Ducati Desert X VS Honda Africa Twin | We Tested Both!

#ducatidesertx #hondaafricatwin #rideadventure

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︾ Howdy Adventure Riders,

🏍️ Are you ready to hit the trails or take on some serious miles? In this video, we’re putting two iconic adventure motorcycles head-to-head: the Ducati Desert X and the Honda Africa Twin.

From off-road capability to highway comfort, tech features, and price points, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to help you decide which bike is the perfect fit for your next big adventure.

🔥 **What You’ll Learn in This Video:**
✅ Performance comparison: Power, handling, and ride quality
✅ Off-road vs on-road capabilities
✅ Key features and technology
✅ Price and value: Which gives more bang for your buck?
✅ Our personal verdict

Whether you’re a die-hard ADV fan or just starting your adventure bike journey, this review has you covered. Let us know in the comments which bike YOU think comes out on top and why!

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🎥 Video production, directing & thumbnail art by @GarrettGalvan
Host: Eric Lange

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[mattswinburne]

Simple solution is get one of each - you can ride the Africa while the dealer changes the filter on your Desert X.

[paul.vanhout]

I have owned a DesertX for two years and around 16k miles. It has been a reliable, versatile and enjoyable ride both on and off-road; no disappointments. Fair and balanced review and nothing I would disagree with. Well done.

[bulentberksan]

The most successful and honest comparison video I've watched in a long time.

[cablio]

Currently doing Pan-Am on a DesertX. 29, 000 km in so far. 10/10 would buy it again.

[TRAVERSE_ADV]

Africa twin 1000 in my garage. 90% offroad and rough fire trails.

Contemplating stiffer springs. Handles fine with my 100kgs onboard, but bottomed it out a few times this year.

[pcimri]

“Not a crappy bike in the bunch”. Agreed. Own a DesertX and have rode Africa Twin. Appreciate very balanced discussion. For me it was the closer to sport bike fun of DesertX to get to the dirt that won the day. Thought I wouldn’t find riding modes so useful on DesertX but so easy to adjust while riding I end up using almost daily. Riding for almost 40 years and cannot stop grinning on every old and new bike I have privilege to ride. Thanks again and highly recommend your Bend course. Cheers.

[JamesCanadaa]

I was looking for this video 3 months ago. I was in the marker for a new ADV bike. I went through this list exhaustively up and down and tried both. My honest opinion was that I just fell in love with the DDX's imperfections and looks and was unable to remove it from my brain. I think the AT looks amazing but there is just something with that white that calls my name.
Fantastic overview and comparison. Even after this video I would still have chosen my bike. I think either bike, it's a win/win.

[BootsRoutes]

I have a DDX, im currently riding around south america and i love. to me is the perfect bike. amazing video.

[Coninator]

I do own the DesertX and an ATAS, both 2024. Both amazing bikes but for fun I‘m taking the Duc any day! For comfort its the ATAS. I did ride the standard Africa Twin as well but like you guys said, it feels much heavier and doesn‘t provide much trust offroad to a beginner like me.

[rideitalialeader]

Really great comparison video, good job folks! Real world, living with it kinda stuff. 10/10

[imxfields]

I grabbed the DCT version of the AT for pillion rider and touring im mind. The smooth down shifts mean less helmet bumping and a more pleasant experience for my wife. The DCT is wonderful for commuting traffic as well.

[christophertan]

My 2017 Africa Twin had a reduced weight almost 10kg with aftermarket rims, lithium battery, galfer brake rotors and aftermarket exhaust. It picks up and handles like a dirt bike with much reduced unsprung weight and rotational inertia. I can live with less HP. Here in Singapore, we don’t want a bike that heated up really bad. So AT is a perfect bike for me and many riders here.

[coolhandchunk]

A little feedback regarding 2-up riding with the Africa Twin... I have a '24 ATAS... I purchased it with the intent of doing a significant amount of 2-up riding with my adult son and my wife (occasionally), mainly on-road. The ATAS replaces my old 2011 Honda CBF1000 sport tourer. I went ahead and ordered/fitted the OEM accessory composite panniers and top box right away. In terms of room, the AT has decent passenger room, but the foot room for the pillion is cramped and quite often my passengers foot hits my leg when they are getting on/off the bike. If the passenger has short legs, their legs could rest on the panniers (not an issue for people with longer legs). Both the rider/passenger seats are not great for long distances... after 2 hrs, both of us are getting squirmy - After 4hrs, the butt is down-right sore (I am looking into an aftermarket or modified seat now). Other than that, it is a fantastic 2-up rig. Zero issues with power (or lack of) when riding 2-up. Zero issues with handling or suspension when riding 2-up... the bike is super stable and loves to be pushed hard on the twisties. The Adventure Sports model has electronic suspension and it is fantastic. I have my user modes set up so I can easily switch back and forth between modes when riding 2-up or single.... I have the settings dialed in perfectly right now for both conditions. If anyone is interested, I have some more detailed videos on my Youtube page.

[michaelwallace]

I paid 8000 for my Africa Twin DCT standard 13 months ago. Had a KLR before that. I chose AT for Honda reliability and 10:1 compression. DCT didn't scare me other than how is it off road. I have put 11k miles on the AT to date. After RaceTech suspension upgrade. Oiled prefilters on the air intake. Pirelli Rally Race front and either shinko 805 or Tusk 2 track rear. Bike has left me stranded no where and leaves be wanting back on it after every trip. The part I like about an older AT was ease of turning off ABS rear and traction control and the price I gave for it. Bike came with Outback motortech protection front, rear and bash plate, Camel kick stand, center stand and screen brace, Oxford heated grips, Pivot pegs and eastern beaver power hub. All for 8000. Love love love the bike. I did add a wind rider seat cover which is very nice in warmer months. All said when I look at pics of a Desert X it really makes me perk up. And to hear that it has little more power and lighter feel and flick ability. Well, sure like to ride one. But, for probably twice the money at best sound like I'll stick my my old AT. Great review guys I've wanted to see one like this.

[coolhandchunk]

I have a '24 ATAS (and love it).... but one of the main deciding factors was seat height and actual standover height. Despite being a big bike, I felt it was easier to get a leg over, touch the ground and feel more confident holding it up with one leg. Nearly ever other full sized adventure big was too big.

[pagosa]

I put 10k miles on my honda, it never missed a beat, and i rode in a lot of areas most adv riders wouldn't go, san Juan mtns of Colorado. I did put heavier fork springs in it.

[bjjw]

Good and fair review and assessment of both bikes. Good to see honest, knowledgeable and well presented discussion with minimum bias.

[willjelsma]

Probably one of the best comparison videos of bikes I've seen.

[xBaer]

Hey Guys!!
I purchased my ATAS from Andrew, which was a RideAdventure bike. Loving it!!!
Upgrading the suspension now!

[coolhandchunk]

In terms of the electronics and controls on the Africa Twin.... you get used to the controls quite quickly. No, they aren't perfect.... but I am not a serious offroader, so the issues with turning off abs/traction/wheelie control are not a factor. The Android Auto can be glitchy... but is still a nice feature to have for long rides.