Ducatti Desert X

[Richard-Kiwi]

Thoughts?

[backofbeyond]

Me? - none. You?

[mark manley]

A nice looking homage to the Paris Dakar bikes which I expect is good to ride on the road and easier trails but not my first choice for around the world on, although someone might have a go conditions permitting. The marketing spiel is about the largest bowl of word salad I have ever digested though.

https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/bikes/desertx/desertx-937

[Toyark]

Originally Posted by backofbeyond

Me? - none. You?

Aaahhh, wonderful to see another worshipful member of our Space Academy

[*Touring Ted*]

Looks like A LOT of fun.

Personally I wouldn't do a long third-world country based trip on any new bike from BMW, Ducati or KTM. They're bling bikes which are heavily dependant on main dealer support. Even though they are A LOT of fun to ride and I'd happily have one in my garage.

I worked for a BMW main dealer between 2012-2019. Our workshop was overwhelmed with new bikes breaking down, running badly, software faults, electronic issues, recalls etc. People I know in the industry who work at Ducati and KTM dealers experience the same.

I now work for a Kawasaki/Suzuki dealership. And god, I AM BORED. And struggling to find work.

The Japanese built models just never seem to break down. EVER.

I attribute this to that they're not 'Trendy' bikes. They just perform very well using tried, tested and trusted technology. They don't race to be at the forefront of technology with like the European bling machines.

But yes, the Desert X looks great. I'd love a go.

[ouroboros2015]

I agree with Ted; I've only ever owned one Italian bike (Aprilia) and while it was enormous fun to ride, it was always breaking down with electrical gremlins. Wouldn't have much faith in one on a long trip. But I'm sure it would be fun to ride, but not own.

[Erik_G]

Good post Ted.

I have heard about so many problems from BMW owners.
(Generator, bearings.....)
I just read a book from a person that did Alaska-Argentina on a big GS.
Half the bike was replaced before leaving USA. And the captain of Steelrathle joked that the BMW owners use to plan their SA route based on where to find BMW dealers. They have to use them as Way points, to repair their bikes.
(But if you have two support truck, helicopter and have the whole BMW organisation to help you. It is OK. Charlie and Ewan..)

And these BMW owners talk about low quality of other bikes...
Bikes that they have never tried.

The guy that did Sidney - London an a Honda CT 110 postie. Later used a BMW in USA. And his statement was that the BMW was good in USA. But in Pakistan he needed a bike that he knew would start every morning and that was simple to maintain. Not horse power. CT 110 was the perfect bike for that trip.

=
I guess it is time to log out. And turn off the computer. Before it gets attacked.
And take a tour on my 20 year old Honda....
151 kg

https://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_NX-4

[Rapax]

It seems it`s cheaper and much more stylish to become an italian off road fashionista now called "post-heritage and digital Dakarians" than being a member of the GS Touratech family.

Good Job Ducati did with their optical fallback into 90s Paris - Dakar and transforming customers into a Desert Dreamers playing "The African" Edi Orioli on a Cagiva Elephant.

I surely had orded a DesertX if Ducati hadn`t missed the chance to complete my dream with a masculine eau de toilet for me as a Dakarian who loves wide open sandy spaces and the hospitality of peaceful oasis where I can stop for a refreshment with a 3 course menu.

[Sirakor]

I absolutely love the looks of the Desert X. In my opinion, it is the best looking big Adv bike out there (among Tenere, KTM 890, Norden, MV Agusta Lucky, BMW F/GS, Aprilia Tuareg, ...). It's a bike for the heart, and I am actually considering buying one.

Now, as far as performance expectation goes for the Desert X, a few things come to mind:

• The engine is very likely robust. The 937 Testastretta is a proven platform, highest volume model of Ducati. It's in the Monster, Multistrada, Hypermotard, etc. It's not a new engine, it's been around a fair while with high volumes. Reliability has improved a lot over the last 10 years and under VW ownership. I expect it to be no less reliable than a BMW or KTM.
  
  
• I love the lower gearing in the transmission, and the extra rear tank. Very much hoping that it will be plugnplay rather than permanently installed. Afraid though that it will be a $1000 add-on.
  
  
• Disappointed that it's so heavy. Ducati has the experience to build super light machines (look at the Superleggera specs), so had hoped for some 10kg less.
  
  
• I did a lot of comparison, and I think on paper, the Norden/890 is the better bike. Why? Weight is carried a lot lower, air filter is easily accessible (vs being under the tank), has dedicated space for GPS on dash, mirror mount crashes better, and honestly KTM has a lot more experience as far as off-road performance and ergonomics goes. Also the KTM will be cheaper and easier to maintain (parallel twin vs V-twin for starters, Ducati tax is higher than KTM tax). Norden is available as of now/Jan (in Europe), 890 is on sale, Desert X will be in show rooms in February, but not ship until May/June.
  
  
• So why am I still considering one? Because it looks sexy, and when your heart is in it, you can do anything :-) Why such a heavy bike? Because the next few years I likely wont be anywhere super gnarly, and within Europe these type of bikes are a good choice. If I were to set off tomorrow to the Congo or the BAM road, I'd bike a KTM 690, no brainer.

My most likely course of action: Buy the Norden, ride it for a year, test the Desert X and decide if to stick with the Norden or swap for the Desert X. Or who knows, maybe 2023 will finally see a KTM 890 that isnt ugly. (bear in mind that is all for majority of touring Europe, until the day comes when I can take another big trip. Will decide later if that will then be on a big or little bike ...)

Also have to disagree a bit with Ted: I've crossed Asia and Africa on a KTM (in fact the same LC4), and would do it again it a heart beat. Yes the engine needs a bit more maintenance, but the components, suspension and ergonomics are superior to the Japanese offers. I do agree with Ted though on the big GSs: I came across a lot of travelers with a lot of troubles with GSs. And dealer support also left a lot to be desired. Actually, one fellow traveler I met, did end up getting his much needed spare part from my KTM dealer. BMW couldnt get him the part, so my KTM dealer walked into a BMW garage, bought the part then then shipped it out!

[chris gale]

Well someone must want one as we've sold our allocation before they've even appeared in the showrooms .

[Sirakor]

For those still considering: you will need to become comfortable with an air filter under the tank, which can be annoying for maintenance in dusty places.

In the meantime I am a happy owner of a Norden, but I will for sure take the DesertX for a test ride once it arrives