During the last few years, the off-road capability of big adventure bikes has definitely taken a leap forward with many manufacturers trying to trim weight and improve suspension performance in an effort to meet changing consumer trends. The new Ducati DesertX, with its dirt-tuned chassis, long-travel suspension and ample ground clearance is the latest to follow the trend.

To show the upper limits of what the all-new 937cc DesertX is capable of, Ducati handed the keys (or dongle?) over to Antoine Meo to take on the Dorno Motocross track. For those of you not familiar with the name, Meo is a top-five overall Dakar finisher and a 5x World Enduro Champion. He also won the ISDE 6-Days Enduro as part of the French National Team twice.

We last saw Meo riding the DesertX in the dunes of the UAE in the Ducati World Première 2022 promo video revealing the bike. This was apparently his first time riding the new machine. Clearly, he’s gotten more comfortable with it and seems to have no problem sending the twin-cylinder, 110 horsepower, 492-pound adventure touring bike through the air. Sure, you can claim it’s all the rider but we have to admit the way the DesertX soars 30 feet through the air while doing a whip, with a relatively smooth landing on its 9.1” / 8.7” of front and rear suspension travel, is pretty impressive. Plus the deep lean angles railing though soft loamy dirt turns is a testament to the bike’s stability.

Was this a specially modded DesertX? Ducati claims the only upgrades were specialized tires and the optional performance engine guard plate. They also say it had a full tank of gas, which seems even more insane of Meo considering the 5.6 gallon fuel capacity adds an additional 34 pounds to the bike. 

Well it’s great to watch the talented French rider push the limits of the new Duc. We’ll stay content just watching though. No hold my beer moments from us! It’s also great to see the Italian brand fully embracing the off-road side of Adventure Touring, while striving to deliver the type of Adventure Bike Adventure Riders have been asking for.

According to Ducati, the DesertX is expected to hit dealerships in North America this June. Check out all the details, including specs here.