When the DesertX arrived in 2022, it broke new ground for Ducati. The Italian company has always been associated with premium machines and track racing, but its first foray off-road was a resounding success. The company’s first genuine on/off-roader is, as expected from a Ducati, a thrilling ride on the tarmac, but it’s also a seriously capable off-road machine.
Now, Ducati has doubled-down on the off-road capability of the DesertX with the release of an even more off-road focused motorcycle, the DesertX Rally.
Ducati has said that the DesertX Rally has been developed through its recent rally experience, including Antoine Meo’s recent victory at the Erzbergrodeo Iron Road Prologue, where he took first place in the twin-cylinder category aboard a prototype of the new DesertX Rally.
So, what’s new? Read on to find out.
New suspension
Most off-road focused m
At the front, the DesertX Rally features a KYB 48mm closed cartridge fork with 250mm of travel and adjustable compression and rebound settings, while at the rear, the bike has a KYB shock with 240mm of travel and adjustable compression, rebound, and preload.
This gives the bike an expansive ground clearance of 280mm and a lofty seat height of 910mm, although a low seat accessory is available to lower it to 885mm.
Compared with the standard DesertX, the Rally version now has 20mm more travel front and back, 30mm more ground clearance, and a 35mm taller seat height.
Equipment and hardware
The new DesertX Rally also benefits from a suite of hardware improvements and upgrades.
The list includes an Ohlins steering damper, high-strength Takasago Excel rims with carbon steel spokes, a high front mudguard with a split brake line, a new rally-inspired seat, and new machined brake and gear pedals along with a steering head.
These changes work to make the Rally more capable at taking hits off-road and improve its credentials as a genuine rally machine.
Engine and electronics
The engine remains the same as the standard DesertX, with the 937cc Testasretta engine providing 110bhp and 92Nm at peak output.
Likewise, the chassis remains the same on both models as well as the Brembo braking components.
The comprehensive electronics package also stays the same, which features six customisable riding modes, four power modes, cornering ABS, eight-level traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, cruise control, a 5-inch TFT display with Ducati Link app connectivity for navigation, a quickshifter, and LED lighting.
Design, price, and availability
The Ducati DesertX Rally comes in an Iron Giant livery, based on Antoine Meo’s winning rally machine, and the price starts at £18,995.
The bike is slated to arrive in UK dealerships in February 2024.