Ducati DesertX vs. Triumph Tiger 900 (2023) - which should you buy?

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Oh my god guys! The Tiger 900 has a specific off-road geometry setup using preload. The front preload on the Tiger is supposed to be fully wound up and the rear preload dropped off to rake the bike out for off-road. It also has specific damping settings for off-road depending on the terrain. It takes a couple of minutes to adjust, you had all day to do it. On the road, for solo, sporty feeling, you need to increase damping front and rear, it totally transforms the bike and firms it up no end. The Tiger suspension is high quality and the damping adjusters make a significant difference.

[@adityahandu1008]

I was waiting for you to appear !!! Cheers sir !!!

[@adityahandu1008]

" COX IT OUT LADS "

[@davidhardstaff8110]

It's all in the owners manual, carry a photo in your phone.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@adityahandu1008 eeh it makes my blood boil 😁

[@TripodFrancois]

And it makes a huge different to the handling off road.

[@walterstockhecker5579]

FortNine seems to love the Ducati and its long wheelbase.

[@skipole09]

I’ve owned multiple GSs, multiple KTMs and have ridden the tiger 900 and 1200, Africa twins, toureg 660, T7, and others…I bought a desert x on the spot. The buffeting is a problem, but man, it’s such a good adv bike..

[@motorpolitan8884]

Mate did you even consider the air filter location?

[@skipole09]

I don't like in a dusty climate, so its not too big of a deal for me truthfully..but yes..that and the price of maintenance is the biggest drawback of the dx@@motorpolitan8884

[@Crsf84]

@@motorpolitan8884😂😂😂😂 What a stupid comment

[@armandoloureiro7158]

I own the Ducati. And I tested the tiger for a weekend. And these guys hit everything they said perfectly and exactly as my experience was.

[@pauljshields123]

I love my GT900....the Ducati does look cool, and Simon is a top bloke , I met him in Wales and was happy to have a chat.. ..

[@markdavies7949]

Met Simon in a cafe in north Wales, nice bloke , had a chat about his days in performance bikes , he was more interested in my camper van !

[@caseyworthington7092]

Great review, but for the Tiger did you manually adjust the suspension to Off Road as indicated in the manual? That changes the rake by ~3 degrees and completely changes the riding characteristics. You need to tighten up the front to max and loosen the rear to max to get that effect. If you did not, then your review of the off road stuff needs to be done again. It makes that much of a difference. Thanks!!

[@bombombimbim440]

OMG.... DUCATI SO COOL!! I like the front lamp design, minimalize and simple... Nice to see desertX from far distance!

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

The tiger reminds me of those diesel bikes the USMC used in the middle east, its a classic off road look. The Ducati though, omfg is it cool to look at!! Its such a retro spec dakar bike look. I love it!

[@sierrarider]

the best bike is always the one YOU buy!!

[@shegocrazy]

I keep seeing Star Wars storm troopers when I look at the Ducati.

[@verlinswarey507]

I really love how the Tiger looks. Really clean and elegant looking in my opinion! Not crazy about the X;looks or otherwise.

[@cathallennon5968]

Completely agree ducati is hideous looking.

[@aaronphillips2728]

Imo the desertx looks bada$$

[@francescoporcari8597]

I think that Desert X's design is quite simplier and more classic than the Tiger's.

[@beer3029]

The last 3 out of 4 Ducs i had spent a lot of time at the dealership (Multistrada, 1199, and Hyper 950, my dealer is incompetent as well). Out of 8 Triumphs I have had only one issue for warranty work and that was a 675r track bike for a $30.00 part.

[@observer8534]

I bought a Tiger 900 GT Pro a bit over a year ago. It could be easier to switch between different riding modes and selecting various throttle mappings, safety settings and what-not... but once you do this bike is an absolute thrill to drive. You pick your spice... and this thing will fly. The default settings appear designed for us old farts who used to ride wild in our youth but now don't heal so fast. Change the settings a bit and you have a wild, hard riding beast of a machine. Accept the defaults, which happens every time you restart the machine, and you have a respectable, smooth riding motorcycle with all the safety enhancements intact and operating to keep your old butt in one piece after you have reenacted a moment of your childhood. The triple engine always has the power you need. Squeeze the throttle and fly.

[@robm3357]

I have the GT also.I’m 66 and the Ducati is ugly and I wouldn’t be able to see that tiny speedo. Also how much does it cost to service the Ducati?

[@teneretraveller8980]

Ah. Most excellent entertainment with my morning slurp. Bikes, banter and words of wisdom. Continua, por favor. Safe, happy travels 👍

[@markmundy3435]

Price up the belt service on the DesertX (make sure you're sitting down) before you pull the trigger!! WHAT...

[@MrRuso55]

Exact the reason why I bought the Tiger over the Duc, two up long distance touring, I think the Duc was designed with not taking in consideration to ride it for long touring with pillion.... Also the Duc was 1.5k eur more expensive that the tiger when I bought it, both are now way more expensive....

[@PovilasPanavas]

And 1.5k € only for the base price. Add heated grips, heated seats, etc which are already in the price for Triumph, and then Ducati will be way more expensive. But do I love how Ducati looks (except that weird handlebar at the rear of the saddle)

[@ChefGk5-11]

Dessert x is the only Ducati that I really want ❤ very good build good amount of power and so far they say is reliable

[@NudaMan]

Ducatis have been reliable since the Volkswagen takeover lol

[@chrishart8548]

I also like the multistrada V2

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

It's an amazing bike. Paper specs don't do it justice. It's an absolute blast to ride. Definitely off-road oriented, and it is so fun it makes you want to misbehave badly with it. I love my DX.

[@ChefGk5-11]

To answer all , Ducati yeah it is more reliable after vw took over, yeah the panigale are beautiful but still the desert x is top to it’s category for me the happy medium around 100hp on your back tyre nice and tall good brakes good suspension normal price simple design. Get my money Ducati 😂 💰

[@IanTed]

@@chrishart8548 Got one, the Multi is a better road bike than the X and looks better…

[@xxxxDuke]

There was a brief comparison made between the KTM 890 Adv R and the Desert X. I own the 890 with 95% of my riding commuting on roads, the 890 is still a peach on the road, considering it's rally pedigree, but I wonder how the Ducatti compares to it.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

The Ducati certainly have a slightly better look than the Triumph. The Triumph does tick all the boxes for me personally though. I watched a few videos on the Ducati and it seems it's going to be pretty expensive to maintain. Other than that it's a gorgeous bike. But I'll stick with the Triumph

[@RikkyTang]

Fun comparison! Seems that there are about 10-15 years between the target audiences with these bikes...

[@ianwarren]

Or more if you look at Ryan F9’s review! There is also what you want the bike for! If it’s off road fun you want the ducati, if it on road touring, why pick an adventure bike with 21” wheels! If it’s occasional off road but mainly on it’s the Triumph.

[@MrRuso55]

Now I feel old... I think it is not only age also the idea of what you will do with the bike, i'm planning big touring trips two up, and the Ducati was not great with a pillion, the Multistrada V2 is way better that the DesertX for that, so i end buying the Tiger as i liked even more that the Multi and pricing was way better and even more counting extras.

[@fs5866]

21 inch with slick road/touring tires are no joke, you can ride it like a sports bike no problem.

[@halfnelson6115]

I just noticed that exhaust on the Triumph. The three headers come out and then immediately collects into one. Ive never seen that before. Are other Triumph triples like that?

[@fs5866]

Yes, all Triumph tripples are like that, doesn't look good nor i think it's great for performance

[@nickrider5220]

Upright Dakar screens have always been a pain on the open road, fine when you're standing on the pegs ! The ktm 890 adventure thingy is more like the Ducati. Always good to have Simon and Chad 👍

[@ianwarren]

Road the Triumph 660 when looking for my first big bike and was very disappointed to have some weird aero shedding left and right making wind a real problem which was unacceptably worse with the screen in the higher position. Bizarrely the CBR650R I test rode and then bought had smoother and much less irritating airflow (as well as being hugely more engaging and exciting) and even on autobahns at speeds the Triumph could never match (148MPH indicated) a bit of a tuck kept tolerable. Sports shape screens move air much more cleanly than bloody great slabs! To a pilot this is no surprise!

[@Geshmaal]

Yeah upright screens are the problem, you can see on a BMW GS it curves back towards the rider rather than sticking up, a shame more adventure bikes don't ape this approach.

[@chasingtrail]

Thanks for the great comparison. Loved the outtakes at the end.

[@ENGBriseB]

Glad to see Triumph making some great bikes like the 1200 Tiger pro. And the 900 hopefully more to come.

[@richardsimpson3792]

Find a KTM 950 in decent condition and throw it into the fight. I suspect it would win on everything, except fuel consumption.

[@Rosbif06600]

I own a 2011 Tiger 800 and a 2016 Duc Scrambler. Not exactly the same as here but what I can say is that the Triumph is in a different league in terms of build quality and refinement. The Duc is faster than the spec suggests and goads you in to hooligan moves, but it takes more to keep it looking good.

[@chrishart8548]

Is that one of those cheap looking v-twin air cooled scramblers around 800cc with not much horsepower.

[@francescoporcari8597]

Yeah it was the Ducati's "budget" bike.

[@tomhenderson2575]

I owned the same two bikes. I love the Scrambler for goofing around. I've traded the Tiger 800 for a 2022 Tiger900 and have been real happy with the upgrade.

[@88davidw]

Wow you were really sending it down those lanes. Glad you stayed on!

[@pareshprajapati7916]

Thank you guy's 🙏🇮🇳 Ducati X 👍👍👍👍👍👍💕

[@nemerkha]

Tenere WR for the win.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

Desert x is £14295 otr, the new 2023 black/red RR22 DESERT X is £14795 otr, the desert x runs circles around the triumph off road and on road and most other adv bikes apart from the ktm890r off road, onroad its better than the ktm890r

[@viralsheddingzombie5324]

I wonder why Triumph went with a 17" rear tire, rather than 18" which is much more common on adv models.

[@Kahlimero68]

Great Video! Greetings from GER🇩🇪

[@paultannahill5043]

Why did you close the throttle while quickshifting on the Tiger, but not on the Desert X?

[@DolfVeenvliet]

Would it be better to compare the tiger to the multistrada and the desert-x vs the tenere & tuareg?

[@fs5866]

No, these bikes are in the same category, along with the Africa twin

[@ferociousfrankie]

You don't know what the Ducati hype is about until you ride one. Every biker should own or ride a Ducati at least once in their life.

[@backontwowheels9469]

Okay so I am biased because I own the tiger rally Pro, which I have taken into Europe, twice to Munich and twice to Odense (Denmark), the heated seat and grips are a definite winner to be honest. Also for me, I really don’t like the look of the Ducati, I sat on it at the ABR festival last year and it did nothing for me. However being a short ass, i will very soon be swapping the Tiger for a speedmaster, with heated grips and will be putting the touring screen (yeah i know - CHIPS) on for if i am doing distance along motorways etc, can take it off and blast around when I get there . Some would say the speedmaster is not an adventure bike, which it isn’t, until you are having an adventure on it.

[@Zippytie]

Hi , I rode the Triumph Tiger LOW , , LRH , at Peterborough MCN event in May and loved it , its the only adventure bike that I can touch the floor flat footed , I am the perfect average height at 5ft 8 in and , BMW, KTM , Honda , Ducati , whats the matter with these companys , you must try it .

[@Rossi593]

You’d assume that the giant tank on the Ducati was a long-range Dakar style. Staggering it’s got so little plus also acres of dentable metal. The Tiger is a great bike but marred, for me, by the buzzy engine. I’m on a KTM 890 Adventure being much easier to handle and less bling to damage.

[@writestuffmedia]

True, it doesn't look as if it'd take much of a spill to wreck it.

[@defylifeadventure]

In the Aussie press ride they had two tanks damaged from crashes IIRC. One was pissing out fuel. It definitely needs crash bars, which then increases its weight even more vs the 890 Adventure R

[@francescoporcari8597]

The tank is not giant (the bike is narrow), but it stretches down so that the center of gravity, hence the feeling of the lightness.

[@terrarecon]

10:35 feeling every bump huh? Maybe make adjustments in the suspension, since that's what they are capable of??

[@Africatwinrider1]

You missed a critical issue with the Ducati, for an adventure bike, a rear luggage rack or plate or whatever is a must have. Anyone going on an adventure must have s spot on the rear for s bag, a tent, stuff, fuel cell etc. The Italian seems to be a capable bike to go get a coffee down a dirt road and that's about it.

[@davidhardstaff8110]

That fillers position and tank shape might be a challenge for tank bags too

[@shassabo]

It silly that it doesn't come with one, but its $189 to get a great rear rack from Perun Moto, or a few hundred more direct from Ducati.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

As the Ducati was designed to be the better off road bike then it makes perfect sense not to have a large screen which could get in the way when the going gets tough. Great review, thank you. 👍👍

[@paulmcleod6061]

Has the looks of a Cagiva Elephant, that desert X.

[@IanTed]

Bought the Multi V2S, better all round bike than the X with the same underrated engine, enjoyed the test ride of the Tiger 900 but it’s not as special if cheaper, Ducatis are far more fun.

[@KiwiMoto72]

Curious. How tall are you Simon? 6 foot riders ok you think?

[@splodge57]

Cam belts put me off any Ducati and I've owned a few in the past.

[@martinhughes9769]

Like both, Triumph costs on service and maintenance isn't cheap, Ducati if they are like old costs are going tobe crazy,

[@nickthequick]

Very nice and comprehensive comparison video. But I really don't understand how you guys can say that the Ducati is better looking ...

[@fs5866]

It does look better, Triumph need a bit of redesign and the bigger 1200 is awful in design, that front light looks atrocious

[@michaelcurzon7054]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I prefer the appearance of the Tiger over the DX but that's a personal bias. Both are Adventure bikes with different strengths. How ever on long multi day trips you are required to do maintenance and the Tiger wins hands down especially if changing out an air filter. Sorry I do my own maintenance and do not buy into the new factory push to take your bike to a dealer. Also no mention of adjusting the bikes for different conditions as alluded to by another comment. Makes a big difference. Report felt as if the presenters were a wee bit bias. But that's what makes bikes fun, right!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Triumph for me,no contest. Much better value for money. For me that Ducati is way over the top for most punters. The Triumph has all the features and performance most riders require. Has the Tiger got cruise control? Missed that. I'm not worried about looks on an adventure bike. Heated grips and seat,bigger instrument screen - Triumph wins my vote.

[@Zippytie]

Yes it has cruise control

[@Charliano700]

Also a quick note on the Tiger, the IMU will Fail hard if you are leaned out and throttle it. She will black line the pavement and high side you if you are a new rider. Yeah that happens.

[@andrewtye4771]

I have a tiger 900 steamer model and the Duke looks like that, very late 80s early 90s

[@writestuffmedia]

I LOVE the Steamer. Haven't ridden one since the 1990s, but one of those bikes I keep an eye out for on eBay. Really nice blue one for sale the other week, restored, lot of work done, went for a couple of grand.

[@andrewtye4771]

Simon I nought mine about 17 years ago ,been well looked after it's got 15 thousand miles on it . Its had 2 swing arms as the concentric wheel tighter on the back cracked . 3 years ago I had new wheels made for it as the spokes rusted through the rims . Ally rims stainless spokes , I couldn't get a 2nd hand set or new old stock anywhere. Next door just bought the 900 rally Pro and 2 other lads on the estate got 955i . Tiger boys hahaha

[@NetMillionaire]

Great video ❤ triumph looks great too!

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Spot on summing up👍. Personally, I’d take the Triumph as I hardly ever go off road. Maybe because of the more on road focus,I’d take neither and go fir a GS instead😂

[@tomcooney183]

Ducati is a real classic ducati, good looking and brilliant at the task its designed for, but too expensive to buy or repair to actually use it for that task unless you’re absolutely loaded.

[@-DC-]

Triumph servicing costs look absolutely ridiculous, Until you look at what Ducati want.

[@sebkorsnes]

not gonna lie, you had me in the first half.

[@fs5866]

That's why you buy japanese bikes.

[@ikutiap5923]

tenere 700. enjoy

[@ashleymarkrhodes1571]

Excellent review

[@robynmolle5842]

Love the reviews but you guys missed the maintenance cost with Ducati’s Desmo valves

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

Desmo service is £600 or less in uk at 18000 miles, same cost as any jap bike for their valve clearance service lol

[@robynmolle5842]

@@Rust_valley_adventures funny, Desmo service on my 2014 Multistrata cost me $1800 US at 18,000 miles and 12,000 mile service on my 2019 Triumph cost me $600 US at 12,000 miles….. call it Ducati tax if you want but everyone is aware of the cost of maintenance on a V-2 Ducati.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

@@robynmolle5842 well you got ripped off and clearly don't know the European cost 😆😆😆 £600 desmo service or less depending in the dealer on a desert x in the uk. Fact !!!. The funny thing is triumphs not that popular in uk considering they was built here 😆😆 From a ducati dealer website in uk Please find approximate servicing costs at Ducati Worcester for the following bikes: Multistrada 1200 (All variants) Diavel (All variants) XDiavel (All variants) Streetfighter 848 Monster 1200 (All variants) Multistrada 1200 DVT (All variants) ANNUAL SERVICE £268.82 inc 20% VAT *The prices shown include 20% VAT, are for a scheduled service and include the parts associated with an oil change (oil filter, fully synthetic motorcycle oil and gaskets dependent on model) and include the labour for performing the listed tasks. Age and Mileage related operations After every basic service has been carried out, there are specific operations that must be considered for every Ducati motorcycle. These are essential to maintain your bikes' value and ensure durability and reliability. VALVES PLUS Due every 15,000 miles or 18,000 miles dependent on model (ask us for details). Valve clearance examination and adjustment if required. Cam belt tension check and adjustment Add £273.00 inc 20%VAT *Please note there is an additional exchange fee of £2 per shim applied to all models. Typically 2 to 3 shims require adjustment. This price is created accordingly. If the requirement is for higher or lower numbers of shim replacement, this price will vary. BELTS Cam Belts must be changed every 15,000 miles or 5 years There is no additional labour cost for fitting the belts if they are being done as part of a service plan The reason being, we are already doing belt tension (see the operations carried out during a service) as part of our service, it is not difficult or time consuming at that stage in the process to remove the used belts and fit the new and re- tension.... YOU GOT RIPPED OFF !

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

@@robynmolle5842 no reply ??? 😆😆

[@IanTed]

I can afford it and it’s only every 18000 miles, my GS1250 costs me more over the same distance…

[@TheTor_Detours]

Great review/comparison! ‘Reasonably entertained’? Absolutely!! This is one of the best videos of this kind I have watched! Thanks!! 🏍️🇳🇴👍🏻

[@martyn_g]

Air filter position is just plain silly on the Desert X. It’s a tank off job😂

[@deepjoyrides]

I've seen a desert X in black with red trim at my dealership in North Wales. Looks the mutts

[@phonemeunit1973]

Yeah they just released that color way.

[@Charliano700]

That Duc Desert makes me Throw up in my mouth when I look at that tank, but I’m certain it’s a blast to ride.

[@viralsheddingzombie5324]

The DesertX looks like a beast at home on the dirt. Has anyone confirmed the service time to replace the air filter? Another channel claims he can remove the tank and fairings and replace the air filter in 20 minutes.

[@Saint_Maximus_III]

The manual simply says visit a ducati dealership 😂😂😂😂😂

[@LuckyLuke79a]

The better looks of the Ducati is debatable for me. Yes, it definitely has the bigger WOW factor when you look at it for the first time. But that doesn't last for me the longer I look at it. The Tiger on the other hand, less wow at first, but more pleasing every other day. The Tiger to me is the perfect allrounder and touring bike. I love that it just has everything. I only miss a semi-active suspension and Android Auto. And the only thing I find really stupid is the phone charger under the back seat. Other than that it's great and I've ridden it offroad plenty of times (and dropped it plenty of times 😅, with no damage though. She's a tough lady).

[@HyperSpaz]

Come on! Set aside your British bias and admit the Ducati is way better 😊.. nice comparison vid 👍

[@ianwarren]

Watch Ryan F9’s Desert X review, awesome and hilarious and he ends by buying one!

[@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui]

Two great bikes. I know looks are subjective but for me the Duke just doesn’t cut it! Slaby plastic panels, can’t see that lovely V twin motor and the front mudguard just looks horrid! It’s off road abilities are lost on me as I’d take something lighter and cheaper for off road fun, and it comes with no protection for all those expensive plastic panels. So it’s the Trumpet for me, looks good, better spec and it’s better suited for my needs.

[@splodge57]

One preferred the Ducati the other the Triumph. Didn't see any bias.

[@Africatwinrider1]

Absolute bollocks

[@MichaelWilliams-jc2ui]

@@Africatwinrider1 bit random Simon. To what are you referring old mate?

[@shabs2134]

I think you'd have to be a massive Ducati fan to pick the DesertX over the Tiger 900. The Tiger is one of the best adventure bikes on the market (if not the best). Excellent for luggage and pillion, one of the best larger bikes for offroading, typical Triumph on-road handling (one of the best), good range and very reliable and rugged. Should do 200k miles easy. Plus has a lot of modern creature comforts. Very reasonable weight. For less than the price of the DesertX. If I wanted to go around the world, then I'm confident the Triumph would take me there and back in comfort. Don't have the same confidence for the Ducati.

[@delwilliams9042]

I get around 240 miles out of a tank full on mine. Did a 2500 mile European tour last summer and averaged 63.5mpg.

[@kee7678]

@@delwilliams9042 I just got mine...2023 RP...and I'm on my 3rd tank of gas...and I'm only getting about 37mpg.... ??? I'm told it will improve as I put more miles on it....

[@ianwarren]

No you’d just want to go off road a lot then the Ducati makes perfect sense. Watch Ryan F9 on the Desert X!

[@delwilliams9042]

@K EE are yours uk mpg or American? Mine did improve from around 50 ish mpg

[@kee7678]

@@delwilliams9042 Oh interesting... American mpg. 50 is much better than 37 thats for sure.

[@MadChalet]

Aesthetics are subjective, as we know. I get the attraction to the Ducati. Part of it is due to Dakar history, which the designers tapped into nicely. Triumph has no Dakar history, so no design nostalgia of their own to draw from. I think they're following in the footsteps laid out by BMW and KTM, then explored by all others (even HD for chrissakes) who realized that the segment was a major pull. But this is just coffee talk ... I don't necessarily know what I'm talking about. 😂

[@chrishart8548]

I think all the triumph adventure bikes looked like bmw copies. F800gs (tiger 800) r1200gs (tiger 1200) triumph always living I bmw's shadows.

[@MadChalet]

@@chrishart8548 I know that Triumph hinted that the GS was their target with the new Tiger, but I don't think they share aesthetics. Personally (and I'm not an ADV guy), I've never understood the boxer as a good off-road bike, aside from C.O.G. The width (and they keep getting wider) makes tight trails tough, no? I do get that the torque works well.

[@writestuffmedia]

Neither do we!

[@PovilasPanavas]

@@chrishart8548 I don't know... to me BWM looks boring, Triumph looks acceptable. Never thought they are similar looking :|

[@Whatreally123]

I'd rate the Ducati front end as better looking a,ongst the two and the rear I'll give to the Tiger. That rear end and specially the grabrail on the Ducati seems weirdly cheap and just doesn't gel. Overall, I'd put better tyres on the Tiger and choose that over the Desert X.

[@VelkePivo]

That’s because it’s meant to have the additional gas tanks fitted there

[@05gt99]

Thanks for that 👍

[@Jonathan-L]

Those black dots on the Ducati windscreen are annoyingly distracting.

[@writestuffmedia]

I thought that too when I was editing the video, but you actually don't notice them while you're riding.

[@mikearensdorf]

Looks are indeed quite subjective... I find the Tiger MUCH better looking than the X.

[@prosperpersonelle]

Tiger for me. It's way more reliable ❤❤

[@Ariz-up1ri]

Wow the Ducati looks fantastic love the white. The triumph looks ok but it looks like you sit on it instead of sitting in it like the ducati

[@LazyJack2003]

The Ducati pretty??? - Put your glasses on again.

[@benkelly2190]

Good vid chaps! I’d have the tiger! Looks better(apart from the hideous dash) cheaper to buy and service, with all the toys (mostly) included. Ducati, looks ok but overpriced and that cam belt service! Na!

[@andrewlucas6214]

I think the Ducati v the husqvarna Borden would have been a better comparison?

[@chrishart8548]

Ktm 890 adventure R better comparison than the 901. The nordon isn't really for off road.

[@andrewlucas6214]

@@chrishart8548 I was going from styling angle

[@chrishart8548]

@@andrewlucas6214 in that case I will have the nordon 901. Have you sat on one the seat is unusually wide. It really splayed my legs out.

[@andrewlucas6214]

@@chrishart8548 not sat on Ducati but did the husky

[@chrishart8548]

@@andrewlucas6214 I've sat on a V2 multistrada I liked that a lot.

[@1610russell]

Be fair to say the Ducati looks like a plastic slab sided bath panel and the Triumph looks like an off road bike.

[@writestuffmedia]

Now you've said it, I can't stop seeing it!

[@tomhenderson2575]

Agreed. Way too much plastic up there on the DesertX. The Tiger is just a great looking bike.

[@larsholst6216]

If you have ridden both machines, you will not be in doubt how much better the DesertX is than the Triumph. Only an englishman will have a hard time admitting this. All the electronics you miss, you can add that on afterwards or pay more from the start. DesertX is more capable in terrain as well as much better handling on tarmac. The engine is classes better. The looks are much better. Service intervals is better. Better comfort. Much better build quality. What´s there not to understand?

[@jamescampbell4334]

I'm right with you Lars, totally agree.

[@Charliano700]

Why did I have to pay 19k for my 900 out the door? I wish I could find these U-Tube prices. 😢

[@DustinHodgkin]

Appreciate your observation about front wheel of Tiger rally vs GT being more flickable. Your comment about 900 vs 1200 the former being a more maneuverable bike also helpful.

[@delwilliams9042]

The Ducati is a minger to look at

[@neilarthur7]

I think bike social are sponsored by triumph they always feature a triumph even on the what bike next feature let’s see you do a feature without a triumph please cheers enjoying the videos

[@jorgecgonzalez9976]

Take it off road and Ducati will knock you out.

[@paulburt9183]

To big a gulf between the the two for me, having previously owned the the tiger 1050, the 900 is just to bland, the 1200 gt pro ticks every box except one, at 5’11” with a 30” leg I’m on the balls of my feet, I could live with that in every day riding but would I want to take our lass on the back when we go touring? I’m not so sure Now looking at alternatives for next spring, little disappointed with triumph having owned four different bikes over the last thirty odd years, there’s nothing in the current range that I’d buy to ride seven days a week plus a bit of touring😢

[@jrgodoys]

The Tiger is a nice looking bike, well designed. Quite the opposite the Ducati. Nice review, greetings from Argentina.

[@michaelskinner896]

Yeah, looks are personal of course, but I don't like the looks of the Ducati either. It's got a Terneré vibe to it which I also don't like.

[@francescoporcari8597]

​@@michaelskinner896 take a look the cagiva elefant, and see where ducati's look comes from. Tenere...

[@KCBR_OFFICIAL]

The triumph is for old men. Simple as that

[@fabiobraggion3243]

Complimenti bei posti. La spia si può essere accesa perché a certe altezze cambia la qualità dell'aria e quindi la carburazione. I parametri che ha in memoria la centralina sono diversi e quindi accende la spia motore. Comunque tranquillo che devi aver paura delle spie rosse. Quelle gialle sono di avvertimento. Ciaooooo

[@ianwarren]

A ducati for just over a grand more than the triumph, yes please!

[@ianwarren]

@Paul B if you want to go off road (I don’t) it’s way better than the Triumph if you don’t want to go off road why buy an “adventure” bike? Buy a touring bike instead, which lets face it the Triumph is! The ducati in Dakar form won a stage with a MotoGP rider on it, watch Ryan F9’s review if you want to see how good the Duc is off road.

[@MTSElectrical1200]

@@ianwarren Are you referring to Petrucci on his KTM?

[@SSN70]

Honestly, before even getting this review started, the fact that you don’t have the same tires on Both bikes is so amateur for a motorcycle channel. I can’t believe you could even compare the two one with, one with a 50-50 and the other one with a more street tire. Put some proper rubber on both of those bikes and then let’s have a legitimate comparison.

[@writestuffmedia]

Yes, sorry - in an ideal world we'd go much deeper into the bikes, but that would take much longer and use up more resources than we have available. It's not practical or viable. We review the bikes in the same condition most people will buy them, with oe tyres, for lots of reasons: 1) they say something about the manufacturer's aims for the bike, 2) the tyres are specifically homologated for those bikes, 3) it's beyond the remit of the review; you start to get into questions of which way to go - more road, more off-road - and then maybe some would favour one bike and not the other - basically, it makes things more complicated for us and for you, 4) we haven't the time or the resources to spaff a day switching tyres on and off the bikes, for relatively little return. I don't think it negates any of the comments in the video, or the conclusions we reach. It's not a week-long test or a durability test - this is simply two fairly experienced riders (who've ridden all these bikes' rivals etc) giving their opinions on how each bike feels to ride, and compared to each other. I think we arrived at the right verdict - neither is significantly better than the other in empirical terms - there are differences, and we talk about those - but the bikes suit different types and styles of rider - and that's what we communicate, I think.

[@SSN70]

@@writestuffmedia fair enough, and understand, appreciate all the hard work and under the constants. 🍻

[@mostlikely...]

DUCATI 🏁

[@bentblade1]

Both my wife and I are sitting on couch watching this and both agreeing the Triumph looks much better then the Duc

[@ianwarren]

It’s not the prettiest Ducati but it definitely looks the Dakar racer (and indeed the real Dakar version won a leg of the Dakar). I will admit that Triumph make bikes that have a quality finish but picking my first big bike the Tiger 660/ Yamaha tracer 7 left me cold and the power on the CBR650R just excited me! I may be biased having just spent a LOT more to swap to a Panigale V2 though.

[@motorbikesandhacks]

Wouldn't touch a Triumph.

[@MV-XD2]

Triumph often seem to be a spec imitation of BMW when making adventure bikes but the Tiger 900 is actually a far better bike than the cheap feeling, sluggish, top-heavy 850GS. The Duke looks great in promo shots but in the flesh at certain angles it’s fugly. There’s a pretty big power and price difference between the two but the Duke look much less practical and usable. Off road credentials are meaningless for 90% of riders (just look at the mess that is KTM to see how you compromise a road bike to main those creds) but good handling on terrible pot holed UK roads make longer travel suspension bikes attractive. My vote would be for the Tiger, but they need to fire whoever designs the TFT layout on their bikes - almost without exception they look awful.

[@chrishart8548]

That f850gs is a mess. Needs at least the 900 from the f900r small tank heavy weight. Torque and hp is now way down over the competition. And a Chinese engine. And its £16,450 for a F850GSA with all options selected.

[@NMdesertracer]

Ducs airfilter change looks like a PITA! How much is that valve adjustment gonna cost u? $$

[@jim5148]

He won the looks and beauty???? Looks like Ducati got a deal on heinous white plastic and had to use it somewhere!

[@gordanmoran4549]

Whatever you do, don't upset Triumph.

[@martyndunn1905]

For me it's the triumph, don't like the look of the Ducati. Just like I don't like the look of the Africa twin, much prefer the BMW 1250gs

[@ikutiap5923]

keep your hand on the bar.

[@paulg4213]

Look guys! I’ve watched this Video numerous times, I have a 900 tiger RP, just been on Desi test ride and now what? the updated 900 RP total mind f**K! both handle like they shouldn’t on the road (old model RP) no doubt power jump will make a difference. TBH mind (wallet) says Tiger, heart (money no object) DesertX. Dribble! Dribble! Drool! Drool!

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

How’d the new 900 engine feel. I have 12k miles on my 2022 but want more power.

[@saddle8bag]

I think the "look" of the Ducati is simply brighter paint. If Triumph would paint those brighter colors and quit making unpainted subframes and crash bars, it would look FAR sleeker than that Ducati. I find this Ducati hideous. That enormous looking tank with a dirtbike stance yet a street bike front fender and robot headlights. Definitely not a bike I'd be turning around to look at. It seems to be terribly confused about its gender or something.

[@verlinswarey507]

Yeah,I don’t like the headlights or anything else for that matter.

[@joebiker5992]

Keep the ducati running... Higher maintenance and less reliable. The is absolutely no reason for their engines to be so complex.

[@YangCalgary]

It’s very simple. One is a Ducati, the other one isn’t. So I got the Tiger …😊