Ducati Desert X - 5 Things You Need to Know

The Ducati Desert X is an impressive machine - and a pricey one too. We just got a chance to put a lot more miles on it during our recent Adventure Touring Shootout, where we traveled to South Dakota, home of the famous Sturgis Bike Rally. While the region is known for the Rally, there's more to check out in South Dakota.
Book your adventure at:
www.travelsout...
Until then, find out what we love (and don't love) about the Ducati Desert X in this quick overview.
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[@angmohmoto]

amazing times we are living in, a 937cc L-twin is a "middle-weight"

[@okagedesu]

Got one two month ago, definitely a great bike. It doesn't feel heavy at all and I'm always surprised at how easy it is to ride. If you find the GS a bit boring and want to try somethnig else, I'd highly recommend you give it a try !

[@annysyusciandika879]

What about compared with tiger 900 rally pro?

[@RJ-yn3nu]

I also have the R1250GS as well as the Desert X, love both. Very different purposes. I agree the Triumph and also the KTM should be tested before you buy. For me, the Ducati had a better dealer in Bangkok than the KTM dealer and that was an important factor.

[@nickadler6001]

@@RJ-yn3nutrying to decide between exactly that. 1250 adventure or desert x. Are they pretty different bikes you would say? Interesting that you have both. I lean towards the bmw cause of its legacy but the lower weight of the Ducati makes me think I’d be happier.

[@RJ-yn3nu]

I ride mine in heavy Bangkok traffic and its a blast, then on the open road it is super stable at 200kmph, but the downside is the engine heat. You need thick kevlar to stop getting burned! I put a waterpump guard and hose guard (very cheap online), they offer protection but dont reduce the heat. Does anyone know of heat shields for it? Besides that, i can recommend it for a fun mid/heavy weight.

[@phillipbatho3213]

I guess this is an easier way to make a video. Run some previously made clips while voicing over with the bullet points about the bike.

[@jtec99]

First to comment. I win a Free bike right?

[@simpletonballsack]

Yes, you do! There is a 2011 Hyosung Aquila with your name on it!

[@jtec99]

@@simpletonballsack sweet!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

@@simpletonballsack 🤣

[@angry_genius]

Loved it

[@CMB911]

Looks like a great bike, if you have $20k+ burning a hole in your pocket!

[@vinnyc365]

I'd rather spend that on 2 Tenere 900's for that much.

[@TheGourisankar015]

Ducati bikes r not even for Upper middle class... Dont even consider it... The service will keep killing u slowly

[@briank3754]

If you’re spending $20k for a Desert X then you got ripped off. They go for about $14-$15k.

[@user-iv2os5dp4s]

If you buy new one - then its 4 years warranty. ​@TheGourisankar015

[@kevincraig8257]

who wouldn't like that bike its a great bike how will they top it

[@YABBAHEY1]

Can't help but imagine 3 Japanese executives of 3 motorcycle companies having drinks together & laughing hysterically when Ducati announced their asking price.

[@jamescampbell4334]

? Please elaborate. An Africa Twin AS with optional speed shifter is nearly the same price as the DesertX. Add to that the ATs leaky fork seals, frame/fastener rust, handlebars shaking at 70 mph......all of which are not being addressed by Honda or covered by warranty. I considered an AT, bought my DesertX two months ago. Have 2.3k miles on it already. 😊

[@VA-gu1jq]

Weird..

[@brucerossonthetube]

​@@jamescampbell4334Coming from an Africa Twin and onto a Desert X, I'll see your rusty spokes and fork seals and raise you a $3000(CAN) rear Desert X wheel. And a random not starting issue. Mine has been an expensive disappointment and Ducatis response in dealing with it an even bigger disappointment.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

​@@brucerossonthetube mine to , oil leak on engine, forks failed , blue tooth problem, rear brake pads were dead by 2400 miles, wobbly seat and waiting months for optional parts from ducati , first and last ducati I will ever own ,shame as it could be a great bike

[@YABBAHEY1]

@@jamescampbell4334 Your right, have to admit I was a bit surprised by recent price increases by Honda. Once one adds all the extras to be on par w/the Desert X the 2 bikes are close. So who makes the most bullet proof, reliable Mid weight ADV these days ?

[@joeblow5037]

Wait! ✋ Isn't this the bike that they insist you bring it into the dealership for a chain adjustment? or ANYTHING? 🤔

[@JelloThatsMellow]

Change the air filter? Dealer service. Check tire pressure? Dealer service.

[@reno2028]

Yes 😂😂

[@mesi10-ronaldo]

I had them all...elefants,africas,bigs,teneres,adventures....elefant was ...for me top...now its desert x

[@mediocremichael]

Anyone heard about all the reliability issues already? Happy adventuring with that - better know where to find your nearest dealer.

[@jamescampbell4334]

Reliable issues on DesertX? Please elaborate.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

Do you mean the oil leak behind the timing belt cover and the crap chain and crap suspension and niggly electrics on some bikes , engine leaks been around for years but common for the 937 engine over the years

[@abymathew295]

Maaaan, for that money you could by a full spec KTM 1290 Super Adv R...😱😱😱😱😱

[@JohnJay1745]

Right?

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

Full spec 2023 ktm 1290 adv R is 3k more exspensive,but faster better electronics and better suspension

[@signore-solomonare1818]

The 937cc offers smooth and powerful enough for everything practically. It’s Ducati signature Testasretta L-twins

[@richardhobbs7107]

Reading these comments of leaks & reliability issues coupled with poor 'service' = I shall stick to my asphalt bandit PC 800 Honda. Off-roading was fun when I had my 1972 Honda CB 175 . . . . a 20 HP road bike that could climb almost any dirt hill if in 2nd gear at 4000 RPM . . . . Loved that bike ! take care , rh

[@Lt_Tragg]

Word.

[@RJ-yn3nu]

Never had any issues, and you can swap out the air filter with a foam/oil repalcement. Not sure what problems people are having?

[@JohnJay1745]

I'm close to buying this motorcycle as an all-rounder and long-distance bike. The dealer near me charges $795 plus tax shipping and $895 plus tax setup, then there is the $1600 dollar package you referenced, another $1400 in tax, and $300 for the title, license, and "Other documents." All in, this bike is over $22,000. That puts this bike at the same price point as the KTM 1290 Adventure R and S, the BMW S 1000 XR, and many other great motorcycles. The KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R both cost thousands less. For someone who rides primarily on the road, it's a difficult decision. I always wanted to own a Ducati; if you want one, you have to pay a premium.

[@aluisious]

It's getting real close to what I paid for my 2016 Multistrada S. Ducati is getting funky with their pricing, and they were never a value brand to begin with. The Diavel V4 is hilariously overpriced.

[@aluisious]

BTW...a setup charge isn't real (they get the lowest experience shop tech making basically minimum wage to install the battery and maybe screw the mirrors on) and the document charge should be $50.

[@juanfelipearango2029]

If you´re riding primarily pavement then why would you want a 21-18 inch wheel setup. Haven´t you considered the multistrada v2? sounds like it would suit you better and it´s a bit cheaper

[@Slipp3ryfloorz]

@@aluisious I saw the huge price tag on the Diavel while I was window shopping, was curious what makes you consider it overpriced?? I don't really know too much about the Diavel series tbh :O

[@JohnJay1745]

@@aluisious - Yes, and that really irks me. They are charging $895 and giving me next to nothing. I wish they would just raise the MSRP by $895 so we could be honest with each other.

[@R12gsa09]

No aux fuel tanks? Have you guys ever attempted to ride more than 200miles on gravel/jeep road with the baby fuel tank?! Or are we talking about weekend riders?

[@jonomasonILoveU]

kTm-I love😁

[@GIGABACHI]

This makes the Honda AT1100 look like a total bargain and a heck of a deal. Does this thing still have timing belts and stupid short valve adjustment intervals like a Monster 1100 ? P.S: Go back to DISQUS, your comments section it's as populated as Antarctica.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

I think they should have built an option to automatically port over user data to the in-house comments system, but I guess Disqusay have wanted to much for that...or maybe the intention was so slough off old users Still odd to me that neither the general website nor Burns' departure warranted a story.

[@jamescampbell4334]

AT AS with optional speed shifter is nearly the same price.

[@cerberus2881]

I wanted one until I found out how rough it was to change the air filter.

[@asecret900]

Seriously you can't spare 20mins from start to finish ? I recommend you reassess priorities for a better work life balance man 👌

[@cerberus2881]

@@asecret900 There Are better bikes... There you go, all reassessed.

[@asecret900]

@@cerberus2881 pfft whatever, you do you mate. Its known fact DDX is one of the best things to hit the tracks ever, with 3 types of haters fat/short/broke or any combination of those... I wager with venom like yours you'd have to be the hat-trick 🤣😂🤣

[@kostasrestas]

I thing that when Yamaha release the Tenere 900 ,this thing , will rip it to pieces..

[@anxiousappliance]

Never touch the ducati catalog or you will end up homeless. Just go aftermarket.

[@Tec2Nut]

My next bike ,or a Husqvarna 901 😂😂

[@keithkamps77]

Nice bike but too rich for my blood

[@kai-uweoch1159]

Let one of your team members change the air filter of the DesertX, a bike that has literally dust in the name and then ask again how he/she likes it! Beautiful design on the ouside, admitted, but serious design flaws regarding servicablity.

[@RJ-yn3nu]

There is a good video on an Australain developed foam/oil filter. This will reduce the frequency or changes.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

They don't mention the issues with the desert x 😂😂😂 wind screen for most riders is horrendous buffeting , warping front discs , cheap chain that stretches, uncomfortable wobbly seat, soft suspension , chain guards that snap when used offroad, poor welding on the termi link pipe, slow parts from ducati italy,tyres good on tarmac and dry conditions, on mud they offer no grip at all and the silly amount of torque needed to tighten the rear spindle ,useless gear stick especially wearing alpine star boots when gear stick is set to its highest pistiion you will struggle to change gear, foot pegs bend the brake lever if dropped ,cracking wheel rims and snapping spokes when used offroad is coming out alot more aswel new versions coming out next year so hold off,a rally version and a DP version... its a shame ducati for the first 2 years have used the owners as guinea pigs

[@RJ-yn3nu]

Haven't had those issues, but i did bend the foot brake lever, but that was on a track with big lean angle. You won't do that on normal riding. It's made so you can remove it easily and bend it straight. Sounds like the issues are from hard enduro riders, and it is not really meant to be that, its still in the 'adventure' category.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

@@RJ-yn3nu biggest problem is warping discs on the X and rims made from chocolate. It was sold as a offroad capable bike by ducati and its a road bike that can do offroad and every bike got a wobbly seat as I've been around 8 of them and all got a wobbly seat my bike included 😀

[@briank3754]

I can Google any bike and compile a list of issues found by owners. People are whiners. You’ve probably never even ridden or owned a Ducati.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

@briank3754 I own a 23 RR22 modded DESERT X you 🤡 🤣🤣🤣 go on any owners page and you soon see the issues 🤣🤣😅

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

@@briank3754 🤣😅😅 kzbin.infouzOgP4XKZHU?si=gwFDLrV6PzUmR84i

[@asecret900]

I'll keep my white one thanks... definitely not a fan of that kiddie coloured nonsense

[@stevenlilley8045]

#6 too fucking expensive #7 too damned heavy #8 too complicated My 74 school bus yellow sport was worth every penny #6, under 400 pounds (yada yada kilos) #7, and was (is) the epitome of simplicity #8 And why would anyone want it versus a GS BMW ?

[@maxtaylor1026]

WAYY TOO EXPENSIVE

[@aluisious]

You need to know that Ducati motors blow up after 30k miles. You'll never even get to the second Desmo service.

[@Rust_valley_adventures]

I've seen plenty of monster and hypermotard bikes with 40k on them over the years ,it's everything else that goes wrong on them 😂😂

[@reno2028]

Too expensive...