Ducati Desert X vs KTM 890 Adventure R

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

I've owned both...IMO the serviceability of the two bikes is a big difference. Air Filter? 5 minutes on a KTM, probably a few hours the first or second time on the Ducati. And if you ride in dusty condition like we have here in Central Oregon, changing an air filter every 6,000 miles is crazy. I can clog up a filter in 3-4 days of riding if I'm in a group. Also, you're probably looking at $2,000 for a valve service on the Duc's Desmo drivetrain. All that aside if you're not off roading on a regular basis the Ducati is just a dream on tarmac.

[@DansADV]

You are 100% correct. I wish I had included a maintenance section... Big miss there. Maybe I'll do a follow-up video to cover that and a few other things I now realize I should have included.

[@alberto-cg7ox]

You don't have mentioned the reliability problems on KTM.. I prefear a difficult air filter changing than a bike that left me alone

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

@@alberto-cg7ox That's a really good point, the long term reliability of the KTM's is an issue. For me I've put about 12,000 miles on my 790 and 890's combined with no issues, but I've seen some really sad stories. I'm on a Desertx now and love it, but it's very new and fresh. Hopefully it will stay reliable. I'm 3 hours from a Ducati Dealer. When I was riding it today I was thinking the best way I could describe the difference between the two is "Character". The DDX just has so much more character than the 890R. Yes, the 890R has no equal but the Desertx is just so full of character.

[@alberto-cg7ox]

@@AndrewMurray-w9i when ducati passed under bmw the ducati quality it's very very good .. btw.. now a lot of Company have solution for an easier sir filter change.. aurora rally and the kit of team kapriony and engine engeeniring.. but for now I've my KTM 690 with carburator ..

[@procesgnilny]

@@alberto-cg7ox Got 3000 miles in 6 moths on my 890R without any issues. Done 12k on Husky 701 with only issue with ABS sensor i damaged offroad... 990ADV also around 12k and no issues whatsoever. I'm either lucky or other people unlucky :-)

[@mfranquemont1884]

Well done, balanced comparison. Thank you for spending the time to put it together! Throttle down🏍

[@DansADV]

Thank you!

[@Paratrooper-pv5nk]

One of the best adventure bike review ever seen on youtube

[@DansADV]

That's pretty high praise, not sure I'd go that far myself, but thank you!

[@themosaito]

Thanks for the review, man. Really enjoyed it!

[@lukefish7562]

Great video. Enjoyed. I went with the 890s brother bike in the Husky Norden 901 Expedition and love it so much. Thanks for the video as I like the X a lot too. But living in the mtns of NC/TN it’s an easy choice for me. 890/901! All day long! 🏍️💨

[@YangCalgary]

I think you nailed it. I chose the DesertX Rally because it fits my riding style better. Now of course there is an issue with KTM’s cheese cams.

[@DansADV]

I think the "cheese cams" are a bit overblown.. but time will tell. I've over 15,000 miles on 3 KTM's with no issues. Fingers crossed

[@YangCalgary]

@@DansADVRight.

[@juanfelipearango2029]

Would love to see your take on the Norden 901 Expedition, addreses some of the issues you mention on the 890

[@DansADV]

I'm sure it's a great bike. I've not ridden one, and we have no Husky dealers in dealers in Tulsa, so I'll have to defer to others on that one.

[@lukefish7562]

Me too! I have 7500 miles on my Norden Expedition and love it more every week. Enjoy!

[@FanOWater]

Good review! I have the 790R and a Multistrada V2S (same motor as the Desert X). The Ducati is very thirsty if you enjoy the throttle, the KTM is much more frugal even with the same level of aggression. I live in northern California and the 790R is a beast in the twisties, not that the Desert X wouldn't be. Ducati's always handle well. Tires become the weak link before the bikes do. My 790R wears its numerous scars very well. It is not pretty, but it will be the last bike I sell. Cheers

[@andrewbrown17]

Good video, appreciate it! I have a question about suspension comparison, 890 is your bike, DDX is your friends bike; is your WP suspension, set up for you? and was the DX set for you, or the owner? I’m stoked to get DX btw!! Cheers

[@allanrilling6990]

Thanks! Nice review. Helped me! Cheers!

[@DanielACroft]

Thanks for the video, interesting stuff. I don’t think you mentioned how hard it is to change the air filter on the Ducati (also true for the rally version). If you’re doing long miles off road in a group in dust this is a real issue.

[@DansADV]

This is a GREAT point... I should have done a whole section on maintenance. I may have to do a follow up video of things I missed. We have changed the air filter on the Ducati and it does indeed suck! Also rear axle torque spec!

[@DanielACroft]

@@DansADV I’ve owned quite a few Ducatis, I really like the brand and the bikes the build. You can see their DNA (lol, see what I did there?) in this bike as well. This is also true for KTM and other brands. This is why I found MCN’s “hard core middle weight” result so weird, Desert X as best middle weight adv makes sense but not best “hard core”. Particularly when it comes to extreme conditions and serious off road crashes. Does it count when you have to fit a bunch after crash bars for the Desert X to be tough? To be fair, I’ve owned several KTMs and currently own a ’23 adv r (also put 18k miles on a ‘20 adv r). KTM’s reputation for issues and inconsistent reliability is warranted but so much of the “hard core off road” middle weight adv they just nail to the point that you don’t even have to think about it. Great example of this is the bendy dirt bike style plastics. The skid plate and bendy wheels are really the biggest exception IMO.

[@thomaserken9581]

Does the Ducati still have its original rear suspension? Because mine is yellow and you are having red spring?🤔 Might this be a reason for the bad suspension results❓

[@DansADV]

Actually suspension has been upgraded from stock in an effort to fix the issues, and while better, it's still nothing like the 890. @@thomaserken9581

[@thomaserken9581]

What kind of upgrade did you take? There are various options as far as I can see. Did you take TRACTIVE or something different? @@DansADV

[@RJvidmoto]

Nice job here...Thanks for taking the time. Great explanation of how these bikes best fit here in the US.

[@DansADV]

Thanks

[@garyschutz8880]

The concerns with the air filter change accessibility and laboursome task can be overcome by instaling a new carbon fibre tank from Aurora rally equipment. You can then change the air filter in seconds.

[@asbestos52]

Lifting a bike that lays at an angle like the Katoom makes a huge difference, IMHO. Additionally, it looks to me like the Ducati design team took the day off when it comes to the Desert X. The massive white slab and puny stripe are pathetic. This, from the same people who gave us the Panigale Bayliss, Diavel and Pikes Peak? At least the RR22 livery has some style.

[@charliestoybox2099]

The white paint scheme was a nod back to their old Cagiva Dakar bikes. Us older guys love it. The new X’s have the paint your are looking for. I don’t like those lol.

[@mdragon99]

Awesome video! You nailed the KTM based on my own experience. I'm fascinated by the Ducati. I'm kinda on the fence about it but the rebel in me wants to ride the Ducati sans armor and let it get beat up a bit. I'd be the coolest Old Fart at the Tim Hortons.

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Good review! Looks like southern Illinois

[@kurtismotif]

Thats great man thanks for the video, showed me everything I wanted to know... I always want to know how it does at 100 too, lol and how it wheelies... first review I saw of yours you did a good job appreciate it.

[@DansADV]

Thanks

[@vr46godonearthrinding5]

Very nice videos because you bring it to point! Thank you👍👍

[@DansADV]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@catdaddy3302]

When I first got there in 1971, I rode all the way through it. I went back in 2015 on a BMW R 1200 GSA. Believe it or not, I rode it on a HD Sportster in 71. 🙀

[@PanosVlad]

Hello , thank you for your video , I just sold my bmw 1250gs Hp and those are the bikes that I am interested to buy.. Very good video and analyses the differents of those bikes .. I prefer the Ducati but I do a lot of off road adventure trips and maybe I ll go for the ktm.. Thank you again from Greece

[@DansADV]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video was helpful

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

I put a lot of miles on a 1250GS HP and after riding a Desertx for 600 miles before I had to return it, what I will say is at low speed the GS actually feels lighter and better balanced. Also the DDX does not have as much low end torque and that also adds to to the slightly more challenging slow speed handling of the DDX. I've also owned an 890R and it felt much lighter at low speed than the DDX. Once you're moving faster than 15 or 20mph the Ducati really shines.

[@PanosVlad]

@@AndrewMurray-w9i I put a lot of miles in my gs too off road and I loved my bike but I need something lighter …I loved the balance I low speeds off road riding on the mountains and also the easygoing to go to your job everyday , putt off road tyres and go to the mountains with my bodies … j have to choose … I like more the desert x but I think the ktm is better off road .. also I am afraid some issues I am hearing on ktm … difficult to choose

[@skipole09]

Good video. I have a DX. Amazing bike if you like to rip fast flowing gravel, sand and logging roads. Also outstanding in twisties, however wind protection and buffeting is terrible at 60mph+..I would guess the 890 suspension is superior and so it wins out in more technical terrain…but unless you live close to that, how often are you likely to ride it?

[@defylifeadventure]

Whilst neither are light, you have more scope to reduce weight on the 890 than you do on the Ducati. For example the 890 comes with a normal lead acid battery. Swapping that out for a LiFePO4 battery saves over 2.5kg of weight which is up high up on the bike. The two rear panels on the 890 can be removed saving another 1.5kg. You also need to factor in the KTM comes with a rack which is included in the weight figure, where as that is another 2kg to add to the Ducati due to the framing it needs. Then there's the fact the Ducati needs crash protection bars (another 3kg minimum) for the tank as we've all seen the Austrian launch where two bikes ended up pissing out fuel after drop.

[@alberto-cg7ox]

Yes but KTM have Always problem.. it's an evidence now

[@KennyOliver-s8d]

I think if you had bought a Dessert X, you could have played with the suspension setting to where that dip in the field would have been a non issue. The WP front forksetup is better though than what a stock Dessert X comes with but still for most people they wouldn't use the WP suspension on the 890 to its full capabilities anyway. Great video!

[@DansADV]

That's a very good point. I suspect you are right about that for the dip in the field. Overall though, most people do rate the 890 suspension as better.

[@bikegiant1376]

Hey there… this is my DX that Dan is testing and I will say I have played with the suspension settings A LOT. Even going so far as taking it to a local suspension pro to have it re-valved in the front and adding a new spring to the rear. Point is, while it has been improved it’s still not where I would want it to be. Currently considering a total upgrade.

[@KennyOliver-s8d]

@@DansADV and that's what I said in my comment. I just felt like the representation wasn't quite right in that case. There is a reason that Ducati came out with an upgraded suspension on the new Rally version. However, there are a couple of companies that do have drop in fork cartridges for the standard DX for people that already own one. Still overall fair comparison of the 2 awesome bikes and most would be happy with either.

[@daverodgers9416]

Excellent video and thank you! Ok, own the DesertX, love it. And, guess what, on the way to the shop to get the protection package installed, tipped over in the truck and yup put a healthy dent in the tank and yes I was sick about it, but, hey pulled the dent out a bit, put on a sticker and all good with a little salt. Spent some time on the machine in Norther New Mexico on the FS roads, with some of the roads offering up some challenging terrain, over all the bike was very stable. Got into some mud, no so good, tires of course. Dropped it twice, slow speed of course, picked it up, protection package did just that, so good with that. Anyways, looking forward to continued riding. I also own a '22 V4S, a few forest service roads, but wouldn't think of taking it where I took my Desert X, so for me, living the dream! Take care!

[@northidrecluse2306]

As an average dude, I care more about reliability and cost of service. I prefer 1 year or 5000 mile reviews. What broke, how is the dealer on parts and service. Those kind of things

[@terrarecon]

You should re-review the *"KTM 890 Adventue R to the newer Ducati DesertX Rally,"* I think you have a more level comparison at that point. Otherwise, why not just compare the standard Ducati DesertX to a Standard KTM 890?

[@bikegiant1376]

Because the DX is a direct competitor to the 890 R. The natural competitor to the DX Rally would be the 890 Rally. This is the correct comparison.

[@terrarecon]

@@bikegiant1376 apologies, I'm not sure I'm following what you are saying here.

[@verenchook]

ktm all day. I do Kentucky adventure tour and I had a 1290sar 22 and it was great. will do it on the rest of it on 890adv r

[@ewarthutton]

A brilliant and fair comparison. Balanced and to the point.

[@DansADV]

Thanks!

[@deepwood4]

The crash cage is the difference in weight.

[@cliftonsr]

DesertX is geared a lot lower than the 890 R, FYI.

[@cliftonsr]

Never seen mud lock a front wheel up on a plastic low front fender and cause a crash, I’ve heard talk about it happening, but most likely the plastic fender just snaps off and gets under the wheel and you skid on it and that is more believable to me for it to cause a crash. It seems more like an excuse why anyone would want the look of a high front fender for bragging rights for the off road look. Which that’s okay for the rider to have his bike the way he wants it to look. I think the new look on the 2023-up KTM 890 Adventure R is the best looking to date!

[@cliftonsr]

Awesome review and love to see more content like this on these awesome adventure bikes!

[@DansADV]

Thanks for watching and commenting @@cliftonsr

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

a low fender in mud will definitely lock up your front wheel. I use to run a low fender on my 890R becuase I like the looks. Got into some mud and before I knew it, the front wheel locked and tucked and down I went. low speed so it wasn't an issue, but if I was going faster it would not have been fun.

[@cliftonsr]

@@AndrewMurray-w9i sorry to hear that, I’m glad you’re okay.

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

@@cliftonsr My next 890R I"ll put a low fender on it but with a 1" extender so I'll have a bit more time before mud clogs it and ends the party. Besides the looks of the low fender it's also quieter and more stable at highway speeds than a tall fender.

[@CptSlow89]

Standard 890 adv for me.

[@procesgnilny]

Look of Ducati is very subjective... I personally was interested in this bike untill i seen it in person - For me swingarm is so long it looks like thing off the 1/4 mile racing 🙂 Just unnaturally long bike. Front looks heavy while rear looks superlight. It does look better with additional rear tank, but thats another extra money. On top of that is the front ferring inside... no trims to finish it off - You can see a finish like on 1990's sport bikes. Matt finish white paint is equally poor idea as metal fuel tank for adventure bike that will go offroad. I thought i will share my opinion in comment, just to balance big words about "piece of art" 🙂 Havent ride on one, so cannot compare the character, but all i would say, is that stock silecncer on 890R is very, very limiting - both - noise and power delivery wise. I have changed and feel the difference stright away, and after de-cat'ing even bigger difference.

[@rlpatton1970]

Do you really need more power than this ?

[@DansADV]

No.. no one "needs" more power, but sometimes more power can make you smile :)

[@apexslider1]

890 is slipping and the increase in premature engine wear won’t help. Ducati will likely have it on longevity and resale. But you can get some deep discounts right now on the KTM, so could be a good buy if you don’t plan on keeping it to the 30k mile plus mark.

[@Sunmotoadv]

OK you’re breathing a lot harder when you ride the desert ask and you’re a lot more timid. Yeah it’s your friends bike. It’s not yours but the size and girth of the bike changes your confidence.

[@VP-pm8oi]

My Desert X squeaks the same way after a few jumps 😂 Likely i also have the 890 R which is miles ahead of the Desert X. Much better bike on the street and looks wise.

[@francescoporcari8597]

De gustibus, for me the KTMs are all UMF only a mother can love

[@miro_s]

ktm doesn’t look so small when I’m on it. you must be a sort of giant… 😉

[@ogasi1798]

good job, paying about 19k GBP for a bike that bottoms out on a little field.....lol

[@syewie1st]

The 890 is too small for you, i have a 790, and i look like a giant.

[@wardsmaill8973]

👏 *promo sm*

[@tinozampano]

But you are fully aware that you could just adjust the suspension of the Desert X? 😂😂😂

[@DansADV]

That won't fix it. There's a reason Tractive is doing so well selling upgrades.

[@shassabo]

The stock suspension is mediocre even after adjustments, I just had to upgrade it for harder trails. It needs better damping and proper springs. But now it's perfect after spending a few bucks

[@MrRumBacardi]

Am I the only one that thinks the KTM is just but ugly. It looks pregnant and the lights/face look smashed in. I just can't ride a bike or drive a car I find ugly

[@sanjosejeff]

The dealer x. Pretty much have to visit the dealer to unscrew a valve stem cover

[@fun2rideadventure]

Ducati is a heavy pig with high center of gravity ... not soo good as ktm in offroad!

[@dbbiking5505]

Great vids sorry but ducati is a bad copy of the t7 ktm all day long I just don't like it sorry

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Sorry but it doesn't make sense to buy the Duc...I looked at them and ended up with the KTM...never looked back...my 890 is absolutely amazing off-road. I guess if you only ride fire roads and mainly street the Duc would be fine.

[@bikegiant1376]

So this is my DX, and while I also think the KTM is the better off-road bike, to say that the DX is only good for street rides and fire roads is just plain wrong. I know because I ride mine in some pretty gnarly territory. Dan can attest that I can take the DX anywhere he can take the 890. Both are VERY capable bikes. Having a preference for one over the other doesn’t mean you have to devalue the other.

[@JackieTreehoorn]

In the right hands, Duc is very capable off-road. Watch Chris from Bike World’s test ride or Ryan F9. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3rcfpSaZpuia8ksi=5w0VqAec35z0EMoR

[@shassabo]

I've ridden the 890 and 790. It's got a lot of cheap parts and a Chinese-made motor that sounds like a bucket of loose nails. There is a quality difference and you can just upgrade the suspension on the DDX. That all said, I adore them both. It's not black and white - would ride either one.