Ducati Desert X - 5 Things You Need to Know

The Ducati Desert X is an impressive machine - and a pricey one too. We just got a chance to put a lot more miles on it during our recent Adventure Touring Shootout, where we traveled to South Dakota, home of the famous Sturgis Bike Rally. While the region is known for the Rally, there's more to check out in South Dakota.

Book your adventure at:

Until then, find out what we love (and don't love) about the Ducati Desert X in this quick overview.

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[okagedesu]

Got one two month ago, definitely a great bike. It doesn't feel heavy at all and I'm always surprised at how easy it is to ride.
If you find the GS a bit boring and want to try somethnig else, I'd highly recommend you give it a try !

[angmohmoto]

amazing times we are living in, a 937cc L-twin is a "middle-weight"

[RJ-ynnu]

I ride mine in heavy Bangkok traffic and its a blast, then on the open road it is super stable at 200kmph, but the downside is the engine heat. You need thick kevlar to stop getting burned! I put a waterpump guard and hose guard (very cheap online), they offer protection but dont reduce the heat. Does anyone know of heat shields for it? Besides that, i can recommend it for a fun mid/heavy weight.

[phillipbatho]

I guess this is an easier way to make a video. Run some previously made clips while voicing over with the bullet points about the bike.

[BrotherSilverback]

Great bike. Loving mine. 2022 model. Only "faults" I have found so far are the transfer of fuel from the rear tanks to the main tanks takes too long and more importantly, one needs to stop and turn off the motor to change modes. Has this fault been rectified on later models thus allowing change of modes on the go as my GSes have always done?

[CMB]

Looks like a great bike, if you have $20k+ burning a hole in your pocket!

[kevincraig]

who wouldn't like that bike its a great bike how will they top it

[JohnJay]

I'm close to buying this motorcycle as an all-rounder and long-distance bike. The dealer near me charges $795 plus tax shipping and $895 plus tax setup, then there is the $1600 dollar package you referenced, another $1400 in tax, and $300 for the title, license, and "Other documents." All in, this bike is over $22, 000. That puts this bike at the same price point as the KTM 1290 Adventure R and S, the BMW S 1000 XR, and many other great motorcycles. The KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R both cost thousands less. For someone who rides primarily on the road, it's a difficult decision. I always wanted to own a Ducati; if you want one, you have to pay a premium.

[jtec]

First to comment. I win a Free bike right?

[YABBAHEY]

Can't help but imagine 3 Japanese executives of 3 motorcycle companies having drinks together & laughing hysterically when Ducati announced their asking price.

[mesi-ronaldo]

I had them all...elefants, africas, bigs, teneres, adventures....elefant was ...for me top...now its desert x

[richardhobbs]

Reading these comments of leaks & reliability issues coupled with poor 'service' = I shall stick to my asphalt bandit PC 800 Honda. Off-roading was fun when I had my 1972 Honda CB 175 . . . . a 20 HP road bike that could climb almost any dirt hill if in 2nd gear at 4000 RPM . . . . Loved that bike !
take care, rh

[Rgsa]

No aux fuel tanks? Have you guys ever attempted to ride more than 200miles on gravel/jeep road with the baby fuel tank?! Or are we talking about weekend riders?

[joeblow]

Wait! ✋
Isn't this the bike that they insist you bring it into the dealership for a chain adjustment?
or ANYTHING? 🤔

[anxiousappliance]

Never touch the ducati catalog or you will end up homeless. Just go aftermarket.

[mediocremichael]

Anyone heard about all the reliability issues already? Happy adventuring with that - better know where to find your nearest dealer.

[abymathew]

Maaaan, for that money you could by a full spec KTM 1290 Super Adv R...😱😱😱😱😱

[kostasrestas]

I thing that when Yamaha release the Tenere 900, this thing,
will rip it to pieces..

[GIGABACHI]

This makes the Honda AT1100 look like a total bargain and a heck of a deal.
Does this thing still have timing belts and stupid short valve adjustment intervals like a Monster 1100 ?
P.S: Go back to DISQUS, your comments section it's as populated as Antarctica.

[Rust_valley_adventures]

They don't mention the issues with the desert x 😂😂😂 wind screen for most riders is horrendous buffeting, warping front discs, cheap chain that stretches, uncomfortable wobbly seat, soft suspension, chain guards that snap when used offroad, poor welding on the termi link pipe, slow parts from ducati italy, tyres good on tarmac and dry conditions, on mud they offer no grip at all and the silly amount of torque needed to tighten the rear spindle, useless gear stick especially wearing alpine star boots when gear stick is set to its highest pistiion you will struggle to change gear, foot pegs bend the brake lever if dropped, cracking wheel rims and snapping spokes when used offroad is coming out alot more aswel new versions coming out next year so hold off, a rally version and a DP version... its a shame ducati for the first 2 years have used the owners as guinea pigs