Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 890 Adventure R 2022

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 890 Adventure R 2022 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they share some similarities in terms of engine type, displacement, and suspension, there are also notable differences between the two models.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX is equipped with a V-twin engine with a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm. It produces 110 HP of power and 92 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R features an inline twin engine with a slightly smaller bore of 90.7 mm and a stroke of 68.8 mm. It generates 105 HP of power and 100 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati DesertX is equipped with a Kayaba upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension features a Kayaba monoshock with a travel of 220 mm. The KTM 890 Adventure R, on the other hand, features a WP upside-down telescopic fork with a larger diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 240 mm for both the front and rear suspension. Both motorcycles offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the suspension.

Ducati DesertX 2022

When it comes to the chassis, the Ducati DesertX features a steel tubular frame with a rake of 62.4 degrees. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame with a slightly steeper rake of 63.7 degrees. Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Ducati DesertX offers a comprehensive package including riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The KTM 890 Adventure R also offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150 mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1608 mm, a seat height of 875 mm, a dry weight of 202 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. The KTM 890 Adventure R has the same tire dimensions and a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1528 mm. It has a seat height of 880 mm, a dry weight of 196 kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The KTM 890 Adventure R offers a longer range of 444 km and a lower combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km compared to the Ducati DesertX's range of 375 km and combined fuel consumption of 5.6 l/100km.

KTM 890 Adventure R 2022

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX boasts 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 KTM 890 Adventure R excels in off-road capabilities, harmonious ergonomics (especially for tall riders), agile handling, a powerful engine, a comprehensive electronics package, cornering ABS including an off-road mode as standard, and finely controllable brakes. The KTM 890 Adventure R also offers traction control depending on lean angle.

However, the Ducati DesertX does have some weaknesses, including a slightly rougher engine performance in the lower rev range, a suspension response that is slightly behind that of the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. On the other hand, the KTM 890 Adventure R has a standard seat that is rather hard padded, a seat height that may be challenging for smaller riders, moderate wind and weather protection, and useful features such as Quickshifter+ that come at an extra cost.

Overall, both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 890 Adventure R 2022 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two would depend on the rider's preferences, riding style, and specific requirements.