Ducati DesertX Rally Unveiled: Where Adventure Knows No Bounds

Following high demand and a positive response from off-road riders regarding Ducati's first true adventure bike launched in spring of 2022, the DesertX, the Bologna-based brand will take the bike one step further.

Meet the 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally. Derived from the DesertX, which was the first Ducati to feature a 21-inch front rim and an 18-inch rear, the DesertX Rally takes this legacy a step further. It boasts top-of-the-line, race-inspired components, ensuring it performs brilliantly both off-road and on.

Tested extensively, the DesertX Rally prototype triumphed at the Iron Road Prolog during the Erzbergrodeo 2023, securing the top spot in the twin-cylinder category (see Meo’s achievement here). This achievement underscores the DesertX Rally's capability.

As with every Ducati, the DesertX Rally exudes a unique and unmistakable style. Its new livery, inspired by the off-road world, sets it apart at first glance. But it's the technical enhancements that truly define this Rally as a formidable off-road machine.

Features like the high front mudguard, Kayaba suspension with increased travel and closed cartridge fork, and robust spoked wheels designed for off-road racing, all contribute to making the Rally unbeatable on any terrain.

These components, along with a lightweight forged carbon sump guard, machined gear pedal, and rear brake lever, solidify its identity as a motorcycle built for extreme adventures.

DesertX Rally Chassis

Let’s start with the chassis. The DesertX Rally's suspension is designed to tackle even the most challenging obstacles, elevating its already impressive off-road capability.

The front end boasts a new billet aluminum triple clamp and a closed-cartridge KYB fork, a technology synonymous with motocross and enduro racing. The fork uses pressurized oil to maintain consistent performance during extreme conditions.

To reduce friction and enhance durability, the fork tubes feature Kashima Coating, and the sliders have DLC surface treatment. This setup increases front wheel travel by 20 mm (0.79 inches), totaling 250 mm (9.84 inches).

At the rear, an aluminum swingarm with a different attachment point than the standard DesertX complements a fully adjustable large piston shock absorber, enhancing the bike's performance during demanding off-road use.

The rear wheel travel also increases by 20 mm (0.79 inches), totaling 240 mm (9.45 inches). To further enhance off-road handling, the DesertX Rally features an adjustable Öhlins steering damper directly attached to the handlebars.

These suspension improvements lead to a significant increase in ground clearance, now at 280 mm (11.02 inches), surpassing the standard model by 30 mm (1.18 inches).

The DesertX Rally comes with wheels designed specifically for off-road use, featuring robust hubs machined from solid, carbon steel central spokes, and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with inner tubes.

Engine and Electronics

Powering the DesertX Rally is the 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine with desmodromic distribution. It delivers a maximum power of 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm.

This engine's power delivery is linear and manageable, optimized for off-road performance with dedicated gear ratios and specific electronic calibrations.

The DesertX Rally offers six Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) with Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) recalibrated to match the bike's new chassis for challenging off-road excursions.

The electronic functions are seamlessly controlled through a vertically oriented, high-resolution 5" (12.7 cm) color TFT display. This display supports integration with the Ducati Multimedia System, enabling features like music control, call management, and Turn-by-Turn navigation* (optional), all accessible from the dashboard. The DesertX Rally also includes the Utility Bar as standard for mounting a satnav.

Service intervals for the DesertX Rally are set at every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 24 months, with valve clearance checks due every 30,000 km (18,000 miles).

ADV-Focused Accessories

The DesertX Rally comes equipped with essential components for off-road use. However, riders looking to personalize their bike can explore Ducati Performance accessories.

Options include an additional 8-liter (2.1 US gallon) fuel tank to extend range, aluminum side cases to increase cargo capacity, LED spotlights, and heated grips for avid travelers.

Steel tube engine guards are available to protect against falls or impacts during off-road adventures. Enthusiasts can also choose the Termignoni homologated exhaust for a sportier feel.

And of course, a set of Lone Rider MotoBags will compliment your traveling needs. These work with a few pannier systems. Check out this MotoBags fitment article to see what racks work with the DesertX.

Availability and Pricing: The DesertX Rally will be available at U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting in March 2024. In Europe, pricing begins at £18,995. the United States, pricing will begin at 22,995, while in Canada, it will start at an MSRP of $26,295 CAD.

Ducati DesertX Rally - Key Features:

• 937cc Testastretta 11° engine with 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm
• Tubular steel trellis frame with cast aluminum double-sided swingarm
• 21-liter (5.54-gallon) tank capacity
• High front mudguard with split brake line
• Spoked rims with billet hubs (21” x 2.15” front, 18” x 4” rear), carbon steel spokes, and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with inner tube
• Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires (90/90-21 front, 150/70 R18 rear), with alternative options
• KYB Ø 48 mm closed cartridge fork, 250 mm (9.84 inches) travel, adjustable compression and rebound, Kashima Coating treatments on fork tubes, and DLC on sliders
• Solid billet aluminum fork clamps
• KYB shock absorber with 46 mm piston, 240 mm (9.45 inches) travel, adjustable in compression at high and low speeds, rebound, and preload
• Ground clearance of 280 mm (11.02 inches)
• Adjustable Öhlins steering damper
• 6 Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally)
• 4 Power Modes on 3 power levels
• Cornering ABS adjustable on 3 levels
• Ducati Traction Control adjustable on 8 levels
• Ducati Wheelie Control
• Engine Brake Control
• Ducati Cruise Control
• 5" (12.7 cm) color TFT instrumentation with Ducati Link App support and turn-by-turn navigation
• Utility Bar
• Ducati Brake Light
• Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down (DQS)
• Full LED lighting system
• Distinctive Iron Giant livery
• Adjustable brake and gear pedals machined from solid

*Optional features available.