2027 Ducati DesertX

Design

• FORM BORN OF FUNCTION.: Every line of the bike responds to a real need: transforming functionality into an essential, dynamic form. The lower front end makes for a lighter and more dynamic bike where every movement is more natural, while the rear light design further emphasizes the bike’s off-road personality.
• LINES DESIGNED TO TACKLE THE TERRAIN: Right from first glance, DesertX appears more robust. Technical components such as the suspension, supports and protections take on a more prominent visual role, while the bodywork is stripped to a minimum to leave room for function. The bike’s profile is narrower and higher at the rear, for a cohesive visual balance that immediately communicates agility and performance. The front end, lowered by 20 mm without reducing suspension travel, heightens visibility and leaves room for navigation tools. The surfaces of the tank - lowered and remodeled - make for a more compact, narrow and easy to approach bike.
• POLYMER TANK: Narrower, lighter and created in tecnopolymer material, the 18-liter tank is protected with replaceable covers that facilitate maintenance operations following an impact or crash. The side protectors with aluminum reinforcement are designed as a primary shock-absorbing element and help safeguard the most exposed areas. The same construction principle is applied to the optional auxiliary tank, equipped with side sliders to protect the essential components in the toughest off-road conditions.
• MODERN LIGHT SIGNATURE: The headlights retain the iconic dual module, reinterpreted with a bold DRL that ensures the front end is immediately recognizable. Modern and well defined, the light signature reinforces the perception of control and presence on the road, while every optical detail combines style and functionality, emphasizing the lightness of the flyline. The rear completes the overall aesthetic, clearly underlining the bike’s off-road personality.
• REDESIGNED WINDSCREEN: The windscreen has been redesigned to optimize air flow management, heighten protection of the rider and instrument panel, and ensure greater thermal comfort. A solution that makes the bike even more suited to off-road use, while also highlighting its aesthetic balance.
• MOULDED SEAT FOR GREATER FREEDOM: The seat of the DesertX is redesigned to offer maximum freedom of movement, allowing the rider to move backwards and forwards, whether standing or sitting, while also making it easier to reach the ground. The seat height is still 880 mm in the standard configuration, but can be lowered to a greater extent with the lower seat, which together with the lowered suspension kit reduces the height to 840 mm.
• MINIMALIST, TECHNICAL TAIL SECTION: The rear section of the DesertX is deliberately sleek and sporty, emphasizing the bike’s off-roading soul. Pared back fairings leave room for the trellis frame, which becomes a central design element, for a cleaner and more technical look. This design choice heightens the modularity, facilitating installation of accessories like the 8-liter auxiliary tank, passenger grab handles and side case subframes, and showcases the linkage suspension.
• OPTIMIZED FOR OFF-ROAD.: Lines, proportions and construction details tell of the evolution of DesertX. Each element captures the careful harmony of function and stylistic innovation, giving shape to a modern, light and efficient travel enduro that expresses its personality right from first glance, on and off-road.

Electronic Riding Aid System

• ABS CORNERING: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Cornering functionality acts as a function of lean angle, using data from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), to increase safety when braking in corners.
• CRUISE CONTROL: Electronic system introduced by Ducati for the first time in 2014 on the Multistrada 1200 that allows you to automatically maintain the speed set by the rider without twisting the throttle.
• DUCATI BRAKE LIGHT (DBL): In the event of sudden braking, automatically activates the flashing of the rear light to alert the following vehicles, a solution that further improves rider’s safety.
• DUCATI QUICK SHIFTER (DQS): Electronic system derived from racing that allows you to change gears without using the clutch and without closing the throttle when shifting to a higher gear.
• DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL): These are the daytime running lights that are used to comply with the obligation to use dipped headlights during the day.
• DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL (DTC): System that detects rear wheel slippage and automatically cuts power to limit or zero it, depending on the settings chosen by the user.
• DUCATI WHEELIE CONTROL (DWC): System that controls the wheelie and allows you to achieve maximum acceleration performance with ease and safety.
• ENGINE BRAKE CONTROL (EBC): System that allows you to control the level of engine braking when the throttle is released and choose whether to have more or less braking.
• RIDE-BY-WIRE SYSTEM: Also known as electronic accelerator, it is a system that electronically manages the opening and closing of the throttle (s).

Electronics

• ADVANCED ELECTRONICS FOR TOTAL CONTROL.: Technology at the service of control: the advanced electronics package supports every action with intelligent intervention that is never invasive, for safer, more natural riding on any terrain. Support that adapts to experience level and riding style but guarantees the rider full enjoyment of control.
• 6 RIDING MODES TO ADAPT TO EVERY SITUATION AND RIDING STYLE: The Riding Modes on the Ducati DesertX offer six different pre-set riding styles (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally) for bike behavior that perfectly adapts to the rider, the type of surface and the environmental conditions, with two dedicated off-road modes. Each Riding Mode is associated with a different setup of the control parameters. Switching between the different Riding Modes, the rider can instantly adjust the engine character and electronic control intervention.
• SPORT RIDING MODE: For the highest level of performance on asphalt. In this Riding Mode, the engine promises the maximum possible performance, unleashing its full 110 hp and offering the most direct throttle response and High Power Mode.
• TOURING RIDING MODE: The V2 delivers maximum power of 110 hp but engine delivery is smoother and more confidence inspiring. Active safety is boosted with a higher level of DTC and DWC intervention.
• URBAN RIDING MODE: Engine power is reduced to 95 hp and the throttle response is gentle, as in Touring mode. DCT and DWC are set to a very high level of intervention.
• WET RIDING MODE: Designed for use on wet asphalt. In this mode, the level of intervention is set to the max to ensure greater safety and stability even in unpredictable situations.
• ENDURO RIDING MODE: This Riding Mode is designed to be efficient in any off-road situation, including slower and more technical sections. The Power Mode limits maximum engine power to 75 hp, but the throttle response is rapid, for the right level of reactivity. The ABS has a default setting of level 2 but can be disabled. DWC is disabled so as to be able to lighten the front end when tackling obstacles.
• RALLY RIDING MODE: This high-performance mode for offroad riding allows more expert riders to fully exploit DesertX capability over fast off-road sections. The engine delivers 110 hp and the throttle reacts instantly. DWC is disabled while DTC is set at a very low level, allowing for controlled sliding of the rear wheel. ABS has a default setting of level 1 and can be disabled.
• DUCATI QUICK SHIFT 2.0: The DesertX uses the second-generation DQS. With respect to the traditional system, the gear lever no longer requires a Hall-effect microswitch, as the shift strategy is based solely on the gear sensor positioned on the gear drum. The rider benefits from shifting that feels more direct (with reduced travel), repeatable and less "gummy", particularly appreciated during sports riding. No microswitch means the lever is less exposed to dust, impact and atmospheric agents.
• LATEST-GENERATION ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT: The Ducati DesertX is equipped with sophisticated, modern electronics based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform, which can instantly identify roll, yaw and pitch. The electronics package includes: 1. Cornering ABS adjustable to 4 levels. It can be disabled in Enduro and Rally Riding Mode. 2. Ducati Traction Control (DCT) with 8 levels + OFF. 3. Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 4 levels + OFF. 4. Ducati Quick Shift (DQS). 5. Engine Brake Control (EBC) with 3 levels.
• HORIZONTAL 5” TFT: The electronics functions of the DesertX are managed via the 5” color TFT, redesigned to leave space for the instrumentation and with two USB ports as standard. Three Info Modes - Road, Road Pro and Rally - each of which switches automatically from day to night mode, can be selected using the joystick on the left block. The TFT is positioned to offer the best possible visibility even when riding up on the pegs and its horizontal orientation leaves room for navigation tools in the space above, thanks to the standard issue utility bar.
• FULL-LED LIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH HORIZONTAL DRL: The DesertX flaunts a full LED lighting assembly. The front headlights retain the dual module design, an element that has made the Ducati model so iconic, while a now horizonal DRL gives the bike a more modern look. The full LED turn signals are dynamic*. Functions including Coming Home and Ducati Brake Light EVO round out the system, heightening practicality and safety in every situation and under hard braking. *function not available in the USA.

Engine

• 890 CC V2 TWIN - BALANCE AND PRECISION.: The 890 cc Ducati V2 is the lightest twin-cylinder engine ever produced by Ducati. With its 110 hp, it delivers 70% of its maximum torque at just 3,000 rpm. This feature is essential for off-road riding: at the first touch of the throttle, the immediate torque helps overcome obstacles, while the excellent smoothness at low revs ensures a fluid and controllable response, making riding pleasant and natural even on the road.
• INSTANT TORQUE, THE SAME SMOOTH RESPONSE: The 890 cc 90° V-twin is equipped with IVT intake variable timing with helical spring valve return. With power of 110 hp and maximum torque of 68 lb-ft, of which 70% is already available at 3000 rpm, the engine ensures immediate traction at low speeds for very smooth delivery.
• REDESIGNED TRANSMISSION: The gear ratio is designed specifically for DesertX. The final drive ratio of first and second gear is shortened to heighten usability at low speeds and drive at full load, while the ratios for fifth and sixth gear are lengthened to make for more comfortable road-riding. In sixth gear, at 130 km/h, the engine runs at a lower speed than the previous generation (5,800 rpm), improving comfort and smoothness. Finally, the flywheel contributes to even smoother power delivery, improving driving quality at all speeds. The flywheel helps ensure smoother delivery across the rev range.
• THE BENEFITS OF INTAKE VARIABLE TIMING SYSTEM (IVT): The variable intake valve timing system contributes to extremely smooth and full power delivery at low revs, without compromising Ducati's sporty character at medium and high revs. Thanks to this solution, the engine is smooth and controllable even at 2,000 rpm, allowing you to tackle dirt tracks at low-speed and trial-style passages with precision. This is a real advantage that comes from variable timing, which adapts the engine's behavior to different riding conditions.
• BENCHMARK SERVICE INTERVALS FOR THE CATEGORY: Spring-valve timing allows for the definition of an engine that prioritizes steady running at low rpm and contained maintenance costs; the valve clearance check is required every 28,000 miles and an oil change every 2 years or 9,000 miles, confirming benchmark intervals for the category

Key Characteristics

• BENCHMARK ELECTRONICS: The DesertX integrates a latest-generation electronics package based on a 6-axis inertial platform and designed specifically for off-road use. Six available Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally) offer a segment-topping level of customization. The electronics controls can be adjusted according to different levels or disabled, to adapt the bike to different riding styles, levels of experience, and conditions, even during the most demanding off-road conditions.
• DASH: The horizontal dash, complete with utility bar as standard, frees up space on the upper part of the fairing for the installation of navigation tools and ensures a better visual of the area immediately in front of the bike, allowing the rider to more easily identify any off-road obstacles when up on the pegs. The dash is completed with a 5” TFT with 3 info modes.
• REDESIGNED ERGONOMICS: The riding position allows for very natural off-road riding, with a wide handlebar, a bike that is narrow between the legs, and a sense of lightness that heightens control. The ergonomic setup, which sees the footpegs set back and the seat and handlebar shifted forwards, encourages a more active, precise posture that is ideal through technical sections. The narrower 4.8 gal tank facilitates movement in the seat, while integrated crash pads protect the bike even during low-speed crashes, for a more relaxed off‑road experience.
• CUSTOM-DESIGNED CHASSIS: The DesertX chassis is redesigned to offer more neutral, easy and intuitive off-road riding. The cast aluminum monocoque structure, designed specifically for this model, serves as both frame and airbox, exploiting the V2 engine as a structural element. At the rear, the steel subframe retains the steel trellis tube structure, integrating the shock linkage and simplifying maintenance operations. To ensure greater stability off-road, the steering is now lighter and helps reduce any inadvertent front-end movement at high speed.
• FUNCTIONAL DESIGN AND OFF-ROAD STABILITY: The design underscores the shift towards a more modern and overtly off-road character, where form follows function in every detail. Each element is designed to be sturdy and functional, from the position of the air filter that simplifies and speeds up cleaning operations, to the tank with replaceable covers, designed to make repairs after a crash simpler and more economically sustainable. A design choice that transforms the aesthetic into a concrete benefit during use.
• KAYABA FORK: The fully adjustable 46mm front fork is designed to adapt to the needs of every rider and every type of terrain. The hydraulic compression and rebound damping is now adjustable on both cartridges, allowing for more precise tuning and superior response control. The internal structure has been refined to improve sliding and bump absorption, allowing the DesertX to better copy the roughness of the terrain and making riding easier, more intuitive and less tiring thanks to the reduction in stress
• PROGRESSIVE CINEMATICS REAR SUSPENSION: The most significant evolution concerns the rear suspension, which adopts a full floater system capable of ensuring progressive behavior. Unlike traditional suspension, where force increases linearly with compression, this solution allows for increased support as the suspension works, offering a softer response in the early part of the stroke and more sustained support when high forces come into play. In this way, the DesertX better absorbs bumps without sacrificing control, ensuring comfort and stability both on and off-road, on all types of terrain.
• V2 TWIN WITH INTAKE VARIABLE TIMING: The 890 cc Ducati V2 is the lightest twin ever produced by Ducati. With 110 hp of power, it guarantees 70% of maximum torque already at 3000 rpm. This characteristic is fundamental off-road, where at the first touch of the throttle, the torque immediately helps to overcome obstacles, while ensuring real riding pleasure on the road.
• WHEELS AND TIRES: DesertX adopts tubeless spoked wheels measuring 21” at the front and 18” at the rear, the ideal configuration for confident off-road riding. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, measuring 90/90 and 150/70, offer the perfect balance for all-round use, ensuring grip, stability and versatility on any surface. Thanks to triple homologation, the rider can also choose alternative solutions to further emphasize the bike’s off-road or road-going performance, adapting it to their specific needs.

Vehicle

• BUILT TO RESIST, DESIGNED TO EXCITE.: A solid structure, a precise response. Every element of the bike has been reconceived to offer greater solidity and ease of use when off-roading and keep maintenance complications to a minimum. The chassis and ergonomics ensure a more precise, intuitive and satisfying ride, transforming technical robustness into an experience of control and pleasure on any terrain.
• MORE AGILE, MORE PRECISE: The chassis and structural elements of the second generation DesertX have been redesigned to reduce overall weight while improving robustness, for a total wet weight no fuel of 461 lb.
• ALUMINUM MONOCOQUE FRAME: The monocoque frame helps contain overall weight and integrates the air filter housing into the structure. This solution simplifies and speeds up cleaning and disassembly, particularly during off-road use. Inside the frame are the air filter, throttle bodies and complete fuel system including injectors. The monocoque structure also allows for substantial stiffness levels that improve the bike’s overall agility.
• REAR SUBFRAME: The rear subframe of the DesertX retains the steel trellis tube structure. Anchored to the monocoque structure at the top and to the engine at the bottom, it is designed to integrate the shock linkage and simplify access to the components. This solution ensures maintenance operations can be carried out quickly and efficiently, saving time and money in the long run.
• MORE ROBUST DOUBLE-SIDED SWINGARM FOR OFF-ROADING: The aluminum alloy swingarm immediately transmits solidity and control for confident riding on off-road terrain. The pivot is positioned to ensure maximum traction on low-grip terrain.
• KAYABA FORK: The 46 mm front fork, with 230 mm of fully adjustable travel, is designed to adapt to the needs of every rider and every type of terrain. The hydraulic compression and rebound damping is now adjustable on both cartridges, allowing for more precise calibration and superior control of the response. The internal structure has been refined to improve sliding and impact absorption, allowing the DesertX to better copy the roughness of the terrain and making riding easier, more intuitive and less tiring thanks to the reduction in stress transmitted to the rider.
• PROGRESSIVE REAR SUSPENSION: The most significant evolution involves the rear suspension, which adopts a full floater kinematic system capable of ensuring progressive behavior. Unlike a suspension without linkages, where the force increases linearly along the stroke, this solution increases support as the suspension works, offering a softer response in the first phase and more sustained support when high strokes come into play. The result is a DesertX that can effectively absorb bumps while maintaining control, comfort and stability, both on and off-road, on all types of terrain.
• BRAKING SYSTEM OPTIMISED FOR OFF-ROAD: The braking system by Brembo offers a precise, consistent and controllable response, particularly in more technical situations. The 305 mm double front disc with M4.32 calipers and axial master cylinder ensures power and control. The rear features a 265 mm disc and an easily adjustable pedal, with geometry optimized for off-roading. The system allows off-road riding enthusiasts to mount the high front mudguard with no need for any additional kits.
• REDESIGNED RIDING POSITION: Ergonomics favor a central and reactive posture, ideal for off-roading and equally precise on the asphalt. Smooth engine delivery facilitates traction management, while the updated chassis reduces rider effort when adjusting setup. The handlebar is comfortable whether the rider is up on the pegs or seated, and the seat offers freedom of movement along its entire surface, making it easier to reach the ground during low-speed maneuvers. Even the ergonomics of the handlebar levers have been revised and optimized to reduce fatigue for the rider.
• SEAT: With a standard height of 880 mm and versions that can drop the bike to as little as 840 mm*, reaching the ground becomes easier and safer thanks to a particularly narrow straddle arch. A geometry designed to support the rider whether up on the pegs or seated, and a design that amplifies the sense of control thanks to the bike’s extremely slender form, for a more connected and intuitive feel. *with suspension lowering kit
• THERMAL COMFORT ON THE MOVE: DesertX improves thermal comfort thanks to two openings integrated into the fairing and tank, designed to channel airflow towards the legs and inside the fairings, promoting more effective heat dissipation and greater comfort when riding.