the ground clearance by 1.1 inches (30 mm) up to 11 inches ( 280 mm). The seat height also increases from 34.4 inches (875 mm) to 35.8 inches (910 mm). 

To further improve off-road performance, the DesertX Rally is equipped with more-robust and lighter wheels thanks to hubs machined from solid, carbon steel central spokes and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with inner tubes. Like the standard model, the DesertX Rally also features 21″ / 18” wheels, although with a narrower channel for the rear (4″ instead of the 4.5″ of the DesertX); typical measurements of bikes intended for off-road. 

Complementing its serious off-road focus, the DesertX Rally is also equipped with a new billet aluminum triple clamp, an adjustable Öhlins steering damper, an impact resistant forged carbon sump guard, gear pedal and rear brake lever machined from solid aluminum, an aluminum swingarm with a different attachment point compared to the standard DesertX, and a high front mudguard. 

The DesertX Rally features Brembo brakes with Cornering ABS function. The front system is characterized by the presence of Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with four 30 mm diameter pistons, axial master cylinder with adjustable levers, double 320 mm front disc with aluminum flange, and split brake line. At the rear we find a single 265 mm diameter disc on a double-piston floating caliper, also from Brembo. The braking power setting has been designed to offer the right power for road use, but also good modulation when riding off-road and on difficult surfaces. Furthermore, the Cornering ABS functionality has been recalibrated to adapt to the greater travel, and therefore to the different load transfers during braking.

The whole package is finished with livery inspired by that of Antoine Meo’s motorbike at the Erzbergrodeo, completed by the red paint of the seat support frame. To offer greater resistance to impacts and scratches typical of off-road use, the plastics of the DesertX Rally are not painted but mass-colored, and the graphics are created using high-thickness PVC adhesives. This also makes it easier to customize the bike. 

Another premium detail on the DesertX Rally is the dedicated seat. More suitable for off-road use thanks to ergonomics similar to the Rally seat available in the Ducati Performance catalog (the one mounted on the DesertX Rally has a special textured coating to improve grip). 

According to Ducati the use of high-level components help give the DesertX Rally a dry weight of just one kilogram more than the standard model — despite the increase in length and size of the suspension. Ducati didn’t give the specific weight but based on their claim, the new model would tip the scale at 203 kg (448 lbs) dry.

Finally, the DesertX Rally is homologated with three tire options, with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR as original equipment. To enhance its off-road capabilities, it is possible to mount Scorpion Rally, while for those who prefer to ride the bike on asphalt, Scorpion Trail II is available.

Service intervals for the DesertX Rally are every 15,000 km or 24 months, with valve clearance checks every 30,000 km. The DesertX Rally is also accessible to new riders. In fact, a 35 KW version will also be available for A2 license holders. 

DesertX Rally Main standard equipment

• Testastretta 11° 937 cc engine with 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm
• Tubular steel trellis frame with cast aluminum double-sided swingarm
• Tank capacity 21 liters
• High front mudguard with split brake line 
• Spoked rims with billet hubs 21” x 2.15” and 18” x 4”, carbon steel spokes and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with inner tube 
• Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres in sizes 90/90-21 at the front and 150/70 R18 at the rear (alternatively: Pirelli Scorpion Rally or Pirelli Scorpion Trail II)
• KYB Ø 48 mm closed cartridge fork, 250 mm travel, fully adjustable with compression, rebound and preload, Kashima Coating treatments on the fork tubes and DLC on the sliders
• Fork clamps machined from solid aluminum
• KYB shock absorber with 46 mm piston, 240 mm travel, full adjustable high and low speed compression, rebound and preload
• Ground clearance of 280 mm
• Adjustable Öhlins steering damper fixed to the handlebar
• 6 customizable Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally)
• 4 Power Modes on 3 power levels
• ABS Cornering Bosch adjustable on 3 levels
• Ducati Traction Control adjustable on 8 levels
• Ducati Wheelie Control
• Engine Brake Control
• Ducati Cruise Control
• 5″ color TFT instrumentation with Ducati Link App support and turn-by-turn navigation
• GPS Utility Bar
• Ducati Brake Light
• Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down (DQS)
• Full LED lighting system
• Dedicated Iron Giant livery
• Adjustable brake and gear pedals machined from solid aluminum

Ride Modes

The six Riding Modes of the DesertX Rally (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) have Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) recalibrated according to the new chassis and for more challenging off-road use.

The electronic functions of the DesertX Rally are managed through the vertically oriented, high-resolution 5″ color TFT display positioned to offer optimal visibility even when riding standing. This display is designed for integration with the Ducati Multimedia System which allows you to connect your smartphone, thus activating new functions such as music control, call management and Turn by Turn navigation* (optional) with road directions directly on the dashboard. Furthermore, the DesertX Rally offers the Utility Bar as standard for mounting the satnav.

Accessories 

Those who want to customize the new machine can do so by choosing from the Ducati Performance accessories catalog. To extend autonomy, it is possible to mount an additional 8-liter tank which guarantees almost 40% more fuel, perfectly integrated into the line of the motorbike. Aluminum side cases are also available which, combined with the top case, give the bike a total load capacity of almost 120 liters. 

There are also additional LED spotlights, heated grips and steel tube engine guards. Plus, anyone wishing to use the DesertX Rally in competition can improve the power and torque values by +7% by means of a Termignoni racing exhaust.

Pricing and Availability

The DesertX Rally will be available in U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting from March 2024. The United States pricing will begin at an MSRP of $22,995 — $5,000 more than the standard model. For Canada, the pricing will begin at an MSRP of $26,295 CAD.

DesertX Rally Specs

Photos by MC Campelli