The highly-anticipated Ducati DesertX adventure tourer has finally been revealed as a production model for 2022, with the Italian firm promising significant off-road capability.
With 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, long-travel suspension, and a generous ground clearance, the Ducati DesertX is designed for dirt-focused adventure riding. The bike is powered by the proven 937cc Testastretta engine.
First revealed as a concept in 2019, the DesertX is inspired by enduro and Dakar machines of the 80s – most notably the Ducati-powered and Dakar-winning Cagiva Elefant.
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The production model features a 46mm Kayaba fork with 230mm travel, and a Kayaba monoshock with 220mm travel. Both are adjustable for compression, rebound and preload and the bike also has a 250mm ground clearance and an 875mm seat height.
As above, power is handled by the 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta twin-cylinder engine which puts out 110hp at 9250rpm and 92Nm at 6500rpm. The engine is already used in the Monster and also the upcoming Multistrada V2, but it has been optimised especially for the DesertX.
In the electronic department, the DesertX comes with six ride modes and four power modes. The ride modes include Enduro, Rally, Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet. The modes are complimented by a Bosch IMU, as well as engine brake control, traction control, wheelie control, a quickshifter, and cornering ABS (which can be completely deactivated). The DesertX also features a 5-inch colour TFT display and an integrated multimedia and navigation (optional) system.
Other key equipment includes Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, Brembo braking components and full LED lighting. The bike also features a 21l fuel tank, but riders have the unique opportunity to add a second 8l tank as an optional accessory.
The 2022 Ducati DesertX is still a while off, with an expected local arrival in the third quarter of 2022. Pricing will start from $24,200 ride away.