Offroad-King: The brand new Ducati DesertX model 2022!

Recently updated on October 25, 2022 at 07:25 am

The new DesertX is a motorcycle with a strong off-road orientation, with which Ducati goes beyond the previous limits. Desert dunes, narrow off-road paths, gravel roads and mountainous serpentines: With the DesertX, travel dreams know no more limits. The new DesertX is equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel and was developed with the aim of mastering even the most demanding off-road applications. The development specially geared towards off-road use, coupled with Ducati's valuable road know-how, resulted in a responsive, easy-to-drive motorcycle that feels comfortable on any route and on any asphalt. The DesertX project was born in 2019 when Ducati launched the concept of the same name to the public, generating a strong and positive response from motorcyclists around the world.

Ducati DesertX model 2022!

This important feedback gave the Bologna manufacturer the decisive impetus to transform the concept into a functional, versatile and effective motorcycle. The design of the DesertX is a contemporary interpretation of the enduro bikes from the 80s. The motorcycle was designed by the Ducati Centro Stile. The focus was on puristic shapes that embody a robust look. The motorcycle is optically composed of 3 elements: a large volume, which consists primarily of the tank and side panels, as well as the seat and the windshield.

The characteristic twin headlights are housed in the windshield. This reinforces the uniqueness of this motorcycle. In addition, a stylistic accent is set through the use of black and white surfaces. The surfaces with which the driver comes into contact are correspondingly large and harmoniously connected to make every phase of driving off-road more pleasant.

The chassis layout of the new Ducati DesertX includes a new tubular steel frame, which, in combination with a specially designed suspension with long spring travel, ensures effective operation even under the most demanding off-road conditions. The optimization of all components results in an efficient motorcycle that only weighs 202 kg (dry weight). The decisions made in the area of ​​the chassis make the DesertX an easy-to-drive motorcycle that offers the right level of driving experience and safety on any surface.

In addition, the new DesertX has large reserves to absorb the unevenness of the road. When it comes to spring elements, the DesertX is characterized by its high-quality equipment. It is delivered with a Kayaba upside-down fork with a diameter of 46 mm and 230 mm travel and a Kayaba shock absorber. Both the fork and the shock absorber can be adjusted in compression, rebound and preload. The Kayaba shock absorber forms a perfect connection with the aluminum swing arm and enables a spring travel of 220 mm. In addition, the new DesertX has a generous ground clearance of 250 mm, with which extreme off-road adventures are also possible.

It is worth noting that the new DesertX is equipped with a tire size unprecedented for a Ducati: 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires are used as original equipment, 90/90-21 at the front and 150/70 R18 at the rear. They are the perfect choice for excellent all-round use of the motorcycle. The DesertX will also be homologated to fit specific off-road and on-road tires. As is usual with Ducati, the braking system of this new motorcycle is also equipped with cornering ABS.

At the front there are Brembo M50 monoblock radial brake calipers with four 30 mm diameter pistons and two 320 mm discs with an aluminum inner ring. The front brake is operated via an axial brake pump with adjustable levers. The rear wheel, on the other hand, is slowed down by a single disc with a diameter of 265 mm in combination with a Brembo two-piston floating caliper.

When coordinating the braking performance, the engineers pursued the goal of achieving good controllability both off-road and on slippery surfaces. At the same time, the braking system can grip hard when it is used on the road. The ergonomics of the new DesertX were developed in long and demanding test drives off-road and on asphalt. The triangle made up of seat, footrest and handlebars allows you to ride while standing, but also offers a comfortable driving experience when used on the road. The end result is a motorcycle that hugs the ergonomics of the rider and that, with its smooth surfaces, ensures maximum control and perfect handling. The seat height is 875 mm. The combination of a particularly narrow inner leg arch and the immediate compression when touching down enables good ground contact.

The seat height can be reduced even further with a lower seat (available as an accessory). Thanks to a lowering kit, the seat height can also be lowered. Ducati engineers have worked intensively on the various areas of the motorcycle to make the DesertX a real pleasure on all roads. The seating position, for example, is very comfortable for both the driver and the pillion, as the shape and padding has been precisely defined for each of the two seat surfaces. The heat regulation is thought out in every detail with cooling vents and fresh air flows, while the aerodynamic protection is ensured by the careful definition of the shape and size of the original windshield. An even larger windshield provides even better protection from the wind and is available as an accessory.

A sufficient range for longer journeys is guaranteed by the fuel tank with a capacity of over 21 liters. It is possible to mount an additional tank (available as an accessory) in the rear area, which can hold an additional 8 liters of fuel. The fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank can be conveniently activated via the display as soon as the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level. The DesertX also has excellent loading capacity. The bags and the aluminum top case together have a volume of almost 120 liters. The use of tubeless tires enables excellent off-road performance and increases safety. This improves reliability and in the event of a breakdown, damage can be repaired more quickly.

The highly praised liquid-cooled Testastretta 11 ° engine with 937 cm3 and desmodromic valve control is the heart of the new DesertX. This engine is characterized by its high reliability and delivers 110 hp at 9.250 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6.500 rpm in compliance with the Euro 5 standard. The performance typical of a Ducati is combined with an even and always controllable power output, so that the driver receives a motorcycle with which he can cover every route with great confidence. The engine uses all the improvements that can already be found on the Monster and the Multistrada V2, including the extremely light and compact 8-disc clutch and the gearbox, which is equipped with a shift drum with bearings to reduce friction and to improve the precision and smoothness of shifting.

This also helps to reduce the total weight of the engine by 1,7 kg compared to the previous version. The Testastretta 11 ° has been specially optimized to offer the best possible performance off-road and in all other uses. The gearbox has a different gear ratio than that of the Multistrada V2. Up to fifth gear, the individual gear ratios have a shorter ratio in order to enable optimal driving behavior in the field. First and second gear in particular are significantly shorter to make driving at low speeds easier in difficult off-road sections. The sixth gear has a longer ratio to make driving on the motorway easier and at the same time to keep the engine speed low. This leads to lower fuel consumption and greater driving comfort. The state-of-the-art electronic systems deserve a special mention, offering first-class performance and safety, also with regard to the driving aids. The new DesertX has 6 riding modes which, in combination with 4 power modes - full, high, medium, low - change the performance and response of the Testastretta motor. The most important innovations are specific settings for the Enduro riding mode and the introduction of the new Rally riding mode, in addition to the Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet riding modes.

Riding Mode Enduro allows the rider to tackle the most demanding dirt roads with greater safety thanks to the reduced power and specially developed control settings. In addition, this riding mode makes it easier for less experienced riders to make excursions into the terrain. The Riding Mode Rally, on the other hand, with full engine power and reduced electronic control, is intended for more experienced drivers who want to get the most out of the DesertX's off-road performance. Each Riding Mode, thanks also to the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), can change the character of the motorcycle according to the rider's inputs, acting on the levels of intervention of the various electronic controls: Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC) ), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down and cornering ABS. The cornering ABS can be set in 3 stages in order to adapt to every situation and the skills of the driver as best as possible. In the Riding Modes (Enduro and Rally) specially developed for off-road use, cornering ABS can also be completely deactivated via the control unit with a corresponding button.

The display of the DesertX is aligned vertically and positioned in such a way that it provides clear information even when driving while standing. It has a high-resolution 5-inch full TFT color display. The instruments are prepared for the use of the Ducati Multimedia System *, with which the driver can connect his mobile phone and thus operate new functions such as music and incoming / outgoing calls or turn-by-turn navigation (optional). The information about these features is shown directly on the display. The driver can choose between two standard displays: Standard and Rally. With the Standard option, all information relevant to operation on the road is displayed: the rev counter and the speedometer are clearly visible, as is the gear engaged, the fuel gauge and other useful driving information. The trip master function is part of the rally display mode.

It simulates the operation of the Trip Master, which is used in rally motorcycles, and enables the manual setting of the kilometer display using the buttons on the left control unit. The lighting system, which consists entirely of LED technology, is also one of the technical highlights. The front double headlight has two polyellipsoid modules with daytime running lights (DRL) and has been designed to provide excellent illumination, which is particularly important for a motorcycle that is used in all conditions. The rear light is equipped with the Ducati Brake Light System. In the event of sudden braking, the flashing of the rear lights is automatically activated to warn the vehicles behind. This feature also improves the safety of the driver. The DesertX is also suitable for novice drivers. There will be a 2 kW version for holders of the A35 driving license. The Bologna-based motorcycle company offers the exclusive "4Ever Ducati" guarantee, which applies for a period of 4 years and with no mileage restrictions. It covers the entire dealer network.

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DUCATI DESERTX model year 2022
Photo credit: Ducati

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