Ducati DesertX - Weekend test & crash

If you're here for the crash, it's at the end...

WOW, I was happy to be able to ride the DesertX for the weekend. Advertised as Ducati's first offroad bike and having tried a few others over the past couple of years I'm amazed how it handles on tarmac. Used to ride a Multistrada and for this kind of roads I definitely prefer the DesertX!

Being familiar with the engine from my Monster 950, the DesertX is more civilized and has a lower gearing which makes it feel quite different and easy to ride. Not sure if the quick shifter is the same but here I prefer the Monster... blipper is better and feels less clunky.

Picking up the bike and my love for Telemark, Norway there was no doubt where the weekend would be spent... bike heaven!
Although the crash may seem bad there was surprisingly little damage on the bike: bent brake pedal and some scratches on the right side. Nevertheless, not a proud moment and I'm debating with myself if I should stop riding on gravel altogether or go all in and practice to become a national champion.

Trying to figure out why the crash happened I've been convinced I gave the pedal a light push when suddenly the rear locked up completely. Why would I brake hard at this moment? Yes, I was riding in Rally mode without ABS and DCT which I would have repeated unless a lot of pre-practice. Watching the chest cam over and over again I see that the oil lamp lights up immediately which indicates a stalled engine and explains the fully locked rear.... anyway, dealer didn't find anything wrong with the rear brake when I returned it so I've now concluded it was my bad and a result of riding in low gear + fist Ducati which actually has a functioning rear break.

Will I buy one? Maybe, but not now... maybe next season. Still enjoy my Monster 950 too much and need to decide if riding offroad/gravel is for me. Keeping an eye on forums if anything comes up regarding rear brake issues...

Keep it on 2 wheels and if your interested in the DesertX I recommend going for a test ride, you'll love it!

[KiwiMoto]

I am glad you are ok. I also have a Desert X, and have spent the last 30 years riding tour bikes all over the world and racing on the track. All Ducati :-) But off road is new to me, as it is for many. I actually started out off road on a CRF300 to learn the ropes. Really glad I did. Smaller is better. Same goes for the track when learning. I looks to me like you were in too high of a gear, but who knows. Glad you are ok... and glad you were wearing. the right gear. Its an amazing bike. Nothing like it. Awesome on the highway and so capable if you randomly decide to take dirt roads

[dirtbikelunatic]

Hey! Would it be okay to use it in moto edit and maybe on some other DBL Social Networks? You will get full credit for it. Thanks

[guser]

I’m glad you are ok… on the bright side that is a beautiful place to crash :)

[Vlfmotos]

Hey mate! Would it be okay to use it in compilation? Full credited ofc!

[LifeOnMotorcycle]

Hey mate,
can i use this video in my new compilation?
credit in the description, comment & your channel name in compilation

[nghonleong]

Thanks for sharing and thankfully you are ok, and rode with the full gear. I already re-watched your video and at timestamp 10:27, the red engine oil lamp is visible at the top of your i agree that you could have touched the rear brake and stalled the engine, at a high gear. The speed how the engine stalled, was very quick and a concern! Maybe its due to a light flywheel Ducati had used? Anyway, on bike protection - from another Desert X owner in Australia, who rode this around the Aussie continent suggested that the crash bars to protect the body and also exposed water pump as mandatory items to have, especially for those who ride in the dirt. Cheers and ride safe.

[kleynjan]

On ADVpulse I read in the test of the Desert X: “This was early in the day and it was the first time I had ridden with the ABS completely off. Soon after descending, I gave the rear brake a bit too much pressure and it locked up resulting in a stalled engine.” Sounds a lot like what happened to you.

[arcadegamesify]

I've done the same thing but didn't crash. I hit the rear brake but forgot to pull the clutch so the rear locked and the engine stalled. Then the engine didn't want to spin and we're going sideways. Thankfully the traction of the rear wheel was enough to bump start the engine again and I kept it up haha.

[moto-stars]

Scary bro! May I feature this video in my new episode? Watermarked and linked to your channel of course.

[bikelunatic]

Hey, can i use this video in my new compilation? I will credit you with watermark ofc, Thx in advance

[alberto-cgox]

Hi, in First, glad you are ok :), second Id like an opinion: I hate bars, not aestethics.. how Is the tank After that? It's strong enough ? Or Need protection? Thanks :)

[kanacuk]

You're Safe, GoPro is Safe, go on !!!

[HawkonRides]

Fytti katta, Haakon! Det der var fælt å se 😱 Men det viktigste er at det gikk bra med deg😊

[Axel_LeXar]

Great video ! I hope you're okay ? Is the bike comfortable? Do you think it is possible to drive very fast in turns with it?

[shanemeek]

I’m sorry this happened to you. Gravel roads are unpredictable.
Glad you’re ok. I’m assuming returning the bike back to the dealership was the most painful experience 😔.

[jonathanquinn]

Why did the bike stall? That is unusual for an off road bike at those speeds. I know the engine is based on the 899 so it is not an off-road bias engine but I would think some tweaks have been made to handle low rev of off-road type of riding.

[notesonwheels]

Your rear went off the trail mate, no need to check anything else.

[inozbik]

Looks like it stalled and surprised you, little bit scary...

[olis]

Just practice more, gravel is not always the easiest to feel comfortable on quickly.

[neilgouws]

Let's buy an Adventure bike, it will be fun they said 🤔....

Wrong gear, wrong place !