Ducati Desert X - Bike Prep for California BDR

I'm starting the CABDR by the end of March, 2023. While I've been preparing the Desert X for devouring off-road terrain since the day I got her, I've dedicated some time over the last few weeks adding the last upgrades.
Here's the full list of mods and links to websites where I got them. Please not that I'm not being sponsored by these manufacturers and vendors in any way. I cannot guarantee that the links will work in the future as well.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.
Graphics Kit: Rubberdust Design Studio
rubberdust.com...
GPS: Garmin Zumo XT
Ducati OEM Utility Bar
Mirrors: Doubletake Adventure Mirror
www.doubletake...
Levers: Ducabike Brake+Clutch Folding Levers GP1
conquestracing...
Steering Damper: Ducabike Ohlins Steering Damper Kit
conquestracing...
Ducati OEM Heated Grips
Ducati OEM Off-road Hand guards
Lights: Baja Designs Squadron Pro
www.revzilla.c...
OEM Crash Bars
OEM Skid Plate
Gas Cap: Shift-Tech Quick Release Gas Cap
shift-tech-car...
Tires: Motoz Tractionator Rallz
Paddock Stands: Gilles Tooling Swingarm Spools
shift-tech-car...
Chain Guard: AS3 Performance Chain Guard
www.as3perform...
Exhaust: Shift-Tech Titanium/Carbon Slipon Exhaust Kit
shift-tech-car...
Luggage: Mosko Moto Reckless 40L
moskomoto.com/...
Tank Bag: Mosko Moto Nomini Tank Bag
moskomoto.com/...

[@MikeMueller]

LOVE IT! I did the CABDR just after we did LAB2V. Just my opinion, but it was easier than everyone made it out to be and we did all the Hard sections. You are going to do great especially with all the training!

[@merloti]

Thanks Mike! That's reassuring news.

[@DAVINCIEVO]

My God, it's beautiful!!!!

[@merloti]

Thanks!

[@thebigmuskie]

Unfortunately you tube does not allow me to put more than one like !👍👍👍

[@merloti]

I'm super happy to hear you enjoyed!

[@gotuka2971]

Yeahhhh

[@craigjohnson9631]

Hi Padu, Hi Padu, I finally got my DX Rally. Super stoked so far just working on getting it all upfitted. If you wouldn't mind, which mount are you using to attatch your Garmin to the Ducati Utility Bar? I have seen the Rally Raid option but like how tidy the one you have looks. Thanks.

[@Jotni]

Hello Padu. This is Jon; we met at Dusty’s get-together in CO this year. First I hope you are recovering from your last ride! Second, I’m thinking about making the switch from the GSA to the Desert X. Any thoughts on the switch, and the Desert X ?

[@merloti]

Hey Jon! Thanks for watching! I made a similar switch - going from the Ducati Multistrada V4S to the DesertX and I couldn't be happier. The ergonomics on this bike are close to perfect for dirt, but it is still plenty comfortable on the asphalt. In fact, that's what surprised me the most, the performance on twisties and asphalt.

[@Jotni]

@@merloti I pulled the trigger and picked up the DesertX. :-) I’m still in the engine break-in phase, so not fully able to appreciate its capabilities, but I’m really enjoying what I can thus far. The engine is a blast. And the entire bike is so much faster off-road. Sure, there are things I’ll miss about the GSA (some comfort, wind protection), but so far I’m happy with the switch. I hope you are well. - Jon

[@nate.adv282]

Looks great! Which decal kit is that?

[@merloti]

Hi Nate, it's from Rubberdust Design Studio. There's a link to their website on the video description.

[@craigjohnson9631]

Enjoy your videos. How do you like your Shift Tech Exhaust? Sounds good but do you find the sound level acceptable? Have you run with/without the DB Killer? It is tough to find information on this brand. Thanks

[@merloti]

I really like the Shift Tech, but I've had to replace it and I'm on HPCorse now. Yes, I've run all of them without DBKiller and I've remapped with the help of Shift Tech. The sound level is loud, but not obnoxious. I've asked many of my riding friends that same question and they all loved the sound of Shift Tech without dbkiller, and they don't think it's too much. HPCorse sounds very similar, but nobody heard it yet, so it's just my opinion so far.

[@craigjohnson9631]

@@merloti Thanks Padu. Is there a sparticular reason you had to change it and decided on HP Corse?

[@merloti]

@@craigjohnson9631 yeah, I was using a more circular profile version of the Shift Tech. One of the internal rivets was rubbing on the swing arm when jumping (and bottoming the suspension). The logo sticker was also yellowing from temperature, so I decided to try something new. The HPCorse is more slim (taller but narrower).

[@craigjohnson9631]

@@merloti Thanks for the info Padu. Are you still using the OEM crash bars and if so are you satisfied with their performance?

[@merloti]

@@craigjohnson9631 I am now. When I bought the bike in 22 it took forever to arrive, then I bought some Heeds temporarily. Both do the job, but I like the OEM quality and finish better.

[@DRFOX55]

Hi Padu, what setting did you set your Ohlins stabilizer at in the sand ? Was it effective ? Best Scotty

[@merloti]

The Ohlins has 20 clicks and I use all of them in the sand. For the road I go down 5 clicks and I have no problems with high acceleration wobbles.

[@gotuka2971]

Im sorry the ignorance But What is Califórnia BDR?

[@merloti]

Tuka! Vc eh brasileiro nao eh? Eu tambem sou. Moro aqui em San Diego ja faz 23 anos. Entao, BDR significa Backcountry Discovery Routes. Eh uma empresa non-profit que estabelece trilhas offroads em varios estados americanos. Eles produzem os mapas (GPX e fisico), atrativos, postos de gasolina, etc. Da uma olhada no site deles: www.ridebdr.com Ajuda bastante no planejamento das viagens.

[@gotuka2971]

@@merloti Showwww Padu!!! Baita dica! Assim que meu visto sair vou dar um rolê por essas bandas! Continue os vídeos que eu fico babando aqui na sua moto enquanto não chega na terra tupiniquim 😂. Abração

[@bigsinak]

bike looks amazing! did you have to flash/tune ECU after exhaust modifications?

[@merloti]

Not yet, but in the plans

[@bigsinak]

@@merloti please let me know who does a proper ECU tuning. I have Enduro 1200 and might be doing BDR soon :)

[@merloti]

@@bigsinak there are not a lot of options for the DDX. The guy that makes my exhaust (shift-tech carbon) sells an ECU flasher (or you ship your ECU to him). He specializes in Ducati, so he might have one for you.

[@bigsinak]

@@merloti thanks a lot Padu!