Ducati unveils new dual-sport adventure bike–the DesertX
Posted On: December 11, 2021 By : Shuva Raj KhatriDucati has pulled the wraps off its new adventure bike–the DesertX. The touring bike boasts an off-road chassis, an aerodynamic and ergonomic design, advanced electronics, and a lightweight engine.
The DesertX gets twin-pod LED headlights inspired by Ducati motorcycles that competed in Dakar in the 1990s. In addition to the full LED lighting system, the bike gets DRLs and Ducati Brake Lights (DBL).
Among the notable design features is the work done on three macro elements: a single central volume, the saddle, and a windshield that integrates with the double headlights.
Engine
The DesertX is powered by a newer version (1.7kg lighter) of the 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° engine, which generates a power of 81 kW at 9250 rpm and a torque of 92 Nm at 6500 rpm. The engine is paired with a nine-speed gearbox and features a slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control.
Features
The DesertX comes with a high-resolution 5-inch TFT colour display–integrated with a Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)–that is positioned with vertical orientation to offer the best visibility for riders even when riding standing up. The display offers a choice between two info modes: Standard and Rally.
The new DesertX comes with a plethora of riding-assistance features such as riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally), power modes (full, high, medium, and low), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS), cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, USB power socket, 12V socket, self-cancelling turn indicators, and a steering damper.
Furthermore, the bike features an anti-theft system, turn-by-turn navigation via an app, fog lights, heated grips, and an auxiliary fuel tank.
Specifications
| Engine type | Ducati Testastretta 11° Desmodromic |
| Displacement (cc) | 937 |
| Max. power (kW) | 81 at 9250 rpm |
| Max. torque (Nm) | 92 at 6500 rpm |
| Fuel tank/reserve (L) | 21 |
| Fuel consumption (kmpl) | 17.8 |
| Clutch | Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control |
| No. of gears | 9 |
| Seat height (mm) | 875 |
| Ground clearance | 250 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1608 |
| Kerb weight (kg) | 233 |
Tyres, brakes, and suspension
| Front brake | 2 x Ø 320 mm aluminium flange semi-floating discs, radial mount Brembo monobloc 4-piston callipers, Bosch Cornering ABS |
| Rear brake | Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo floating 2-piston callipers, Bosch Cornering ABS |
| Front tyre | Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 – 21 M/C 54V M+S TL (A) |
| Rear tyre | Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S TL |
| Front suspension | KYB Ø 46 mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, remote preload adjustment, aluminium double-sided swingarm |
