Ducati DesertX Rally, for getting where very few manage to go

Ducati has always been associated with sports and road motorcycles; asphalt has always been synonymous with the Borgo Panigale brand until last year, when the DesertX was born, a pure and hard-core enduro. The “closest thing” was the Multistrada, a model that in its different versions allows excursions off the asphalt, but its maxi-trail configuration and, therefore, its weight do not allow for too many crazy antics or for riding in narrow terrain.

To go one step further, the DesertX was finally born, a model that undoubtedly was much needed in Ducati’s lineup, with off-road styling and specifications accompanied by Ducati’s characteristic twin-cylinder engine. Now the DesertX climbs one more step in capability and, above all, quality with the new Rally version, a version that comes loaded with the most advanced off-road technology and a multitude of accessories that also allow touring, thus combining the best of both off-road and maxi-trail worlds.

Let us start with its chassis, undoubtedly the most interesting section of this DesertX Rally. The front end now features suspension by KYB with closed-cartridge forks like those on competition enduro and motocross bikes, which deliver linear behaviour and maximum support for extreme use. Furthermore, to improve smoothness and wear resistance, the fork legs have received a “Kashima Coating” treatment, while the stanchions receive a surface DLC treatment.

Moving to the rear, the aluminium swingarm has a different mounting point compared with the standard model, where a fully adjustable shock absorber, also by KYB, with a larger piston is added to improve off-road performance. It is worth noting that, thanks to these suspension components, the Ducati DesertX Rally now has a ground clearance of 280 mm, 30 mm more than the standard model. To finish the suspension section, it also features a Öhlins adjustable steering damper mounted directly to the handlebar, as well as new triple clamps that are more robust and lighter, made from machined aluminium.

Thanks to this new ride height and suspension, the wheel travel of the DesertX Rally increases by 20 mm. For this model the wheels consist of 21-inch front rims and 18-inch rear rims, which are more robust and lighter thanks to the machined hubs they feature, as well as the centred carbon-steel spokes manufactured by Takasago Excel. These rims come fitted as standard with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-purpose tyres, although if you plan to use it almost exclusively off-road you can fit Pirelli Scorpion Rally knobbly tyres or, finally, if you prefer to ride mostly on asphalt you can also fit Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres.

Mechanically, the Ducati DesertX Rally continues to be powered by the Testastretta 11° 937 cc engine with desmodromic valve timing, delivering 110 CV at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine management includes settings specifically tailored for more off-road use, such as six Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally) as well as the electronic systems Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control. All these functions, along with all the information, are displayed on the vertical 5-inch TFT screen, which is complemented by a Utility Bar for mounting devices such as satellite navigation.

Finally, the Ducati DesertX Rally can also be customised with a range of accessories, such as the forged carbon sump guard, an additional 8-litre tank that provides 40% more capacity, aluminium side cases which together with the top case achieve a load capacity of almost 120 litres, auxiliary LED lights, heated grips, engine guards in steel tube, or the Termignoni homologated exhaust.

The new Ducati DesertX Rally will be available in Spain from next January, with a price yet to be revealed. The brand has also confirmed that there will be a “full power” version and a version limited to 35 kW for riders with an A2 licence.