The Ultimate Off-Road Experience
Single-cylinder eSP+ with 124.8 cm3, 13.1 hp, and 12 Nm, weighing 133.9 kg
In late 2019, Ducati made waves at the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show by unveiling a concept motorcycle with off-road trail aesthetics, based on its Scrambler 800. Two years later, that concept became a reality with the DesertX, albeit with an entirely new foundation.
Staying true to the 1980s trail-inspired style of the concept bike, the DesertX emerged as the off-road counterpart to the Multistrada 950. It shared the 937 cm3 Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine but featured a chassis more suited for off-road adventures. Notably, it introduced a 21-inch front wheel, a first for a Bologna-made motorcycle.
Two years after the introduction of the DesertX, Ducati takes the concept further with the new DesertX Rally. Its components have been revised to provide enhanced off-road capabilities. Ducati drew inspiration from competitions, such as Antoine Meo’s victory at the Erzbergrodeo’s Iron Road Prolog, to refine this machine.
Photo credit: Ducati
Visually, the DesertX Rally maintains the distinctive appearance of the series while setting itself apart with a new livery and design choices reflecting its off-road focus. These include a raised front fender, revised suspensions, updated wheel dimensions, machined components, and a forged carbon engine guard.
Chassis
Significant improvements have been made to the suspension of the DesertX Rally. In addition to precision-machined fork triple clamps, the motorcycle features a KYB pressurized cartridge fork derived from motocross, with Kashima-coated fork tubes and DLC surface treatment for added durability. The fork’s travel has been extended by 20 mm to reach 250 mm, enhancing its off-road performance.
Photo credit: Ducati
The aluminum swingarm is anchored to a different point than on the standard engine, coupled with a fully adjustable shock absorber with a larger piston diameter. This modification increases the rear wheel’s travel by 20 mm, reaching a maximum of 240 mm. Consequently, ground clearance is now at 280 mm. The package is further enhanced with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper.
Photo credit: Ducati
The DesertX Rally further enhances its off-road performance with new Takasago Excel wheels, equipped with tubed tires, carbon steel spokes, and machined hubs. It comes standard with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires and is also homologated for Scorpion Rally and Scorpion Trail II, which are more road-oriented options.
Photo credit: Ducati
Engine and Electronics
The 937 cm3 V-Twin Testrastretta 11° remains the same, delivering a maximum power of 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. There will also be a 35 kW (A2 license) version available. Notably, it features different settings, especially in terms of electronics. It offers six riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally), cornering ABS, DTC traction control, a quick shifter for both up and downshifts, engine brake control, cruise control, and wheelie control (DWC) tailored to the new chassis.
Photo credit: Ducati
All these features are controlled through the vertically oriented 5-inch color TFT screen, designed to seamlessly integrate into the manufacturer’s multimedia system. Smartphone connectivity enables various functions, including call management, music control, and turn-by-turn navigation, all accessible from the dashboard. The DesertX Rally comes standard with a mounting bar for GPS installation.
Photo credit: Ducati
Maintenance intervals are set at 15,000 kilometers or 24 months, with a valve clearance check required every 30,000 kilometers.
Accessories
Ducati also plans a wide range of accessories and related products for its off-road trail, including an additional 8-liter fuel tank, aluminum luggage cases, LED headlights, heated grips, Termignoni exhausts, and an adventure outfit with matching Arai boots and helmet.
Photo credit: Ducati
Ducati also offers a wide range of accessories and merchandise for its off-road trail, including an 8-liter additional fuel tank, aluminum panniers, LED spotlights, heated grips, Termignoni exhausts, and an adventure outfit, along with matching boots and an Arai helmet.
The Ducati DesertX Rally is expected to arrive at Emarati dealerships starting from next year March. It comes with a price tag of 96.000 AED.
The Ducati DesertX Rally in video
Leave a Reply