Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they share many similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them unique in their own ways.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc, producing 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. It features an electric starter and a chain transmission. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has an in-line twin engine with a displacement of 889cc, delivering 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. It also has an electric starter and a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with Kayaba suspension with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a Kayaba monoshock, offering a travel of 220mm. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 features WP suspension with a larger diameter of 48mm at the front and a travel of 240mm. The rear suspension also consists of a swing arm with a WP monoshock, offering the same travel of 240mm.

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a steel tubular frame with a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023, on the other hand, features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame with a slightly steeper rake of 64.2 degrees and a shorter trail of 106.9mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front and have advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Ducati DesertX 2022 also offers additional features like a shift assistant with a blipper, cruise control, and anti-wheelie control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a dry weight (with ABS) of 202kg and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, offering a range of 375km. The combined fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100km. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has the same tire specifications as the Ducati DesertX 2022. It has a slightly higher dry weight (with ABS) of 214.5kg but a smaller fuel tank capacity of 19 liters. However, it offers a longer range of 422km and a lower combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km.

Both motorcycles come with a range of equipment such as connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. However, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 lacks a USB slot in the cockpit and its standard soft luggage is not of top quality.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 offers 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 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 boasts a high-quality and fully adjustable chassis, great comfort in the saddle, improved off-road capabilities, top-of-the-range equipment as standard, a powerful yet smooth-running engine, agile geometry, good fuel consumption figures, and a high-quality appearance and finish.

However, both motorcycles also have their weaknesses. The Ducati DesertX 2022 has a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, slightly delayed suspension response compared to the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has a seat height of 874mm, which may be critical for smaller riders, lacks a USB slot in the cockpit, and its standard soft luggage is not of top quality.

In conclusion, while both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 are capable enduro motorcycles, they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ducati DesertX 2022 excels in its chassis, engine power, and extensive standard equipment, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 offers a high-quality chassis, improved off-road capabilities, and top-of-the-range equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.