Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

When comparing the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018, there are several factors to consider. Starting with the engine and drive train, both motorcycles have a V-type engine with two cylinders. The Ducati DesertX has a slightly smaller bore of 94 mm compared to the KTM 1090 Adventure's 103 mm. However, the DesertX has a longer stroke of 67.5 mm compared to the Adventure's 63 mm. In terms of power, the DesertX produces 110 HP, while the Adventure generates 125 HP. The DesertX has a torque of 92 Nm, while the Adventure has a torque of 109 Nm. Both motorcycles have an electric starter and a chain transmission.

Moving on to the suspension, the DesertX features an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The Adventure also has an upside-down telescopic fork, but with a smaller diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 185 mm. The rear suspension is similar to the DesertX, with a swing arm and a monoshock, but with a slightly shorter travel of 190 mm. The DesertX uses Kayaba suspension components, while the Adventure uses WP components.

In terms of chassis, the DesertX has a steel frame with a tubular design, a rake of 62.4 degrees, and a trail of 122 mm. On the other hand, the Adventure has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular design, a rake of 64 degrees, and a trail of 120 mm. Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, with the DesertX using Brembo brakes and the Adventure also using Brembo brakes.

Ducati DesertX 2022

When it comes to rider assistance systems, the DesertX offers a range of advanced features such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The Adventure, on the other hand, offers ABS, riding modes, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, 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 Adventure has a slightly smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The DesertX has a longer wheelbase of 1608 mm compared to the Adventure's 1560 mm. The seat height of the DesertX is higher at 875 mm, while the Adventure has a slightly lower seat height of 850 mm. The DesertX has a dry weight of 202 kg and a kerb weight of 223 kg, while the Adventure has a dry weight of 205 kg and a kerb weight of 228 kg. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters for the DesertX and 23 liters for the Adventure.

In terms of equipment, the DesertX comes with connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The Adventure features an adjustable windscreen.

KTM 1090 Adventure 2018

In terms of strengths, the DesertX has a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the Adventure has a very powerful and cultivated engine with a wide rev range, performance modes, the ability to switch off ABS, adjustable traction control, agile and safe handling, adjustable ergonomics, a height-adjustable windshield, low weight, and a comparatively low price.

However, the DesertX has some weaknesses, including a slightly less smooth running engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The Adventure's weaknesses include outdated optics compared to the new 1290 Super Adventures and a suspension fork that is not adjustable.

In conclusion, both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 1090 Adventure 2018 have their strengths and weaknesses. The DesertX offers a more advanced and feature-packed package with a powerful engine and extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the Adventure provides a powerful engine, agile handling, and adjustable ergonomics at a comparatively lower price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.