Ducatti Desert X

[Richard-Kiwi]

Thoughts?

[backofbeyond]

Me? - none. You?

[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

[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