Meet Ducati’s ultimate rally bike, the Desert X

KUALA LUMPUR: Commenced on September 30, the Ducati World Premiere 2022 has introduced us to many new and updated Ducati machines, including the new Panigale V4, 2022 Streetfighter V2, and V4 SP, and 2022 Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak. And now, the last episode of this 6-episodes series pulled the wraps off the much-awaited Desert X. This ultimate rally bike is inspired by the brand’s iconic models raced in Rally Raids in the 1990s. Let’s check out this hunk in detail.

Ducati developed the Desert X to cover long distances specifically, it is capable to tackle all kinds of terrains. At its core lies a 937-cc water-cooled Desmodromic 11° Testastretta engine that generates a maximum power of 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The bike has six riding models - Sport, Touring, Urban Wet, Enduro, and Rally. The latter two are specifically meant for off-road riding. 

Included in the Desert X riding assistance kit are Traction Control System, Wheelie control, cornering ABS, Engine brake control, Quickshifter up & down, and Cruise control. 

In terms of lighting, the bike is equipped with an LED lighting system that according to Ducati has the highest level. For all the riding information, there is a 5-inch TFT-LCD display positioned vertically. It is mated to Ducati Multimedia System that provides the option of connecting a smartphone device via Bluetooth and activating Turn by Turn navigation.

Other key highlights of the 2022 Ducati Desert X are - 

• 875 mm seat height
• 202 kg dry weight 
• 250 mm ground clearance
• 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel
• Tubeless Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres - 90/90-21 front and 150/70 R18 rear
• Twin Brembo M50 Monobloc four-piston callipers with double 320 mm discs at the front and a two-piston calliper with a single 265 mm disc at the rear
• Kayaba fully-adjustable suspension system with 46 mm diameter front upside-down Kayaba forks with 230 mm of travel and rear monoshock with 220 mm of travel 

Set to go on sale next year in June, the 2022 Ducati Desert X is priced at $16,795 (RM 70,845).

Also read: Ducati Malaysia wins “Best Commercial After Sales” and “Best Marketing” awards