Renowned for their dominance on the track, Ducati looks to bring that same skill and expertise to the dirt with the all-new DesertX. Introduced during the final episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2022 web series, the DesertX demonstrates Ducati's eagerness to diversify their model line.

The DesertX is aggressively engineered and styled, as it takes aim at bikes capable of competing in the Dakar Rally. This is an exciting new direction for Ducati, as the Italian manufacturer enters a space to take on the likes of the Honda Africa Twin and KTM 1290 Super Adventure R.

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Ducati Designs A Bike For The Dirt

Over the past few years, the adventure segment has seen explosive growth as manufacturers continue to release new machines specifically tailored to meet buyer demand. While many of these motorcycles are more road-oriented, several have shown true off-road abilities.Ducati clearly sees an opportunity in this space as the DesertX incorporates design features purpose-built for off-road riding.

The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels outfitted with knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires illustrate Ducati's intentions for this motorcycle immediately. This is a far cry from a road-going Multistrada, as the DesertX's DNA appears to share very little with its brethren from Bologna.

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At the heart of this beast is the 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valvetrain engine. Utilized in the Monster and Multistrada V2, the application here is completely unique for Ducati. This sturdy V-twin is a reliable platform but will undergo new challenges when outfitted to a dirt bike. Delivering 110 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, the Testastretta engine is now 3.7 lbs lighter thanks to modifications to the clutch and gearbox. That gearbox received considerable attention for off-road use, as the engineers shortened gears one through five for better grunt down low. Sixth gear remains tall so riders can roar down the highway before launching back into the muck and mire.

The DesertX Could Make Ducati A Dakar Contender

A rider stopped on a dune on a 2022 Ducati DesertX.
Via: Ducati

Take one look at the DesertX and you can't help but wonder if Ducati has its sights set on the legendary Dakar Rally. Given their racing pedigree and ability to compete everywhere from the MotoGP series to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, it is not a stretch to think Ducati wants to take on Dakar.

The bike comes with plenty of technology suited for that task. The DesertX has six ride modes that work in combination with 4 power modes (Full, High, Medium, Low) that modify the Testatretta's responsiveness. The ride modes include Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet, as well as an Enduro and Rally Riding setting. The latter examples should help a rider cope with the conditions unique to off-road riding. The 5-inch TFT display is also vertically oriented so that it is visible to a rider while standing on the pegs. To enable riders to take extended off-road rides, Ducati also equipped the DesertX with a 5.54 gallon fuel tank and a rear-mounted accessory is available that offers another 2.1 gallons. Features such as these illustrate the time and energy Ducati dedicated to the DesertX, as their thoughtful approach to this bike should make wilder adventures possible.

The DesertX will arrive in U.S. dealerships beginning in June 2022 at a price starting at $16,795.