Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 vs. Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of engine and drive train, both the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023 and the Ducati DesertX 2022 have V-type engines with 2 cylinders. However, the Pan America has a larger displacement of 1252ccm compared to the DesertX's 937ccm. The Pan America also has a higher engine power of 151.98 HP and torque of 128 Nm, while the DesertX has 110 HP and 92 Nm respectively. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Pan America has a front fork diameter of 47 mm and a travel of 191 mm, while the DesertX has a front fork diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension travel is 191 mm for the Pan America and 220 mm for the DesertX. Both motorcycles offer adjustments for compression, preload, and rebound.

In terms of chassis, the Pan America has an aluminum frame with a double cradle design, while the DesertX has a steel frame with a tubular design. The Pan America has a rake of 65 degrees and a trail of 157 mm, while the DesertX has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122 mm.

Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2023

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, with the Pan America using Brembo brand brakes. The Pan America also offers advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, electronically adjustable suspension, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The DesertX also offers riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Pan America has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The DesertX has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is 1585 mm for the Pan America and 1608 mm for the DesertX. The seat height is 850 mm for the Pan America and 875 mm for the DesertX. The dry weight with ABS is 242 kg for the Pan America and 202 kg for the DesertX. The kerb weight with ABS is 258 kg for the Pan America and 223 kg for the DesertX. The fuel tank capacity is 21.2 liters for the Pan America and 21 liters for the DesertX. The range is 432 km for the Pan America and 375 km for the DesertX. The combined fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km for the Pan America and 5.6 l/100km for the DesertX.

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT displays. The Pan America also offers Bluetooth, cornering lights, and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Pan America has a sporty power unit, comfortable seating position, comprehensive electronics, distinctive look, and standard cornering ABS and traction control. It also offers an optional seat lowering feature when stationary. The DesertX has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well-thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment.

In terms of weaknesses, the Pan America has workmanship and haptics that are partly below average, a quickshifter that is an additional cost and not perfect, and a windshield that is too high for off-road use. The DesertX has a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response that is slightly behind that of the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger.