Ducati DesertX ridden and rated in the Apennines.

Filmed and produced by Full Access Media (Pty) Ltd

[jamescampbell]

I'm throughly impressed with my DesertX. It has 8k miles (2k off-road) of Texas riding (summer temps of over 110 F) in under 8 months of ownership.
Replaced the worn STRs with a set of Scorpion Trail II tires. The DesertX inspies confidence while getting backed into corners and powersliding out supermoto style.
Ducati worked their magic on the design/development of the DesertX.
I'm 6'1", 225 lbs. The ergonomics are spot on for someone my size.
I rode dirt bikes as a teenager in the '70s and sport bikes in the '80s. Quit riding around 3 decades ago. The DesertX brought me back to motorcycles.

[sierrarider]

this bike is by far the best looking adventure bike out there IMHO

[patrickhd]

Just bought a DesertX. Brilliant, handles like a 400cc dirt bike. I don't take pillions, so removed the rear pegs - they are quite heavy, so good for weight saving. Very good for filtering and urban stuff and plenty fast enough for motorways etc. I have not taken it off road yet, but will probably be some simple stuff, nothing technical, as my skill levels are not there. The tyres work very well and have much more grip than you would imagine. Getting the bigger touring screen to reduce wind noise. Heated grips are not great compared to other bikes. Plus I think there may be an issue with the tank venting as get a lot of pressure build up on warmer days as the fuel lievel goes down, much more than should get. Overall, it's a really fun bike to ride, handles and goes much better than you would expect. Looks good too. Other upgrade would be a full system to cut some weight...but I could just eat fewer burgers instead.

[alanprice]

A great review, and gotta say I agree….. I’ve ridden many bikes of all types, and I ain’t exaggerating when I say I think it’s the single best bike I’ve ever ridden, with an ability for everything. On tighter “scratching” roads, I don’t think much can beat it, for riding fast or comfortably, so easily.
My only additional point, is that I’ve been lucky enough ride two examples….. and they did feel different, even in the same settings…. So set up counts.

[RJ-ynnu]

Thanks for the down to earth review. I just ordered mine for riding in Bangkok and out in the rural areas. I currently ride my BMW R1250GS here, and it is a bit of a handful in the constant heavy traffic. But a delight on the highways. I get a little tired after an hour of city riding on the GS, so i am hoping this will be my perfect daily ride! But keeping the GS for the long rides :-)

[lhurst]

Had mine since last fall, I can say it is one of the best bikes I have ever had and a true joy to ride.

[davereinhart]

This bike seems to be favorable with so many! Thank you for the review!

[johnwust]

Superb review with great quality images, I hope to pick mine up in the next week or so.

[avdmer]

Matt are you going to do a video on your camper? I’m fascinated by the setup. Awesome video on the Minion-looking Ducati as well. It seriously makes me want to park it in my garage next to the Teutonic lady.

[bobvincent]

Thanks. Living the dream hey!. My nearest Ducati dealer is a mear 3 miles away, i can only view the bikes as i look through their windows.

[richardho]

A very good review, Matt! Cheers 👍🏍🇿🇦

[-tj]

When I was a fan of bikes like these, I half-wanted a Cagiva Elefant. I had an Africa Twin RD04 for four years. I don't like this type of bike now. I bet this bike's good, though.

[IanTed]

It’s a brilliant engine and looks good but being short of the leg I’m happy with my Multi V2S for road touring and general use, sure it shares the same feeling of adequate power and awesome handling.

[sahelhabashieh]

Please go to Cape Town and test it there!! and the sand dunes are not that far from the city :)

[sattvicvelo]

Great and honest review thanks. Would you take this over the BMW S1000R for mountain / twisties /back road riding? I plan on test riding both to make up my mind, but would like your take on those two knowing that you've ridden and reviewed both. Thanks heaps!

[yiannishayabusaofficial]

AWESOME VIDEO AMAZING SUPERB ! ! ! ! !

[sally]

The achilles heel, the shark gill on the side of the tank directs any water from the ground or rain straight across the tank into your lap?

[veeken]

If you go into Dakar territory is it wise to carry a spare wiring loom and electronic bits? Cuz ya know.. Italian.

[gregorizi]

Tale motorček je večji brat Aprilije touareg.

[keyboarddancers]

Ducati's Desert X and Multistrada are sort of bike equivalents of an Urus. If you regard them in that light, with everything such a choice could possibly imply, then you're in for a treat because that Desert X looks like a real weapon. However this is not the bike for you if you're concerned about the costs of parts, accessories and maintenance.