The season is upon us when manufacturers start to reveal their latest and greatest for the new model year. Today Ducati announced they plan to introduce their new models, one every two weeks, starting on September, 30th until the big show finally ends on December, 9th with the unveiling of the new DesertX model during Ducati World Premiere 2022. 

The DesertX was first showcased as a concept bike in 2019 at the Ducati World Premiere 2020. With a design inspired by the early-90’s Cagiva Elefant 900ie, built on the Scrambler 1100 platform, the concept generated a resounding applause from around the Internet. Ducati had been in search of feedback on the new design and they received enough of a strong response to continue with the project. And it looks like they’ve taken the concept even further than what we expected.

With the original concept being built on the Scrambler 1100 chassis, powered by a 1,079cc 2-valve, air-cooled, Desmodromic L-Twin engine that produces 86 horsepower @ 7,500 rpm and 65 ft-lb of torque @ 4,750 rpm, it ran the risk of being overshadowed in the hyper-competitive ADV segment. Now we get news from Ducati that the DesertX will have an all-new chassis and they confirmed it will definitely ride on a 21” front wheel, unlike other Multistradas that run a 19” front. Ducati hasn’t mentioned anything about an 18” rear wheel yet, but the concept appeared to sport one so we can only hope.

The Bologna-based manufacturer also revealed the DesertX will get a new powerplant — the water-cooled 937cc Testastretta L-Twin engine that currently pumps out 113 horsepower @ 9,000 rpm and 71 ft-lb of torque @ 7,750 rpm in the Multistrada 950. Even with a smaller displacement, this move will increase the power and torque, and we can expect that will translate into a lighter overall machine as well. Considering the all-new chassis and plans for running a dirt-friendly 21” front wheel, we also expect Ducati will offer improved off-road capability compared to the Multistrada 950.

With the performance middleweight category currently the hot segment for Adventure Bikes, we’re not surprised Ducati decided to take a more aggressive approach with the DesertX than just putting a styling update on a Scrambler model. If they want to be competitive with the likes of the KTM 890 Adventure R, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Tenere 700, they’ll need to come loaded with a chassis tuned for off-road performance and plenty of suspension travel. 

Two new photos released today don’t reveal much more about the new production DesertX in the works, other than the fact that it looks a lot like the original concept bike with its iconic twin round LED headlights. Perhaps Ducati will drop more breadcrumbs as the December 9th unveiling approaches. 

Now that Ducati is claiming their spot in the sub-1000cc performance segment, along with Husqvarna with its line of Nordens coming and Aprilia with their Tuareg 660 on the way as well, who’s next to join the party? Will we see a middleweight Honda Africa Twin or the rumored Transalp next? Or perhaps a Kawasaki Versys-X 650? Let’s keep them coming!

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.