Ducati launches DesertX in India, at Rs 17.91 lakh

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said “The DesertX project was born in 2019 when Ducati presented the concept to the public, generating a strong positive reaction from motorcyclists around the world. This important feedback gave us the decisive push to transform that concept into the motorcycle that is now winning hearts around the world. It’s the first Ducati with a 21” front wheel and an off road prowess like no other and the first lot of motorcycles coming to India is already sold out, which is further proof that the DesertX will mark a new chapter in Ducati’s journey in India.”

Design

The design of the DesertX is a modern interpretation of the lines of the enduro motorcycles of the ‘80s, created by the Centro Stile Ducati following criteria of essentiality and robustness. This "Robust Design" highlights the sportiness of a motorcycle while conveying the spirit of adventure from the very first glance.

Every aesthetic element has been designed to be functional. The technical elements characterize the bike, as in the case of the aluminum skid plate, the frame guards, and the 46 mm fork combined with the 21-inch front wheel, all of which give the DesertX a bold and adventurous look. The windshield merges with the headlamp and the double full-LED DRL, designed on its surface makes this model unmistakable.

The DesertX’s aptitude for journeys is highlighted by the design choices, such as the possibility of removing the passenger seat if you are traveling alone to create extra space. For those keen on longer journeys, it is also possible to add an additional 8-litre rear fuel tank.

Ergonomics

In DesertX, ergonomics was most carefully taken into consideration by Ducati test riders during the development phase. For the motorcycle must be able to offer maximum control in stand-up riding typical of off-road riding, with a good level of comfort when riding on the road. Thus, the saddle-foot peg-handlebar triangulation was only approved after endless off-road tests and long test sessions on asphalt.

The saddle-footrest distance has been designed to make the classic transition from seated to stand-up riding as natural as possible. It is precisely in stand-up riding that the rider can find the perfect ergonomic triangulation, designed to dominate the bike in any condition, thanks to the wide handlebars with a typically off-road bend.

The seat is 865mm high. The combination of a narrow inner leg curve and initial suspension compliance ensures good contact with the ground. The saddle height can be reduced by means of a low seat. (available as an accessory)

A Motorcycle with No Limits

The DesertX is a motorcycle with a marked aptitude for traveling on any terrain. Its load capacity is 240 kg and the aluminum cases, available as an accessory, have a total volume of 76 litre, which can become 117 litre in combination with the top case. The bike’s adventurous nature is also expressed through the 21 litre fuel tank capacity and the availability, as an accessory, of a rear tank with a capacity of 8 litre. Fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank is enabled when the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level and can be activated from the dashboard.

Ducati has worked on making DesertX enjoyable on any type of route: the riding position is comfortable for both the rider and the passenger, thanks to the definition of a targeted shape and padding for each of the two seats. Heat management was studied in detail with openings and flows of fresh air whilst aerodynamic protection is ensured by the great care taken in defining the shape and size of the original windshield and the even more protective one, available as an accessory. 

Engine

The engine of the DesertX is the well-known and much-appreciated 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder unit with desmodromic distribution. The engine delivers 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and the torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm, with an ability to combine Ducati performance with a smooth delivery.

This latest evolution of the 11° Testastretta engine that equips the DesertX inherits all the improvements introduced on it, first on the Monster and later on the Multistrada V2. The 8-disc clutch is extremely light and compact, while the gearbox drum works on bearings to minimize friction and improve precision and smoothness when shifting, thus contributing to a reduction in total engine weight of 1.7 kg compared to the previous version.

The the gearbox has different dedicated ratios with respect to those of the Multistrada V2. The ratios have been shortened overall on all gears up to fifth, to ensure the best off-road behavior.

First and second gears are much shorter (14.3% and 8.7% respectively vs Multistrada V2), to facilitate the low-speed riding. Sixth gear is properly long to facilitate highway rideability while maintaining low engine speeds; this means a contained fuel consumption and an increased level of comfort.

The gearbox works in conjunction with the DQS Up & Down (Ducati Quick Shifter) with a strategy developed specifically for this model, active both uphill and downhill. DesertX maintenance intervals are scheduled every 15,000 km or 24 months, with a valve clearance checking every30,000 km.

Chassis

The layout adopted for the chassis of the Ducati DesertX includes a new tubular steel trellis frame, which works in combination with long suspension travel with specific settings to ensure effective operation in all riding conditions.

The optimization of all components has led to the creation of an extremely efficient bike, with a dry weight of 202 kg. The choices made in terms of chassis make the DesertX an easy bike to ride, inspiring confidence, and safety on all types of roads, even the bumpiest ones. 

Specific suspension for off-road use

In terms of suspension, the DesertX stands out for its high-level equipment. The 46mm diameter upside-down Kayaba front fork offers a whopping 230mm of travel and is adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. The Kayaba single shock absorber is adjustable in compression, rebound and preload and through the aluminum swing arm, allows 220 mm of rear wheel travel. DesertX has a generous ground clearance of 250 mm, which is favorable for more demanding off-road riding.

Wheels and yres

The DesertX is fitted with completely new wheels for a Ducati, measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear: the typical sizes of an off-road bike. The decision to adopt Tubeless tyres was made to ensure maximum safety and reliability. The original equipment tyres are the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, with sizes: 90/90 –R 21 and 150/70 R 18 M which are the perfect choice for a truly all-round use of the bike.

Brakes

The DesertX is equipped with Brembo brakes with ABS Cornering function. The front system is characterized by the presence of Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with four 30 mm diameter pistons, axial pump with adjustable levers and double 320 mm front disc with aluminum flanges. At the rear, we can find a single 265 mm diameter disc with a twin-piston floating caliper, again from Brembo. The braking power setting has been designed to offer the right power in road use, but also good modularity in off-road riding and on difficult surfaces. 

Electronics

Safety and performance of the DesertX are also enhanced by its electronic systems, which represent the state of the art in terms of riding assistance. The main new features are specific settings for the Enduro Riding Mode and the introduction of the new Rally Riding Mode, in addition to Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet.

Each Riding Mode takes advantage of the Bosch IMU to act on the intervention levels of the various controls, modifying the character of the bike according to the choices and ability of the rider.

The ABS can also be completely deactivated directly through the control block with a dedicated button, but only in the Enduro and Rally Riding Modes.

Instrumentation

TheDesertX is equipped with a vertically oriented high-resolution 5” color TFT display positioned to offer the best possible visibility in stand-up riding. This display is designed for integration with the Ducati Multimedia System which allows you to connect your smartphone, thus activating new functions such as music control, call management and Turn by Turn navigation (optional) with directions directly on the dashboard.

In the Standard Info Mode, all the information necessary for road riding is displayed: tachometer and speedometer are clearly visible, as well as the engaged gear, the fuel level and other information necessary for the journey.

The trip master function present in the Rally Info Mode is used in rallies for navigation and allows you to manually adjust the indication of the odometer, using the buttons on the control block. 

Lighting system

The premium lighting system on the DesertX is full LED. The double front headlight has two twin-function poly-ellipsoidal modules with Daytime Running Light (DRL) and has been designed to ensure excellent visibility, particularly important for a motorcycle capable of travelling in all conditions. The rear light is equipped with the Ducati Brake Light, a particular system that in the event of sudden braking, automatically activates the flashing of the rear light to alert the following vehicles, an intervention that further improves rider’s safety.