With the Ducati Desert X Rally, we visited the largest enduro park in Europe, the Red Stag terrain, in Rohr im Gebirge. The expansive area, located about an hour southwest of the Vienna city limits, offered a perfect testing environment with 15 kilometers of forest roads and 28 different off-road trails. There are plenty of opportunities for every riding level to let loose for an entire day. With our large adventure bikes, we were mostly on the wider forest paths. However, we also integrated some green trails (easy difficulty level) into the test routine to thoroughly put the big and noble bikes to the test.
Ducati Desert X Rally in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024
Premium Adventure Bike - Is More Expensive Also Better?
In the history of 1000PS, it was the most elaborate off-road test production to date: Over three days, 13 current adventure bikes faced a comprehensive comparison test in selective enduro terrain. Despite scorching heat of nearly 35 degrees and long working days, the test crew demonstrated incredible endurance and showed commitment. The hard work and dedication resulted in detailed, insightful test impressions as well as, of course, fantastic photo and video material. Six editors were involved - three off-road professionals and three all-rounders from the 1000PS editorial team. Which model will lead the pack off-road in 2024? We take a look at where the Ducati Desert X Rally stands compared to its competitors.
Arlo
published on 8/30/2024
Where was the Desert X tested?
Offroad Pro Arlo on the Desert X:
The Desert X Rally is by far the sportiest in our test, alongside the F900. Its off-road capabilities are truly impressive. However, this exceptional performance is no coincidence. Öhlins steering damper, high-quality suspension components from Kayaba, and Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS provide a very familiar and secure riding feeling from the first moment. The Desert X strikes the right balance between sporty performance and comfort.
The V2 engine of the Desert X matches the riding experience perfectly. It can be sporty and aggressive with ample power reserves, yet smooth as a cat when you ease off the throttle. There's really nothing to complain about with the Ducati, except for one point - the price. In Austria, you have to shell out 26k for it. Just for comparison, the F900 costs 10k less with a few ticks in the accessories catalog!
Globetrotter Frankee on the Desert X
The Ducati Desert X Rally occupies a very special position in the battleground of mid-weight adventure bikes. Out of nowhere, Ducati suddenly enters the ring with a bike that, on paper, outshines the most off-road capable adventure bikes. These specifications definitely make a difference off-road. Especially the suspension feels like riding on cotton candy. Personally, the suspension gave me a tremendous amount of confidence, and by absorbing even rougher gravel, I was able to maneuver through the path more agilely and, above all, more safely. Unfortunately, the Desert X Rally does not include any notable onboard tools. In the event of a flat tire while traveling, tools are required to remove the (tube) wheel, which can be very difficult to find. This leaves a major negative point for me as a travel enthusiast. Therefore, always plan trips with the Desert X Rally carefully in advance!
McGregor's opinion on the Desert X:
The performance of the Ducati DesertX Rally is beyond question. As an amateur, it is debatable how much of the abundant power, the large suspension reserves, and the premium parts like the Öhlins steering damper one really uses, but of course, one still appreciates the fine responsiveness, high stability, and the eager thrust of the V2. When looking at the overall package from the perspective of a hobby enduro rider, it does seem a bit like overkill, especially considering the price. If money is no object, you can certainly fork out the €26,000 in Austria and get a very good bike. However, for those who pay a little attention to the price-performance ratio, there are other great adventure bikes available for the money, without having to sacrifice much relevant performance and probably gaining some comfort. All in all, the Ducati DesertX Rally is a highly sporty, thus somewhat radical, and very expensive machine.
Arai Tour-X5: our choice for long and tough days with the adventure bikes
The intense off-road testing conditions were perfect for putting our equipment to the test. When it comes to helmets, the 1000PS crew unanimously trusted the new Tour-X5 from Arai. The helmet sits perfectly balanced on the head and behaves very neutrally in the wind, regardless of speed. The fit of the helmet is generally comfortable. There is a snug contact feeling over the entire head area. As typical for Arai, the padding also pleasantly encloses the jawbone and does not create any uncomfortable pressure in the cheek area. The inner lining used in the Tour-X5 feels cozy and high-quality on the skin even after a long, intense, and sweaty day. With various ventilation openings in the forehead, chin, and top of the head areas, you can get enough fresh air when needed. The craftsmanship is first-class - the helmets not only look noble and beautiful when new, but they also remain absolutely top-notch even after several tough days off-road. Ventilation openings and visor locking can be perfectly operated even when dirty. A great, versatile helmet for all types of motorcycle adventures. We give it our highest recommendation!
Ducati DesertX Rally 2024 - Key Facts
Engine and Drive Train
Bore | 94 mm |
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Stroke | 67.5 mm |
Engine power | 110 HP |
Rpm at Max. Power | 9250 rpm |
Torque | 92 Nm |
Rpm at Torque | 6500 rpm |
Compression Ratio | 13.3 |
Degrees | 90 |
Starter | Electric |
Clutch Type | Multiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping |
Transmission Type | Gearshift |
Valves | Desmodromic, DOHC |
Can be restricted for A2 licence | Yes |
Displacement | 937 ccm |
Suspension Front
Technology | Closed Cartridge |
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Diameter | 48 mm |
Travel | 250 mm |
Adjustment | Compression, Rebound |
Suspension Rear
Shock absorber | Monoshock |
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Travel | 240 mm |
Adjustment | Compression, Preload, Rebound |
Chassis
Frame type | Tubular |
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Rake | 62.4 degree |
Trail | 122 mm |
Brakes Front
Diameter | 320 mm |
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Technology | radial, Monoblock |
Brakes Rear
Diameter | 265 mm |
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Assistance Systems
Advanced Rider Assistance Systems | Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelie |
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Dimensions and Weights
Front tyre width | 90 mm |
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Front tyre height | 90 % |
Front tyre diameter | 21 inch |
Rear tyre width | 150 mm |
Rear tyre height | 70 % |
Rear tyre diameter | 18 inch |
Wheelbase | 1625 mm |
Seat Height | 875 mm |
Seat Height up to | 910 mm |
Dry Weight (with ABS) | 211 kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 21 l |
License compliancy | A2, A |
Range | 375 km |
Combined CO2 emissions | 133 g/km |
Combined fuel consumption | 5.6 l/100km |
Equipment
Equipment | Connectivity, Heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT display |
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Leatt Adventure Gear put to the test in the 1000PS adventure bike comparison
During our adventure bike test, we uniformly wore gear from the renowned manufacturer Leatt. Our editors were equipped with either the Flow Tour Suit or the Multi Tour Suit. LEATT, well-known for high-quality motocross and hard enduro apparel, has recently started offering robust and versatile protective clothing for adventure bike riders in their new ADV Collection. The Flow Tour Jacket particularly impressed us with its outstanding ventilation, providing pleasant cooling even in hot conditions up to 35 degrees. Thanks to the integrated hydration system, our testers stayed well-hydrated even on dusty trails. The generous, waterproof pockets offered ample storage for personal items and allowed for comfortable access while riding. The Multi Tour Suit, on the other hand, scored with its versatility and three-layer construction, providing optimal protection and adaptability to different weather conditions. Both models are equipped with CE-certified protectors at critical points, offering maximum protection without restricting freedom of movement. Even a LEATT Neck-Brace is compatible with the jackets. We particularly liked the split chest protector on both models, which not only ensures safety but also provides high wearing comfort when the zipper is open. LEATT's gear proved to be ideal for our intensive tests. Robust, safe, and providing the necessary comfort for long riding days under extreme conditions.
- How much does a Ducati DesertX Rally cost?
- Here you will find an overview of the price level of new and used motorbikes!
Ducati DesertX Rally 2024 - Experiences and Expert Review
Arlo
The Ducati Desert X Rally sets new standards in the mid-weight adventure bike segment and impresses with outstanding off-road capabilities. Its high-quality chassis, consisting of Öhlins steering damper and Kayaba components, provides a secure and familiar riding performance, even on challenging terrain. The V-twin engine offers both sporty aggressiveness and smooth riding. Overall, the Ducati Desert X Rally offers an impressive blend of sportiness and comfort. The biggest downside is the price, which is significantly higher than the competition.
What other models are there in the vicinity of the Ducati Desert X?
Ducati Desert X Rally in the 1000PS Offroad Test 2024 Images
Source: 1000PS