V2 twin with intake variable timing

The 890 cc Ducati V2 is the lightest twin ever produced by Ducati. With 110 hp of power, it guarantees 70% of maximum torque already at 3000 rpm. This characteristic is fundamental off-road, where at the first touch of the throttle, the torque immediately helps to overcome obstacles, while ensuring real riding pleasure on the road.

Functional design and off-road stability

The new design underscores the shift towards a more modern and overtly off-road character, where form follows function in every detail. Each element is designed to be sturdy and functional, from the new position of the air filter that simplifies and speeds up cleaning operations, to the tank with replaceable covers, designed to make repairs after a crash simpler and more economically sustainable. A design choice that transforms the aesthetic into a concrete benefit during use.

Custom-designed chassis

The DesertX chassis is redesigned to offer more neutral, easy and intuitive off-road riding. The cast aluminum monocoque structure, designed specifically for this model, serves as both frame and airbox, exploiting the V2 engine as a structural element. At the rear, the steel subframe retains the steel trellis tube structure, integrating the shock linkage and simplifying maintenance operations. To ensure greater stability off-road, the steering is now lighter and helps reduce any inadvertent front-end movement at high speed.

Redesigned ergonomics

The riding position allows for very natural off-road riding, with a wide handlebar, a bike that is narrow between the legs, and a sense of lightness that heightens control. The new ergonomic setup, which sees the footpegs set back and the seat and handlebar shifted forwards, encourages a more active, precise posture that is ideal through technical sections. The narrower 4.8 gal tank facilitates movement in the seat, while integrated crash pads protect the bike even during low-speed crashes, for a more relaxed off‑road experience.

New dash

The horizontal dash, complete with utility bar as standard, frees up space on the upper part of the fairing for the installation of navigation tools and ensures a better visual of the area immediately in front of the bike, allowing the rider to more easily identify any off-road obstacles when up on the pegs. The dash is completed with a new 5” TFT with 3 info modes.

Benchmark electronics

The DesertX integrates a latest-generation electronics package based on a 6-axis inertial platform and designed specifically for off-road use. Six available Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally) offer a segment-topping level of customisation. The electronics controls can be adjusted according to different levels or disabled, to adapt the bike to different riding styles, levels of experience, and conditions, even during the most demanding off-road conditions.

New Kayaba Fork

The fully adjustable 46mm front fork 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 tuning and superior response control. The internal structure has been refined to improve sliding and bump 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.

Progressive Cinematics Rear Suspension

The most significant evolution concerns the rear suspension, which adopts a new full floater system capable of ensuring progressive behaviour. Unlike traditional suspension, where force increases linearly with compression, this solution allows for increased support as the suspension works, offering a softer response in the early part of the stroke and more sustained support when high forces come into play. In this way, the DesertX better absorbs bumps without sacrificing control, ensuring comfort and stability both on and off-road, on all types of terrain.

Wheels and tires

DesertX adopts tubeless spoked wheels measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, the ideal configuration for confident off-road riding. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, measuring 90/90 and 150/70, offer the perfect balance for all-round use, ensuring grip, stability and versatility on any surface. Thanks to triple homologation, the rider can also choose alternative solutions to further emphasise the bike’s off-road or road-going performance, adapting it to their specific needs.