2022 Ducati DesertX Review | Daily Rider

The Ducati DesertX is a stylish ADV machine with the same 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin found in the Monster, Hypermotard, and Multistrada V2. How does it handle the Daily Rider route? Zack takes the DesertX for a spin to find out.

SPECS:
MSRP: $16,795 (base)
Engine: 937 cc V-twin
Claimed weight: 492 lb. / 223 kg
Fuel capacity: 5.4 gallons (+ 2.1 gallons in optional rear tank)/20.4L + 8L
Seat height: 34.4 in. / 873.8 mm

Zack’s gear:

[leeonardodienfield]

Zach you and Ari were two of the people that inspired me to get a bike. Got my license last week, got my bike yesterday and after this video I'm headed to a lake and dock to have a cup of coffee just because I can. Haven't been out at 10AM on Saturday in a long time. Keep riding brother you get more people into it

[M]

The passenger POV was the best part of this whole thing

[MinnerQ]

This review was incredible! Riding on the passenger seat with no hands, street jumps, urban dirt donuts and wheelies. This guy is a real pro. Makes me want to get out and ride.

[FnuMnuLnu]

Unsure when this was shot, but as a father I can tell the upcoming (or already happened) baby birth has made the bags under Zach's eyes bigger.
Stick in there Zach! You will be a great dad!

[jasonkendrick]

I couldn't make it out of the Ducati configurator without getting the pricetag below $22K. Went for the Aprilia.

[bsmukler]

Ducati has one of these, fully kitted out, in the foyer of their museum, in which of course visitors can see the original Cagiva Elephant, complete with battle scars and road book (with the rider’s handwritten notes). The overall design of the new bike really captures the essence of the original, which is wonderful. Brilliant design and engineering.

[magellanicspaceclouds]

I like how the midsize segment nowadays has engines that are almost a liter. 😆

[kawikakilawana]

When the DesertX was first announced, i immediately thought of my '08 Multistrada 1100S. It was quite hated when it first came out though lol. I put some Continental TKC80's on it and a wider bar, and man, it'll go absolutes anywhere! 5 gallon tank getting 45mpg. Almost 100lbs lighter than the DesertX 😳. It's a great fun bike for those of you who can't afford the DesertX (like me lol). Definitely wanna ride one of these though!

[flap]

Got mine earlier today. I’m replacing a Hypermotard 939SP and not having a second thought. A long and comfy dirt bike with tons of motor and really well balanced handling . Thumbs up!!

[alanprice]

Gotta agree with you - I was lucky enough to ride a desert X on a variety of roads and twisties, and they’ve done an incredible job. It is tall, but….
You could ditch every other bike in your life and just have this.
Great handling, even with the 21” front, plenty of power, plenty of tech and comfort, superb brakes, character, practical, great looks and can handle some dirt. I loved it.

[mikebarnett]

My two cents: 517 lbs, 900+ CC engine is not - IS NOT - a middle weight bike. That bike is in the same category as an Africa Twin which is considered a full-size ADV. It might LOOK something like a rally inspired motorcycle, (example: Tenere 700) but it's not. Definitely doesn't have a middle weight price tag either.

[sierrarider]

Ive had mine for about two weeks and all I can say is it the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle I I also have a Kim 500 - they feel the same - the bike feels extremely light to me - I throw it around on the road like I do the Kim on the dirt - the power is amazing - coming off a BMW rally 850 (which was awesome just different ) it feels like a sport bike for the dirt. Some people who think its heavy should ride it before they assume because it feels as light as the t7 but with a hell of a lot more power

[boatman]

This is the first honest review I have seen on this bike! All the others just gush over it and say how light it feels. As a guy who just purchased a Norden 901 I as a little nervous that I should have waited. But I went from a 500# plus ADV bike and wanted something much lighter and compact and the Norden really works for me. Thank you Zach, love all your hard work!

[killorbytes]

“Guzzaline” 🤔 sounds like a Road Warrior reference. Fits real nice with the Desert themed vid. Solid work Mr. Courts. Solid work.

[timmoore]

Been looking forward to this one! All hail the double headlights

[Vegesaurus]

Love these reviews. Always hit them when I see a new one. And really interested in this DesertX does anyone else think it has stormtrooper vibes?

[CoreyBrass]

I love these reviews...they remind me just how much bike I get for the money with my Gen 3 KLR 650. 🤣

[yassim]

Zack I’m clear that your are a more experienced and skilled rider than myself. That being said the sitting on the passenger seat on cruise control part feels a little sketchy. They don’t see us. Anywho, , love your content. Big fan!💪🏽

[axSupreme]

I was honestly waiting for the jump. Sad to see it gone :(

[davidkendall]

Interesting. I just rode this bike in Spain and loved it. The other half dozen guys I was with liked it not so much. They left it in the driveway versus the R1250GS, Multi V4s, Tiger 1200 and 900, and even the Versys 1000. Shocked me. I thought it sounded great, rode well, stopped great, and handled very well even on asphalt with the 21 incher on non street oriented rubber. Seems to be a wider opinion on the thing. Had me grinning 🤷‍♂️