2022 Ducati Desert X vs Multistrada V2S: Which Is Better?

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[beborodner]

Desert X is my pick, just on looks alone. I think it's the best looking new bike out there!!

[CratersFreightersJax]

I own the Desert X, put 500 street miles on it, just a little off road so far. Day one, tight corners, aggressive riding, tires were amazing, solid traction, bike handles great, didn't miss a beat. Day 2 higher speed sweepers, very predictable, the bike held its line on acceleration, just handles like it doesn't have a 21" front. My background is RC51 and Panigale V4S, street and track. I've also ridden my GSA off road, gravel, sand, etc. I'm an average aggressive rider, not a racer, but have been riding everything from sport to dirt my whole life. This Desert X is a Truley amazing bike. Makes me want to wheelie it and get air riding off road. The GS was more surviving the off road, but dirt roads, it's great. Long trips seem like they'd be very doable with the right set up on the Desert X, but if you have the option, don't give up your GSA or other big confy adventure bike. For all day sport and adventure riding, the desert X is a crazy fun option.

[nihvl]

You can probably run soft saddle bags over the fuel pod which would be ideal for an off-roader than bulky aluminium saddle luggages.

[karlmillar]

I had my 2017 Multi 1200S stolen last year and ended up buying a Desert X, I adored my Multi but the Desert X just makes me grin more especially with the confidence it gives you on the gnarly trails. Plus the seat doesn't push you forward as the multi did for me. Both are great bikes but if you do want to take the odd fire trail or dirt track the Desert X wins hands down

[mrdedlund]

I just tested the X and I am in LOVE. What a fantastic bike. It was so light and nimble at the road, so the tiger 900 that I just tested felt so heavy and stiff. The desert X is a really funny road bike

[caseyclifford]

I bought the V2S and so far have been very happy. I know I won't be going off road for any distance and I do prefer the look of the V2S. If I do need to do a short run up a dirt or gravel road I am sure the V2S can handle it with ease. The engine is amazing and the sound even with stock exhaust sound great. The suspension is the costar of the V2S. Even on Dallas rather poorly maintained streets it is smooth and remains planted in curves even with rough road.

[FreddieDobbs]

That Desert X is one of the coolest looking bikes! Great vid:)

[gavinthomas]

I looked at both of these bikes and concluded... If I was buying it to ride/tour solo, then the DX wins hands down but the seating is just too cramped for a pillion. So, I chose the V2 Multi as the Mrs and I travel all over Europe in complete comfort and it's brilliant. Having owned three GSA's I thought downsizing to a V2 would be a tad underwhelming but it's far more agile with a similar power-to-weight-ratio. There's more than enough power for real world roads. And sounds fabulous when you give it the berries! The front mudguard is a joke and the standard screen creates too much buffeting on the motorway but both issues can be easily addressed. With either bike you won't be disappointed, so it's all down to 'horses for courses'.

[QuackLoud]

I've been wondering about how these two would compare ever since the Desert X was confirmed. Great video - you answered all my questions. I sat on the Desert X this year when we toured the factory - the Desert X was in the museum entrance area - and its tall, but not too tall for me. Guess I'm getting the Desert X. Thanks.

[soulrebelno]

The Ducati Desert X reminds me of my Yamaha Ténéré 700 which I've just sold. I had it for a year, but always hated the high centre of gravity, so I went back to a sports bike, and I'm much happier. The Ténéré 700 was a great bike, and the CP2 engine was fantastic, but you always felt like you could drop the thing at any moment, especially when fully loaded. The soft suspension didn't help things, either. I got used to it, but I would advise anybody interested in an adventure bike, or any bike for that matter, is to get a demo before parting with their hard-earned cash. I couldn't get a demo at the time because of lockdown, but, I don't think I'll be doing it again.

[KiwiMoto]

I’ve owned almost every Multi since they were first released in 2007. The V2 Multi is the Goldilocks’ Multi imho, but i find myself wanting more options as i explore the diversity of the North American landscape, so will roll with the Africa Twin as my next touring bike. I like the option of doing serious gravel and dirt fire roads when and if required.

[louispicker]

Multistrada V2S is my pick. Its road speed, nimbleness, and smoothness is unmatched.

[thierryfaquet]

The DesertX with the pods looks good.
But I’ll take a multi if I had to choose.

[_Makanko_]

Even if at first off-road isn't on the table right now, I'd still want the Desert X more. More so for the looks and the added bonus of being able to off-road.

[robinsmiggy]

Street bikes have always been my thang for many years, not a fan of Adv, s ( other than may be the Uber expensive Multi Pykes Peak )but I do love the looks of the Desert X. Won’t be trading my MT10 anytime soon but it would be the latest addition to my dream garage. Great test as always Bob👍

[mathieufleury]

I think the desert X is a more all around capable bike.. With road tires you can ride pretty fast even with a 21 inch front wheel.
Plus; you have that feeling you talked about : you CAN go every where. This is why I love my africa twin. And trust me it's VERY funny in the twisties.

[bocolis]

The price difference gets more substantial when you factor in V2S price which comes with skyhook suspension. And the Desert X is top of the range at the moment not the one you take when you can’t afford the big one, which seems more attractive to my eyes.

[orangefuture]

Major advantage that no one has mentioned is you can turn off wheelie control whilst keeping TC on ... on the Des X . You can't do that on the multi V2 .
I've sold my1290 sas for the x .
4 yr warranty too.

[daveffs]

The multi is a cracking bike for touring, i did 19 hours on mine stopping for fuel and food only. The desert x is a good looking bike, but I know I'd regret the downgrade on the road side of things. If I went off road a lot it would for sure make me think twice.

[davidhobson]

At 5”6, there’s only 1 choice, I LOVE my v2s!