Ducati DesertX 2023 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

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Overview - Ducati DesertX 2023 vs KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the Ducati DesertX 2023, it boasts a V engine type with a displacement of 937ccm, delivering a powerful engine power of 110 HP and torque of 92 Nm. The engine is started electrically and is paired with a chain transmission. The DesertX also features a sturdy steel frame with a tubular design, providing stability and durability. The front suspension is an Upside-Down telescopic fork from Kayaba, with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock from Kayaba, offering a travel of 220mm and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. The DesertX is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. It has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, with a wheelbase of 1608mm and a seat height of 875mm. The dry weight of the DesertX is 202kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters.

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 features an in-line engine type with a displacement of 799ccm. It delivers an engine power of 95 HP and torque of 88 Nm. The engine is also started electrically and is paired with a chain transmission. The chassis of the 790 Adventure R is made of chromium-molybdenum and has a tubular, load-bearing engine design. The front suspension is an Upside-Down telescopic fork from WP, with a diameter of 48mm and a travel of 240mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock from WP, offering a travel of 240mm and preload adjustment. The 790 Adventure R is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. It has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, with a wheelbase of 1528mm and a seat height of 880mm. The dry weight of the 790 Adventure R is 189kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2023 stands out with its great chassis that features fully adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune their riding experience. It also offers sophisticated driving modes, providing versatility for different riding conditions. The powerful engine and brakes ensure excellent performance on and off-road. The DesertX also impresses with its well-thought-out detail solutions and extensive standard equipment.

On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 excels in its high chassis quality, allowing for a wide range of use. The engine offers great running culture, rich torque, and perfectly dimensioned power. The easy-to-read display and practical rally electronics package enhance the riding experience. Despite its radical chassis design, the 790 Adventure R remains stable, maneuverable, and suitable for everyday use on the road.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The Ducati DesertX 2023 experiences some smooth running issues in the lower rev range and the suspension response is slightly behind that of the fork. Additionally, the DesertX has a very high, non-adjustable seat height, which may not be suitable for shorter riders. It also lacks space and handholds for pillion riders.

Similarly, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 has a few weaknesses. The quickshifter is not standard, which may be a drawback for riders who prefer this feature. The indicator switch can be a little fiddly to use, and the seat may be slightly uncomfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

In conclusion, both the Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 offer impressive features and capabilities for enduro motorcycle enthusiasts. The DesertX excels with its powerful engine, adjustable suspension, and advanced rider assistance systems, while the 790 Adventure R impresses with its high chassis quality, versatile engine, and practical electronics package. Riders should consider their specific needs and preferences to choose the motorcycle that best suits their riding style.

Technical Specifications Ducati DesertX 2023 compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Ducati DesertX 2023
KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore94 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.3 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDesmodromic, DOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement937 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandKayabaBrandWP
DiameterDiameter46 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel240 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandKayabaBrandWP
TravelTravel220 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62.4 degreeRake63.7 degree
TrailTrail122 mmTrail110.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,608 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height875 mmSeat Height880 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)202 kgDry Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2, ALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.

great chassis with fully adjustable suspension

sophisticated driving modes

powerful engine

powerful brake

well thought-out detail solutions

extensive standard equipment

Smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range

Suspension response slightly behind that of the fork

Very high, non-adjustable seat height

Little space and no handholds for pillion riders.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

KTM 790 Adventure R 2020

The Adventure R goes one step further than the standard model. Here, the WP guys were finally allowed to draw on their full resources and show what they can do. The higher-quality chassis compensates for the disadvantages of the long suspension travel on the road, but scores points off-road with massive reserves. The surcharge is more than justified. The seat height will probably restrict the clientele somewhat.

High chassis quality ensures a wide range of use

Engine offers great running culture, rich torque and perfectly dimensioned power

Easy-to-read display

Practical rally electronics package

Despite radical chassis also stable, manoeuvrable and suitable for everyday use on the road

Quickshifter not standard

indicator switch a little fiddly

seat a little more uncomfortable on long tours than on standard model

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati DesertX vs KTM 790 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a Ducati DesertX 2023 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati DesertX 2023 is about 52% higher. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2020 there are more Ducati DesertX 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 12. It takes less time to sell a Ducati DesertX with 78 days compared to 101 days for a KTM 790 Adventure R. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX and 9 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure R since model year 2019. The first review for the Ducati DesertX was published on 09/12/2021 and now has more than 71,700 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure R published on 06/10/2018.

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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