A Closer Look at The 2022 Ducati DesertX

Ducati has finally unveiled the all-new DesertX during the sixth and last episode of their World Première 2022 series, which has been running for a few months. The new 2022 Ducati DesertX is the company’s modern rendition of the classic Rally Bikes that participated during the Paris-golden Dakar’s period in the 1990s. We now know what exactly the DesertX is; It is the company’s most dirt-worthy model ever. Interestingly, the final design of the 2022 Ducati DesertX is remarkably similar to the concept that sparked such excitement when it appeared in 2019. The 2022 Ducati DesertX provides Ducati with an adventure-touring choice that is ready for actual off-pavement activity, as the machine is designed primarily for long-distance travel, with the ability to handle all types of terrain. Ducati claims the new DesertX is powered by the latest version of the water-cooled 937cc Desmodromic 11° Testastretta engine. This engine is rated to produce 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of peak torque. The 2022 Ducati DesertX, while not a pure dirt bike, leans toward the off-road/rally end of the adventurous bike spectrum. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Ducati DesertX quick facts and specifications.

1. Desmodromic 11° Testastretta Engine

The 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valvetrain engine of the 2022 Ducati DesertX is based on the engine found in the Ducati Monster and Ducati Multistrada V2. As previously stated, the DesertX is powered by a water-cooled 937cc Desmodromic 11° Testastretta engine that produces 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine incorporates all of the advancements seen on the Ducati Multistrada V2, such as the light and 8-disc hydraulic clutch and the gearbox, which is fitted with a gear drum mounted on bearings to decrease friction and increase precision and smoothness while shifting. In comparison to the Multistrada V2, the DesertX’s transmission has lower 1st 2nd gear ratios for better low-speed off-road performance, as well as a longer 6th gear for increased fuel efficiency and comfort at high speeds.

2. The Steel Trellis Chassis

While the 2022 Ducati DesertX is powered by a Multistrada V2 engine, its steel-trellis frame is new. The DesertX has its own chassis with a steel-trellis frame and 9.1 inches of suspension system in front and 8.7 inches in back, as well as a 21-inch and 18-inch spoked wheel pair equipped with scorpion Rally STR tubeless tires. KYB long-travel suspension, aluminum skid plate, and the engine guard round out the basic off-road equipment on the DesertX.

3. Capacities & Weights

The desert comes standard with a 5.54-gallon (21l) gasoline tank, butirelli S an optional 2.1-gallon (8l) rear tank is available for added range. With the additional tank, that’s a total fuel capacity of 7.64 gallons. When the gasoline level in the main tank goes below a set level, fuel transfer from the back to the front tank is enabled and can be activated from the dashboard. The DesertX also has a large load capacity of 528 pounds, which is ideal for carrying luggage and a passenger on prolonged travels.

4. Riding & Power Modes

Riders can adjust the DesertX to their preferences and conditions with a variety of settings and rider-aid options. The 2022 Ducati DesertX has six ride modes, including the standard Sport, Touring, Urban, and Wet modes, as well as the new Enduro and Rally modes. Enduro mode is intended for inexperienced off-road riders and features decreased power (75 hp), rapid throttle response, and the ability to disable ABS. On the other hand, the Rally Riding Mode, with full engine power and minimal electronic controls, is intended for more experienced riders who wish to maximize the off-road performance of the DesertX.

5. Instrumentation: TFT Display

The dashboard is rally-inspired. One of the new rally-spec adventure bike’s other characteristics is its high-quality 5-inch color TFT display, which has been placed vertically and positioned to allow optimum visibility even while standing. This screen is also connected with the Ducati Multimedia System, which allows the rider to connect a smartphone device through Bluetooth to the bike and enable Turn by Turn navigation, which shows directions on the dashboard. The Ducati Multimedia System also supports functionalities such as incoming/outgoing calls as well as music.

6. Seat Height

The seat height is 34.4 inches, and the ergonomics (right seat height for the body) is well-suited to standing. According to an article by Don Williams, Ducati claims that the midsection has been maintained small to make it much easier for the rider to hold the motorcycle when riding off-road. Soft suspension initially pushes the rider closer to the ground, reducing the 9.8-inches of ride height.

7. LED Lighting System

The lighting system of the 2022 Ducati DesertX, which is entirely LED, also represents premium technological elements. The one-of-a-kind double front headlight features two dual poly-ellipsoidal components with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and has been intended to provide great visibility, which is especially crucial for a motorbike designed to ride in a variety of situations.

2022 Ducati DesertX Specs

Engine: 937 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, L-twin
Transmission,final drive: Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower: 110 @ 9,250 rpm
Claimed torque: 68 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm
Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Front suspension: Kayaba 46 mm inverted fork, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 9.06 inches of travel
Rear suspension: Kayaba shock, adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping; 8.66 inches of travel
Front brake: Dual Brembo M50 four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with cornering ABS
Rear brake: Brembo two-piston caliper, 265 mm disc with cornering ABS
Rake, trail: 27.6 degrees, 4.8 inches
Wheelbase: 63.3 inches
Seat height: 34.4 inches
Fuel capacity: 5.54 gallons (plus 2.1 gallons in the optional rear tank)
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, 90/90-21 front, 150/70R18 rear
Claimed weight: 445 pounds dry
Available: June 2022
2022 Ducati DesertX Price: $16,795 MSRP

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for more off-road performance from Ducati, the new 2022 Ducati DesertX is a better alternative. The 2022 Ducati DesertX is Ducati’s first entry into the highly competitive intermediate adventure bike sector, including long-travel suspension, a 21-inch front wheel, and a 5.54-gallon fuel tank capacity (with an optional second tank of 2.1 gallons).