Ducati India will launch the Desert X on December 12, the company has announced. The Desert X is Ducati’s latest ADV and is more off-road focused than the Multistrada V2, with which it shares its 937cc, L-twin engine.
. Desert X’s engine makes 110hp and 92Nm
. Has 250mm ground clearance
. India to get a the low seat height (865mm) as standard
Ducati Desert X: design and chassis
We recently got a chance to ride the Ducati Desert X in Italy, when we attended the 2022 World Ducati Week (WDW) and were quite impressed with the bike. One of the stand-out bits about the Desert X is its design that is inspired by the Cagiva Elefant of the ‘90s – from the twin LED lights, the tall windscreen to the shape of the 21-litre fuel tank and the minimal rear.
And it isn’t a case of form winning over function as we found the ergonomics to be quite well judged. The only hindrance, for some, may be the stratospheric, 875mm seat height. India, however, is expected to get the low seat height as standard, which drops the seat height to 865mm.
Under the bodywork, the trellis frame is all-new, suspended by adjustable, long travel suspension (230mm front/220mm rear) at both ends, while the ground clearance is a lofty 250mm. The bike rides on a 21-inch front/8-inch, tubeless, wire spoke wheels, shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber. Braking duties, meanwhile, are taken care of by a twin, Brembo M50 calipers, however, these are mated to an axial brake master cylinder.
Ducati Desert X: engine and electronics
Moving to the heart of the matter, the 937cc, L-twin engine, as we’ve mentioned before, is the same as in the Multistrada V2. However, it is in a relatively mellow state of tune and produces 110hp and 92Nm; slightly lower than what the Multistrada’s engine produces.
As for the electronics, since this is a Ducati, there’s a comprehensive set on offer. The list includes six ride modes and four power modes, cornering ABS, traction control, bi-directional quickshifter and more. All the settings for the electronics can be accessed via a neat, 5-inch TFT display with optional Bluetooth connectivity.
Ducati Desert X: pricing and rivals
The Ducati Desert X is expected to sit between Rs 15.5 lakh and 17.5 lakh. As for its rivals, it goes up against the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and the Honda Africa Twin.