Right from first glance, DesertX appears more robust. Technical components such as the suspension, supports and protections take on a more prominent visual role, while the bodywork is stripped to a minimum to leave room for function. The bike’s profile is narrower and higher at the rear, for a cohesive visual balance that immediately communicates agility and performance. The front end, lowered by 20 mm without reducing suspension travel, heightens visibility and leaves room for navigation tools. The surfaces of the tank - lowered and remodelled - make for a more compact, narrow and easy to approach bike.

Narrower, lighter and created in plastic material, the 18-litre tank is protected with replaceable covers that facilitate maintenance operations following an impact or crash. The side protectors with aluminium reinforcement are designed as a primary shock-absorbing element and help safeguard the most exposed areas. The same construction principle is applied to the optional auxiliary tank, equipped with side sliders to protect the essential components in the toughest off-road conditions.

The headlights retain the iconic dual module, reinterpreted with a bold new DRL that ensures the front end is immediately recognizable.

Modern and well defined, the light signature reinforces the perception of control and presence on the road, while every optical detail combines style and functionality, emphasizing the lightness of the flyline.

The rear completes the overall aesthetic, clearly underlining the bike’s off-road personality.

The windscreen has been redesigned to optimise air flow management, heighten protection of the rider and instrument panel, and ensure greater thermal comfort. A solution that makes the bike even more suited to off-road use, while also highlighting its aesthetic balance. 

The seat of the DesertX is redesigned to offer maximum freedom of movement, allowing the rider to move backwards and forwards, whether standing or sitting, while also making it easier to reach the ground. The seat height is still 880 mm in the standard configuration, but can be lowered to a greater extent with the lower seat, which together with the lowered suspension kit reduces the height to 840 mm.

The rear section of the DesertX is deliberately sleek and sporty, emphasising the bike’s off-roading soul. Pared back fairings leave room for the trellis frame, which becomes a central design element, for a cleaner and more technical look. This design choice heightens the modularity, facilitating installation of accessories like the 8-litre auxiliary tank, passenger grab handles and side case subframes, and showcases the linkage suspension.

The 890 cc 90° V-twin is equipped with IVT intake variable timing with helical spring valve return. With power of 110 hp and maximum torque of 92 Nm, of which 70% is already available at 3000 rpm, the engine ensures immediate traction at low speeds for very smooth delivery. 

The gear ratio is designed specifically for DesertX. The final drive ratio of first and second gear is shortened to heighten usability at low speeds and drive at full load, while the ratios for fifth and sixth gear are lengthened to make for more comfortable road-riding. The new flywheel helps ensure smoother delivery across the rev range.

The IVT helps ensure extremely steady and responsive output at low rpm, while retaining that typical Ducati sports character across mid to high range.

The V2 twin is Euro5+ approved. Spring-valve timing allows for the definition of an engine that prioritises steady running at low rpm and contained maintenance costs; the valve clearance check is required every 45,000 km and an oil change every 2 years or 15,000 km, confirming benchmark intervals for the category

A 35 kW restricted power version is available for A2 licence holders. With this version, maximum power is 43.5 hp at 6250 rpm and maximum torque 5 kgm at 5750 rpm.

The chassis and structural elements of the second generation DesertX have been redesigned to reduce overall weight while improving robustness, for a total wet weight no fuel of 206 kg.

The 46 mm front fork, with 230 mm of fully adjustable travel, is designed to adapt to the needs of every rider and every type of terrain. The hydraulic compression and rebound damping is now adjustable on both cartridges, allowing for more precise calibration and superior control of the response. The internal structure has been refined to improve sliding and impact absorption, allowing the DesertX to better copy the roughness of the terrain and making riding easier, more intuitive and less tiring thanks to the reduction in stress transmitted to the rider.  

The new monocoque frame helps contain overall weight and integrates the air filter housing into the structure. This solution simplifies and speeds up cleaning and disassembly, particularly during off-road use. Inside the frame are the air filter, throttle bodies and complete fuel system including injectors. The monocoque structure also allows for substantial stiffness levels that improve the bike’s overall agility.

The rear subframe of the DesertX retains the steel trellis tube structure. Anchored to the monocoque structure at the top and to the engine at the bottom, it is designed to integrate the shock linkage and simplify access to the components.

This solution ensures maintenance operations can be carried out quickly and efficiently, saving time and money in the long run.

The aluminium alloy swingarm immediately transmits solidity and control for confident riding on off-road terrain. The pivot is positioned to ensure maximum traction on low-grip terrain.

The new braking system by Brembo offers a precise, consistent and controllable response, particularly in more technical situations. The 305 mm double front disc with M4.32 callipers and axial master cylinder ensures power and control. The rear features a 265 mm disc and an easily adjustable pedal, with geometry optimized for off-roading. The new system allows off-road riding enthusiasts to mount the high front mudguard with no need for any additional kits.

New ergonomics favour a central and reactive posture, ideal for off-roading and equally precise on the asphalt. Smooth engine delivery facilitates traction management, while the updated chassis reduces rider effort when adjusting setup. The handlebar is comfortable whether the rider is up on the pegs or seated, and the seat offers freedom of movement along its entire surface, making it easier to reach the ground during low-speed manoeuvres. Even the ergonomics of the handlebar levers have been revised and optimised to reduce fatigue for the rider.

With a standard height of 880 mm and versions that can drop the bike to as little as 840 mm*, reaching the ground becomes easier and safer thanks to a particularly narrow straddle arch. A geometry designed to support the rider whether up on the pegs or seated, and a design that amplifies the sense of control thanks to the bike’s extremely slender form, for a more connected and intuitive feel.

*with suspension lowering kit

DesertX improves thermal comfort thanks to two new openings integrated into the fairing and tank, designed to channel airflow towards the legs and inside the fairings, promoting more effective heat dissipation and greater comfort when riding.

The Riding Modes on the Ducati DesertX offer six different pre-set riding styles (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally) for bike behaviour that perfectly adapts to the rider, the type of surface and the environmental conditions, with two dedicated off-road modes. Each Riding Mode is associated with a different setup of the control parameters. Switching between the different Riding Modes, the rider can instantly adjust the engine character and electronic control intervention. 

Sport Riding Mode

For the highest level of performance on asphalt. In this Riding Mode, the engine promises the maximum possible performance, unleashing its full 110 hp and offering the most direct throttle response and High Power Mode. 

Touring Riding Mode

The V2 delivers maximum power of 110 hp but engine delivery is smoother and more confidence inspiring. Active safety is boosted with a higher level of DTC and DWC intervention. 

Urban Riding Mode

Engine power is reduced to 95 hp and the throttle response is gentle, as in Touring mode. DCT and DWC are set to a very high level of intervention. 

Wet Riding Mode

Designed for use on wet asphalt. In this mode, the level of intervention is set to the max to ensure greater safety and stability even in unpredictable situations. 

Enduro Riding Mode

This Riding Mode is designed to be efficient in any off-road situation, including slower and more technical sections. The Power Mode limits maximum engine power to 75 hp, but the throttle response is rapid, for the right level of reactivity. The ABS has a default setting of level 2 but can be disabled. DWC is disabled so as to be able to lighten the front end when tackling obstacles.

Rally Riding Mode

This high-performance mode for offroad riding allows more expert riders to fully exploit DesertX capability over fast off-road sections. The engine delivers 110 hp and the throttle reacts instantly. DWC is disabled while DTC is set at a very low level, allowing for controlled sliding of the rear wheel. ABS has a default setting of level 1 and can be disabled.

The DesertX uses the second-generation DQS. With respect to the traditional system, the gear lever no longer requires a Hall-effect microswitch, as the shift strategy is based solely on the gear sensor positioned on the gear drum. The rider benefits from shifting that feels more direct (with reduced travel), repeatable and less "gummy", particularly appreciated during sports riding. No microswitch means the lever is less exposed to dust, impact and atmospheric agents.

The Ducati DesertX is equipped with sophisticated, modern electronics based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform, which can instantly identify roll, yaw and pitch. The electronics package includes:

• Cornering ABS adjustable to 4 levels. It can be disabled in Enduro and Rally Riding Mode
• Ducati Traction Control (DCT) with 8 levels + OFF
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 4 levels + OFF
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
• Engine Brake Control (EBC) with 3 levels

The electronics functions of the DesertX are managed via the 5” colour TFT, redesigned to leave space for the instrumentation and with two USB ports as standard. Three Info Modes - Road, Road Pro and Rally - each of which switches automatically from day to night mode, can be selected using the joystick on the left block. The TFT is positioned to offer the best possible visibility even when riding up on the pegs and its horizontal orientation leaves room for navigation tools in the space above, thanks to the standard issue utility bar.

The DesertX flaunts a full LED lighting assembly. The front headlights retain the dual module design, an element that has made the Ducati model so iconic, while a now horizonal DRL gives the bike a more modern look. The full LED turn signals are dynamic*. Functions including Coming Home and Ducati Brake Light EVO round out the system, heightening practicality and safety in every situation and under hard braking.

*function not available in the USA.