Chris standing with the Ducati DesertX

The Ducati DesertX review

Meet Chris, our Aftersales Advisor at the Laguna Performance Centre in Ashford. Chris has great knowledge of adventure motorcycles, so when the Ducati DesertX demo landed in-store we knew just the candidate to review the bike. With extensive adventure riding experience, Chris knows what adventure thrill seekers need from their bikes. So how did Ducati's latest and greatest do?

Scroll down to find out how the DesertX rides...

Ducati DesertX Close Up front view
Ducati DesertX Tyre Close
Ducati DesertX logo on tank

The Verdict...

"Ducati's brand new 2022 DesertX is the Italian brand's take on a growing middleweight adventure bike market. Previous offerings in the line-up were various Scrambler models, including the Desert Sled. The DesertX is a far more serious and focused adventure bike, aiming to be just as good on the road as it is off.
 
The DesertX slim trellis frame gives you the big dirt bike feel when standing up but also handles the road brilliantly through corners and is stable at motorway speeds - even with the 21-inch front wheel. This is helped by a large 23L fuel tank, giving around 250-mile range and a well-padded seat for all-day comfort."
Ducati DesertX off roading
"Twin 320mm discs with Brembo callipers ensure the bike has more than enough braking power, with a switchable ABS system to suit all of your on and off-road needs. The suspension really stands out on the DesertX thanks to KYB fully adjustable front and rear suspension, offering 230mm of travel and 250mm of ground clearance. Ride quality is also fantastic, absorbing all the UK has to offer on bad road surfaces.
 
The engine on the DesertX is lifted from the tried and tested Multistrada and Monster, so reliability shouldn't be a problem - plus it comes with a class-leading 4-year warranty. The first gear ratios have been changed to suit more off-road riding and fuel map changes additionally aid this too. On the road, the engine has great acceleration and is smooth to ride with plenty of go. The gearbox is slick, with a positive shift aided by a quick shifter that works brilliantly - as most Ducati quick shifters do."
Ducati DesertX off landscpae photo
"Bringing the whole package together and possibly ahead of the competition is the electronics package. The DesertX comes with 6 customizable riding modes including 2 for off-road. This really allows you to tune the bike to how you want to use it with different levels of ABS and traction control. As standard the bike comes with Cruise Control, a quick shifter, a 5-inch TFT screen, LED lights and adjustable rider ergonomics so you can change the gear lever, brake lever and handlebar position to suit your riding style. 
 
Comfort on the DesertX is brilliant, the suspension manages to do everything well in terms of road use while also offering genuine off-road capabilities. It's not just for show on this bike! There is a huge catalogue for accessories to further customise your DesertX. If you want to go touring, Ducati offer various seats and luggage options as well as crash bars, fog lights, exhausts and heated grips - the list is endless. Or if you want to tune into your inner rally rider, fit the extra fuel tank and rally pack to feel Dakar ready."
Ducati DesertX rear shot out and about
"This Ducati shamelessly takes its style from the Cagiva Elefant. With the matte white paint job and retro twin LED headlights that Ducati claims are the brightest on the market, it really does give it a unique look that's been very well received. I'm certainly a fan. 
 
The DesertX really is one of those go anywhere do anything kind of bikes, equally at home carrying you around Europe's best roads on tour as it is tackling the Dakar. And if you only have space for 1 bike in your garage, this will certainly fit the bill - or be a great addition to the collection."
Ducati DesertX landscape shot by Aldington sign

Want to try the Ducati DesertX out for yourself?

A "go anywhere do anything kind of bike"

Ducati DesertX

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