Some significant updates for the 2026 Ducati DesertX, aimed at improving off-road riding performance and to ease maintenance. In Malaysia, the 2023 Ducati DesertX was priced at RM112,900 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. As the more off-road oriented of Ducati’s tall motorcycles, the other being the Multistrada V2, the DesertX takes the Paris-Dakar Cagiva Elefant as its template. The second generation of DesertX is the result of extensive feedback and racing experience in the Erzbergrodeo, the Rally of Albania, the Transanatolia and the 1,500 kilometres of desert racing in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. Without sacrificing everyday riding and road and off-road comfort, the DesertX now comes with suspension and a new, more ergonomic and lighter fuel tank. Designed for the the new riding enthusiast to the off-road professional, the DesertX is focused around the Ducati V2 engine and its monocoque frame. The new Ducati V-twin engine is the lightest ever four-valve per cylinder twin produced by the boys in Borgo Panigale. Displacing 890 cc, power is rated at 110 hp at 9,000 rpm, with 92 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, while 70 % of maximum torque kicking in at 3,000 rpm. The six-speed gearbox, with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0 quickshifter, comes with shorter ratios in the first four gears to make overcoming off-road obstacles easier. Engine reliability is enhanced, with a 45,000 km interval for valve clearance checks and oil changes every 15,000 km or two years. Developed specifically for the DesertX, the new monocoque frame uses the engine as a structural element and also fucntions as an airbox, ensuring a compact design and increasing frame rigidity to improve handling. The new airbox position also offers better access to the air filter, which can be easily removed and cleaned after every off-road ride. Braking also gets an upgrade, with new 205 mm diameter brake discs on the front wheel, clamped by Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers, with the axial master pump is fitted with a redesigned lever, offering the rider greater modulation off-road and improved lever feel. The braking system is designed to allow the fitting of a high front mudguard without the need for a retrofit kit. Wheel sizing is a 21-inch tubeless spoked wheel in front and 18-inch wheel at the rear, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street tyres in 90/90 and 150/70 sizes. For suspension, the DesertX gets 46 mm diameter KYB upside-down forks, fully adjustable with independent settings on both legs and 230 mm wheel travel, while the rear is fitted with a KYB monoshock, fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment, and 220 mm wheel travel. A full suite of electroic riding aids comes with the DesertX, including Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC), all adjustable. Each of the electronic settings is specifically configured to work with the six predefined Riding Modes – Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet – and two dedicated off-road modes – Enduro and Rally. The new 18-litre polymer fuel tank is slimmer and lighter, aiding movement in the saddle, and protective crash pads makes it resistant in the event of typical low-speed falls. Fuel volume is positioned low, lowering the DesertX’s center of gravity and enhancing handling and manoeuvrability. Also new is the 5-inch TFT dashboard, with a resolution of 800 x 480 and two USB ports as standard. There are three display modes – Road, Road Pro and Rally – each with automatic switching from day to night display, with Road and Road Pro modes displaying the most important info for road riding, while Rally mode becomes a navigation tool complete with tripmaster. Seat height on the DesertX is set at 880 mm as standard, and there is the extra cost option of a low seat and suspension lowering kit that reduces seat height to 840 mm. A full range of accessories is available from the Ducati Performance catalogue, including an auxiliary fuel tank. ?????????????
