The Ducati DesertX is for adventure lovers. They crave performance, durability, and comfort. It is a motorcycle built to handle both the demanding conditions of rugged terrains and the smooth, fast-paced nature of city roads. Ducati has packed the DesertX with cutting-edge features. It has everything you need for wilderness exploration. It also has the power and tech for daily commutes.
With its 937 cc engine, the DesertX churns out 111.52 PS of power at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, making it a highly capable bike in its class. The DesertX’s striking design and advanced tech ensure a premium ride. It has riding modes, traction control, and a quick shifter.
Let’s explore what makes the Ducati DesertX so special in this in-depth review.
Ducati DesertX Price
The Ducati DesertX is priced between ₹18.33 lakh to ₹23.71 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, depending on the variant and any additional features. This pricing makes it a premium offering in the adventure bike segment.
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Launch Date: December 28, 2024
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Availability: The bike will be at authorized Ducati dealerships from January 2025.
Key Specifications of Ducati DesertX
Understanding the specifications of any motorcycle is crucial before making a purchase decision. Here are the key specs of the Ducati DesertX:
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Engine Type: 11° twin-cylinder unit
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Engine Displacement: 937 cc
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Max Power: 111.52 PS @ 9,250 rpm
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Max Torque: 92 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
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Fuel Capacity: 21 Liters
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Mileage: 17.8 kmpl
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Ground Clearance: 250 mm
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Weight (Dry): 202 kg
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Seat Height: 865 mm
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Load Carrying Capacity: 240 kg
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Front Brake Diameter: 320 mm
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Rear Brake Diameter: 265 mm
Design and Aesthetics
The Ducati DesertX boasts a bold and aggressive design that blends form and function seamlessly. The bike has a muscular, yet sleek, profile that makes it stand out in the adventure bike market. Its long-travel suspension, tough frame, and high ground clearance give it a commanding presence. It’s perfect for off-road exploration.
Color Options
The Ducati DesertX comes in multiple color options, allowing riders to choose one that fits their personal style. The available color options include:
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Red: A classic Ducati color that enhances the DesertX’s sporty and aggressive look.
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White: A cleaner and more neutral option for riders who prefer a minimalistic appearance.
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Black: For those who want a stealthy and tactical look, the black variant is a great choice.
Features of Ducati DesertX
The Ducati DesertX is packed with advanced features that enhance the riding experience. These features are designed to offer optimal performance, comfort, and safety on various terrains.
1. Riding Modes
The DesertX comes with six riding modes, each tailored to different riding conditions:
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Sport: Offers the most aggressive performance for dynamic riding.
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Touring: Balances comfort and power, perfect for long-distance touring.
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Urban: Optimized for city riding with a more subdued power delivery.
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Wet: A safety-focused mode that reduces power output for wet or slippery roads.
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Rally: Designed for off-road enthusiasts, with increased traction control and power delivery.
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Enduro: Ideal for tough, off-road trails, offering advanced suspension and traction control.
2. Digital Instrument Console
The 5-inch full-TFT colour display shows riders key info at a glance. It includes speed, rpm, gear position, fuel level, and more. This high-tech display is designed for clarity and ease of use, even in direct sunlight.
3. Quick Shifter
The quick shifter allows for seamless gear changes without using the clutch. This boosts rider comfort and reduces fatigue on long rides.
4. LED Lighting
The full LED lighting system enhances visibility and safety during night rides. This includes LED headlights, taillights, and turn indicators. They offer superior lighting to traditional bulbs.
5. Adjustable Windshield
The adjustable windshield improves aerodynamics and wind protection at high speeds.
6. Traction Control System
The DesertX has an advanced traction control system. It ensures optimal stability on slippery or tricky surfaces. Riders can customize the level of traction control according to their preferences.
Suspension and Handling
The suspension system of the Ducati DesertX is designed for both comfort and performance:
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Front Suspension: 46 mm diameter upside-down Kayaba fork. It has adjustable compression, rebound, and preload.
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Rear Suspension: Kayaba monoshock with adjustable settings, offering superior handling on rough terrains.
With this setup, the DesertX is highly capable on challenging off-road trails, providing a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces.
Performance and Top Speed
The Ducati DesertX is engineered for exceptional performance. The combination of its powerful engine and lightweight frame enables it to perform well both on highways and off-road tracks.
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Top Speed: The DesertX can achieve a top speed of approximately 209 km/h, which is impressive for an adventure bike.
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Acceleration: Its powerful engine and lightweight design allow for rapid acceleration. So, the bike suits fast riding and technical trails.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
Adventure bikes have powerful engines and rugged capabilities. But, riders often worry about their fuel efficiency. The Ducati DesertX offers a mileage of 17.8 kmpl, which is quite respectable for a bike of its caliber. With a 21-liter fuel tank, this ensures that riders can cover long distances without frequent refueling stops.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in the design of the Ducati DesertX. Here are the key safety features of the bike:
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ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): The DesertX has dual-channel ABS for better braking in all conditions.
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Cornering ABS: This feature helps prevent wheel lock-up while cornering. It improves safety on winding roads.
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Traction Control: Adjustable traction control ensures optimal grip on various surfaces, especially off-road.
Competitors of Ducati DesertX
The Ducati DesertX faces stiff competition from other prominent adventure bikes in the market. Here are some of its key competitors:
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KTM 1290 Super Adventure R: A high-performance adventure bike known for its power and handling.
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BMW F 850 GS: A versatile and reliable adventure bike, often considered one of the best in its class.
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Honda Africa Twin: A rugged, durable bike with advanced technology for off-road enthusiasts.
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Yamaha Tenere 700: A capable off-road bike with excellent power delivery and handling.
These bikes have similar features. But, the Ducati DesertX is better. It has superior performance, advanced features, and a rugged design.
Pros and Cons of Ducati DesertX
Pros:
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Powerful engine with impressive performance both on-road and off-road.
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Advanced technology like riding modes, traction control, and quick shifter.
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Comfortable and adjustable suspension system for rough terrains.
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Stylish design and customizable color options.
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Excellent safety features, including ABS and cornering ABS.
Cons:
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Premium pricing makes it a high-end option.
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Heavy weight (202 kg dry), which may not be ideal for all riders, especially beginners.
Reviews and Ratings
Riders and critics praise the Ducati DesertX for its performance, features, and design. It is praised for its riding comfort, especially on long trips, and its ability to handle rough terrains with ease.
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Rider Reviews: Many riders like the DesertX’s versatility. It performs well on highways, city streets, and off-road trails.
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Expert Reviews: Experts praise the bike’s top tech and build quality. It’s a top contender in the adventure bike segment.
Overall, the Ducati DesertX has received ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars for its performance, comfort, and features.
Conclusion
The Ducati DesertX Adventure Bike is a strong contender in high-performance adventure motorcycles. Its powerful engine, advanced features, and rugged design make it perfect for adventure lovers. They want style and performance. Whether you’re on off-road trails or the highway, the DesertX is thrilling.
If you’re in the market for an adventure bike, the Ducati DesertX should be at the top of your list. Make sure to visit your nearest Ducati dealership to experience the bike firsthand and take it for a test ride. Get ready to embrace adventure like never before with the Ducati DesertX!