Ducati Desert X

[@colmhaughey7001]

Ducati use the technology developed through their MotoGp prototypes to create fabulous motorcycles for us weekend warriors the electronics programs incorporated into the Desert X platform are ahead of the game…!!! Great review I seriously considering one…!!!

[@SomeRandoInternetPoster]

Replaced my 790 Adventure R with the DesertX. DesertX is much more rounded as an adventure tourer. KTM better when pushing off road due to suspension but DesertX is way better on road and good off road unless you’re jumping it/pushing hard. The DesertX rally will solve suspension issue, at a price but top spec suspension. A few quirks, air filter no matter what anyone says is a pain to change, wheels are soft, torques on the axel on the trail. All liveable quirks as it’s been completely reliable unlike the KTM 790 that’s been an absolute nightmare ownership wise. New 1300GS or even the Multistrada V2 or V4 might be worth a look although another price bracket above. V4 probably the animal you was looking for on the road.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks for your feedback. I am interested in riding both the V4 Multistada and the BMW R1300 GS.

[@kitkattolo]

il check the new gs900

[@johntouzel3298]

Hey there, where is this great trail and beautiful landscape ? Thanks.

[@marangogio]

Do you have a list of motorcycles you are going to try? If so, is the new Honda Transalp on that list? Thanks for your very informative video, i especially appreaciated the terrain coverage graph at the end

[@johntouzel3298]

Where is this lovely countryside ride ?

[@cliff1551]

7:00 thought you could set electronics to change suspension ,is it not stiffen up in Rallye mode 👋🤠👍

[@ShonkyProductions]

Maybe you can... I didn't even think about that. Might have to look into that and re-test it, although that could lead to buying it...

[@The_combat-nurse]

​@ShonkyProductions the suspension is not electronic but it is fully adjustable.

[@krulidn]

Have you tried the Tuareg 660 yet? I don't see that you're getting a whole lot more for the DX for all the extra money. Especially if you get the quickshifter and media package.

[@ShonkyProductions]

I like the Tuareg 660 on paper, but the look of the bike doesn't really do it for me. I'm not a fan of the front.

[@krulidn]

@@ShonkyProductions I agree, the DX's headlight design is much better IMO, sort of shows where the T660 design is lacking. Elsewhere they look pretty similar. In person the T660's front looks a bit better when the lights are on though. Both bikes look better with high fender kits. I commented this before the last minute of your video, I think your rationale for not wanting the DX would be the same too. Making my comment a little useless lol. Although, in looking at your rationale in the last minute... Do I detect a little bit of the sunk cost falicy in wanting to hold onto the 300 Rally & a tourer, when you've correctly identified that these newer stock of ADVs can do 90% of it? I think you've more so identified there's no point to the modern Sport tourer/tourer or 1000cc + ADV category. Personally I do see value in a cheap dual sport + something like the DX or T660. Simply because I am not willing to test my limits off road on really hard tracks if it means I may damage them or have to pick them up 2-3 times on a particular track. But I am happy to bash my DRZ400 around. But it's 5% of my riding time that I'm on a track like that.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@krulidn I'm ok with the costs involved with building my CRF300, it's been an enjoyable journey. But I am very attached to if for the adventures and memories we had together. I could always keep it for my use and for my son when he gets his license next year. See, I'm still making excuses to keep it!

[@krulidn]

@@ShonkyProductions I'd feel the same.

[@airadaimagery692]

Ha,,, it hides its weight well. ...until you have to pick it up. Excellent review. I like the way you illustrated the compromises at the end. Good job.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, luckily I didn't need to pick it up and test that experience.

[@jonbriddon1566]

Great video Sean. I have the Desert X and a 250 Rally and I find them the perfect pair. As you said, the Desert X will do anything and do it very well. The Rally is light and fun. Both great bikes. What I really love about the Ducati is its all round performance. You can transition from twisties to gravel roads to A roads and it is excels on all of them. Just an amazing bike. The problem is when you get your more road oriented bike you will look down gravel roads and wish you could go down there on it and have some fun whereas on the Desert X you can

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, you are so right Jon. I think if I had the Ducati Desert X, my CRF300 Rally would gather cobwebs in my shed.

[@olafthorolafsson838]

Have you tried the new 2024 Africa Twin ? I am trying to decide between it and the DDX.

[@ShonkyProductions]

No, I have not tried the new AT... Maybe I should?

[@olafthorolafsson838]

@@ShonkyProductions well anyhow, I bought the DDX 😎

[@MrEtnorb]

Did you consider a 690/701 with 55kg and $10,000 less? Or given those preferred trail speeds, a good kitted T7 for a bit more than half the Ducati price?

[@ShonkyProductions]

I didn't consider the 690/701 due to being single cylinder and more off road focused. I will spend a little more time on a T7 to investigate that bike.

[@wolfiemedia]

Great review!

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

My uncle had an SP3 agip duke. Nice bike. Only track ridden and sold for a fortune (buyer re-mortgaged the house to buy it) in 2008 with 4000kms. What drone did that used to be?

[@ShonkyProductions]

That SP3 would be an amazing bike to have. The drone was a DJI mini 3. It still lives after a replacement blade was fitted.

[@TRAVERSE_ADV]

@@ShonkyProductions I never got to ride it. I sat on it and started it. I have a few photos and a poster of it. Supposedly it was not a very good handling bike haha.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@TRAVERSE_ADV I'd be happy just to look at it. Best not to shatter my dreams if it didn't handle too well.

[@MotoPassport]

what a great way (graph) to sum up the comparison between the DX and CRF, well played. Great review

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks mate, glad you appreciated it. It just made sense to me to explain it like that.

[@jimmybags4209]

Riding that bike is like having afternoon lunch with the super hot next door neighbor! Lol I'm staying away!

[@metalsadman]

lmao

[@ShonkyProductions]

YES, I've found that out the hard way... Now she's always on my mind. ❤️

[@SteveInskip]

Do it! Best 18 months of my life. 😉😉 Try the bike as well! 👍👍😂

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@SteveInskip hahaha 🤣

[@SteveInskip]

Great summary mate. The actual roads in UK are a bit worse than your gravel roads now so it should be perfect! 😉😁

[@ShonkyProductions]

Haha... That's a great excuse to get one!

[@SydWest74]

😂Love how you blacked the speedometer out...🤣 Great video

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks 👍

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

Is there anything wrong with that though? The CRF Rally is sweet, but that Ducati is one hell of a nice bike. It’s a triple threat! It’s got the looks, the sound (with aftermarket pipe) and performance. The more I click on Desert X content, the more I’m getting sucked in…but it’s the bike not the algorithm…or is it 🤔 No one would blame you…

[@ShonkyProductions]

I feel the same way... It's all drawing me towards the Desert X with is Italian charms....

[@billcotton1551]

That's very cool that they would let you test a bike off road. That would never happen here in the States.

[@ShonkyProductions]

They are a great dealership with great customer service.

[@steveh100]

You're lucky to get a test ride on the road in the uk😢

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@steveh100 really? How do they expect you to get a feel for the bike and decide if it's for you?

[@steveh100]

@ShonkyProductions I think they just expect us to watch you tube reviews and sit on the thing, such is life, I guess insurance plays a big part of it too, I think I'd basically bought my CRF before they let me ride it around the block to try it out... the saying then was "we have plenty of people who will buy it without a test ride"

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@steveh100 that would make it harder for sure.

[@koalakoncepts]

Some decent tyres and an exhaust and its a completely different animal 👍🐨

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, if it had just the exhaust I probably would have bought it on the spot!

[@koalakoncepts]

@ShonkyProductions Dealers doing you wrong there hahah, although an open SC project exhaust lets the noise out nicely.

[@fawcetttrips2466]

So fucking boring. Every bike ever made, the same can be said. But $25K AU before mods? YHTBFKM.

[@Stbees111]

So you need a new exhaust for what? More Power on a bike that requires a computer to stop you killing yourself on the dirt? Or is it just to annoy people when you leave the cafe? I'm listening.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@Stbees111 for more bottom and mid range plus a nicer, deeper note. With baffles in the Termi exhaust is still cafe friendly.

[@2000jago]

I drove a friends Desert X for the day and although I enjoyed the power, I found it too passive and unexciting to drive. You can push it harder and it responds but it doesn't handle being driven hard as well as I would like. Could just be that I'm more accustomed to a lighter and more agile bike?. But having driven a KLR650, I was MUCH more impressed by how well that covered all the riding conditions I experience. I'm now seriously considering one myself...

[@ShonkyProductions]

Did the one you rode have an exhaust?

[@2000jago]

@@ShonkyProductions It did, it was the Arrow Indy Race exhaust (just confirmed with owner) in titanium. Apparently it's available in aluminum also. It sounded great though 😃

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@2000jago I bet it sounded great!

[@DCV65]

Haha, that finished different to what i was suspecting. What is the weight difference between the X and your CRF, how do they compare ergo wise, inc feet to ground when stopped and tip over?

[@ShonkyProductions]

Ducati Desert X is 223kg fully fuelled, the CRF30 Rally is 153kg but when riding them the weights feel a lot closer. The Desert X did not feel top heavy when riding or manoeuvring. It has the same reach to the ground as my CRF300 Rally with modified suspension.

[@jaimemetcher388]

@@ShonkyProductions We needed the drop test. Preferably with mud :P

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@jaimemetcher388 I fear that would definitely highlight the weight difference between it and my CRF300 Rally.

[@eyeon9331]

Have a go at changing air filter, you might change your view about its off road suitability.

[@ShonkyProductions]

YES, that is a very important consideration. Thanks off, ECU out and then change the filter. Not something you're likely to do in the middle of the outback part way through your ride.

[@TrippyandDa]

You summed up exactly what I was thinking too😂 the poor CRF would be lonely sat in the garage for months on end 😢 Multistrada?

[@ShonkyProductions]

Multistada would definitely handle the touring I want to do, maybe I should have a ride on one...

[@TrippyandDa]

@@ShonkyProductions V4 rocket ship 🚀 👊👊

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@TrippyandDa I did notice the Pikes Peak edition on the showroom floor 😍

[@TwoTubesADV]

If I hadn't had chosen the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE my other preference was the Desert X 👌💪

[@ShonkyProductions]

Both great bikes... what a choice 🤔

[@davidfindlay5432]

Here's a thought. Remember the video a few back of repairing accident damage to the little Honda? Contemplate something similar on the Ducati [ quite aside from the potentially frightening purchase price ] I'll bet it would be......interesting. Despite the undoubted quality of the motorcycle, I'm thinking T7 [ plenty of farkled ones around too ] or similar a better bet. The money saved will fund many a trip, on either bike.

[@ShonkyProductions]

Very good point!

[@dodgierogie68]

i reckon you should take the honda transalp 750 for a spin

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, good idea. I might just do that.

[@dodgierogie68]

@ShonkyProductions its getting a good rap,especially the motor

[@Stbees111]

For half the price and twice the reliability.

[@barrylauth6838]

I vote you flip the CRF and start a new chapter.... but having said that, maybe keep it and do another Rally (you don't want to mess up the Italian princess in that kinda riding)

[@ShonkyProductions]

I was contemplating that exact decision while riding home on the Desert X. Should/would/could I sell the CRF and just embrace the Desert X for what it offers an give up the 10% of harder off-road riding that the CRF does easier? 🤔 I'm still pondering than conundrum...

[@raffs_adv]

Try the Ape T660 before you decide.

[@2fastnlight]

Vstrom 800de would be a better fit for your touring needs, with better suspension standard

[@ShonkyProductions]

Thanks, I'll have to look into them.

[@pigeonpallz1733]

2023 890advR 4 the win all day 💯😎

[@ShonkyProductions]

I'm yet to have a ride on one of those. And, I have heard some horror stories about cam issues whereas that Ducati motor is well tested and reliable in some of their other bikes.

[@Stbees111]

It's a nice bit of gear, I understand that you have to diversify to keep a channel fresh, you most likely even got a good deal, but it's so fundamentally different from the values you espoused on the CRF. This thing is over $30K after some basic mods, something you railed against till now. Is it just business? Because there are a lot of great bikes you could have ridden, done the same thing with, for half the price. What happened to that value set?

[@ShonkyProductions]

I can see your point, and as I tried to explain at the beginning of the video... I am not looking to replace the CRF, but find a nice touring bike to compliment it. I want to do some big, long distance touring and see more of Australia. Yes, the CRF could do that, but it's at the edge of its design brief (I did ride the CRF half way across Australia to cross the Simpson Desert so I know it's a compromise loaded up and touring). Part of it is to expand the channel, but not at the expense of the CRF content, and that's why I decided against the Ducati Desert X... It's too good at the dirt and I would have trouble deciding which bike to ride. I want two opposites to compliment each other. I will try something a little more road oriented next and see how I feel about that. Thanks for your comment.

[@Stbees111]

@@ShonkyProductionsnot about the CRF, I accept your reasoning. It's about the principle. Now you chose an expensive bike over one half the price. Yamaha T7 $20K. Honda transalp $15K etc etc. But no, you have skipped to the end, a $30K bike when till now you have valued budget performance and reliability. If it's just business, say so, but the value set is completely different, it conflicts and undermines your message till now.

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@Stbees111 Doesn't it make sense to have a budget friendly bike that is used hard in the dirt, that will get much wear and tare and crash damage as mine has? Why get an expensive bike and do that to it? I'm looking for a long term touring bike that will take me around Australia for many year to come, isn't that worth investing in? If I can treat myself to a new bike, because I have chosen a budget bike for the last few years and saved my money, why not?

[@ride4adventure]

Sounds like to me you are describing a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 DE. Red and white please.

[@SomewhereInside]

The tracks you showed could be ridden faster on a stock 300 rally . Iam 105 kg ( too many cheesecakes at coffee stops ) and can jump a stock 300 rally no issues at slower speeds . You just stand up , lean back .

[@ShonkyProductions]

I agree with you, but I was trying to replicate the roads, conditions and speeds of an average adventure rider on a big bike. After all, I'm looking for a long distance touring bike and the Desert X is a little too off road focused for what I want.

[@garyparkin712]

T7 is all i can say

[@fawcetttrips2466]

Till you have to pick it up

[@durtyred86]

​@@fawcetttrips2466 eat your spinach.

[@FridrikBerndsen]

I have the T 7 and it is much less of a bike then The African Twin that I also own. Selling it and getting the Ducati Desert X Rally

[@cliff1551]

Nah honestly I like the Ducati X but it can't go were I go on my husqvarna 701 👋🤠👍 15:29

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, the 701 is more dirt focused.

[@cliff1551]

15:08 BUY A HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO LR 👋🤠👍

[@ShonkyProductions]

How do you find that for long distance touring?

[@cliff1551]

@@ShonkyProductions no problems at all 44 tooth rear sprocket and just under 320 mules of fuel ,can't beat it 👋🤠👍

[@shassabo]

Do itttttt

[@ShonkyProductions]

Shhhhhh.... Stop it. That's what the voice in my head keeps telling me too 😂

[@slakk5093]

Boys, he’s gone to the dark side 😢

[@ShonkyProductions]

No, just looking to expand my bike stable to include a bigger touring bike.

[@fawcetttrips2466]

Stage 5 CRF300 is a desert x

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@fawcetttrips2466 haha... I don't think so

[@slakk5093]

@@ShonkyProductions was just joshing 😁

[@Mobldesign]

What are you talking about?? The forks bottomed out on a 3” jump?! C’mon man. 🤦🏻‍♂️ This whole video is blurry!

[@SomewhereInside]

Lots of used Ducatis lined up at dealers with low kms. Something tells me , either the buyers of these expensive bikes , are posers who ride to the latte shop to met their mates 😊 every second Sunday , and then trade them in for the latest models new colours , or they are unreliable and parts are an issue . They are bloody heavy to pick up no doubt …

[@ShonkyProductions]

I have noticed the second hand market has several for sale with low kilometers. I think while the servicing costs might frighten some people, they are not unreliable motors by any means. The same motor is used in other Ducati bikes and is very reliable.... when serviced.

[@jackchristodoulou197]

Buy the best BMW GS1300 and for get the rest

[@ShonkyProductions]

I think that's what I'll try next. 👍

[@Stbees111]

Get into it Sean, looks like you have taken the CRF story to it's limits, but surely others here can see the 'values conflict'. It could be just me but I doubt it. It's not about brands, but an attitude to motorcycling. Is this the same channel that compared an stock KTM to a modded CRF300? Hard to believe it is. I have no interest in following the story of a $30,000+ dirt bike accessible or even interesting to a very small percentage of rich old white guys who have Wednesday's free. But I will check in for a 20,000K progress report, that will be interesting.

[@scannorse]

No, too heavy

[@ShonkyProductions]

Yes, on paper it's heavy... they all are at this size motor. But it hides its weight really well. It really doesn't feel like a big, heavy bike when you're riding it.

[@scannorse]

@@ShonkyProductions anything rolling feels ok, but not on its side in mud, sand or whatever, nor handling from the ground

[@ShonkyProductions]

@@scannorse it actually felt slot easier than my Africa Twin to push around and to manoeuvre around by foot when you're sitting on it.

[@JT-dk9eo]

Ok, dont know what you bought if anything yet, but if you want a more road touring bike that will do dirt try the CF Moto 800 mt,, Now before you say Chinese rubbish remember CF Moto make most of ktm,s bikes and have done for a long time, they are a real surprise, why do I say this, I have one, I bought it used as a cheap adv bike that i can drop and not worry about too much, I also have a Multistrada Enduro 950, i love the Multi but its not really an adv bike even in enduro trim , dirt roads mild tracks is about it , and a drop is expensive, The MT is a hoot, basically a ktm 790 but heavier.. with all the fruit.. just try one see what you think, great vid.

[@ShonkyProductions]

That's a good idea. I have been keeping an eye on the CF Moto bikes... they do make a lot of sense when you look at their value.