In Depth Review of the All New 2022 Ducati DesertX (video review included)

Ducati, better known for building sportbikes, has expanded its lineup tp bring us the all new performance/off rode capcable motorcycle DesertX.

The Ducati DesertX is the newest motorcycle to leave the Ducati factory with new styling, rally racing fairings, improved suspension for touring and long distance rides, and off-road capabilities.  Although the concept was based on the Scrambler 1100, the DesertX was almost entirely constructed from a blank blueprint although the engine on the DesertX is based upon the Monster's liquid cooled Testastretta V Twin which puts out 937cc's.  Ducati re-worked and tweeked the engine bringing it capable of shooting out 110hp with 68lbs of torque.  Transmission-wise, gearing has been made shorter for gears 1-5 while 6th has been left unchanged for cruising on the highway.  Engine valve adjustment intervals have been manufactured to be set at 18,000 miles.

Ducati representatives state, that this motorcycle took the company out of its "comfort zone".  Historically however, Ducati did have off-road models in the past.

The DesertX comes with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires which provide great traction on both off road pavement conditions as well as on smooth pavement as well.  These tires have been put on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combos with cross-spoked and tubeless rims. The reason for this is simply because the combination works better in off road conditions, over rough terrain.  This also allows for the rider to be able to choose a wider selection of off-road tires. 

The DesertX is constructed on a steel trellis frame and has been equipped with fully adjustable Kayaba suspension which includes a 46mm inverted fork and a single shock located just below the seat.  The tall suspension the DesertX features provides for abundant ground clearance-9.8 inches of space between the skid plate and the ground.

Fuel capacity on the DesertX is 5.5 gallons, and a 2.1-gallon auxiliary tank is available at an extra $1,500. With the accessory tank, that’s a combined 7.64 gallons of fuel capacity.  The optional 2.1 gallon tank is rear-mounted, and is designed to feeds the main tank on demand. When the fuel level in the main tank drops low enough to accept the additional 2.1 gallons, the rider is prompted to switch on the auxiliary tank  and the reserve fuel is then channeled into the main fuel tank.

Led headlamps are standard on the DesertX and are claimed to be the brightest in its class.  Led front and rear turn signals are also standard.  Black stylish mirrors are complimented with sleek rubber hand grips which deliver smooth throttle control.

Seat height on the DesertX is 34.4 inches, with an optional low seat available which drops to 34.1 inches.  A taller seat is also available that raises height to 34.6 inches.  A fork lowering kit is also available to bring clearance down even more if desired.

The DesertX is equipped with a wind screen and a taller touring windscreen option is available for an extra $230 if desired.

The cockpit features a 5-inch TFT instrument display which is mounted vertically and designed to that was for the purpose of being able to read it while standing up.  Ducati also states that this design also provides a better display when using the optional Bluetooth enabled GPS navigation through your phone.  The Ducati DesertX comes standard with Lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, wheelie control, adjustable engine braking, a quickshifter, and cruise control.  The DesertX transmission has four road modes-Sport, Touring, Wet and, Urban as well as two off-road modes-Enduro and Rally.  In addition there are four power levels- all selectable from the instrument panel.  Enduro mode limits the engne output to 75 hp, sets throttle response to dynamic, shuts off the wheelie control, and reduces ABS intervention to level 2 out of 3 and traction control to level 3 out of 8.  All six ride modes are also individually customizable.

While the Ducati DesertX falls into the adventure-touring category due to its engine displacement, it handles more like a big dual-sport machine off-road. It’s a serious off-roader that can be ridden hard by an expert or more modestly and easily by someone with less experience. It resembles the KTM 890 Adventure R, Husqvarna Norden 901, and Honda Africa Twin.  

(video credits: Steve_Kamrad)

2022 Ducati DesertX Specs

Ducati DesertX (2022) Specs

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