Ducati DesertX Honest Review

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My IG: / thevtold
Ducati DesertX can impress a lot and it can scare equally much. It's a motorcycle of a few contradictions and... plenty of well-developed areas. Just look at it! As long as it's not from the rear.
All views are my own and are based on my personal experiences with this Ducati DesertX 2023. Subscribe for more mid-size adventure motorcycles reviews and direct comparisons between them.

[@chrisvantassel8867]

One think I can say about all of the Testy engines is that don't even bother assessing the bike until about 2k miles. It becomes a different machine. I have a DX and thought it was ok at first and have grown to love it. I also added the upgraded Termy exhaust with EVO map. I own a 2021 GS, 2023 Pikes Peak, 2022 Super Duke Evo and more and if I had to choose only one bike it would be my DX.

[@okagedesu]

Bought one 3 months ago and mostly agree with what you said. But since I'm way taller, everything size related doesn't affects me at all. The wind is a problem on highways though, bubble should have been way smaller, or way bigger for my size at least. But yeah, the heat is definitely a problem in cities, so much so, that I actively try to go around them when I'm traveling. As for the fuel gauge it can be turned to "km left" which is just as hilarious. I can make 100km+ and it still says I have a full tank ! Now I just know that around 350km I should look for a fuel station which is fine by me. All in all, a great bike if you have the money and don't mind a few quirks.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Good points while avoiding cities is... well, a good even though extreme solution.

[@sierrarider]

I took off the catalytic converter and installed the sc moto exhaust and you get no heat as well as the performance, weight loss, and sounds incredible

[@jimsnyder1742]

I rode this bike while my f800gs was in for service. Power was great though it was higher in the rev range than my bike. Weight felt low down. On road it was tremendous. Loved the X. But that is alot of money.

[@beatsmarttie5777]

How was the breking performance compared to the 800gs? 2 M50 brembo radial 4 piston calipers should be a big difference.

[@Speedytrip]

How comfortable would you say the suspensions are compared to an Africa Twin or Super Tenere 1200?

[@aps-pictures9335]

Urgh. I really wanted to like this bike, but Ducati… Wish someone else had built it 😅. All that weirdness they fail to work out. Way way too many faults and a ridiculous price tag vs competition…

[@Beinhartwie1chopper]

Marokko is calling

[@nadirkaranjia3407]

Had this bike for 8 months or so - I find that this bike is OUTSTANDING and is beautifully beautifully engineered . I agree with @chrisvantassoel8867's comment ... if I had to choose only 1 bike... it would have to be the Desert X

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It definitely looks great - I agree!

[@volodymyrholubets1872]

Thank you for the honest review. Not too many people will freely speak about some issues with brand new Ducati. All other reviews pretty much just say how incredible this bike is in every possible aspect.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks for mentioning that and I also believe that this is what it mostly looks like. That's s bit scary as it really can be misleading. Wouldn't be bothersome if it would apply to a toster but with cars and motorcycles, there are super important decisions being made. It needs a full perspective and not just praising because one is kind and grateful for having an opportunity to try these.

[@maldridge7630]

Suggestion; I don't think body height is a good yard stick when measuring seat height. It depends upon your inseam. Not everyone's height and inseam are proportionate.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

This is totally right and a valid point. My inseam is around 86 cm or 33.85 inches. I stick to height as the most universal measure that it should work also when talking about a handlebar position and give an overview of how someone with my posture deals with the bike in general too. But yes, inseam is key to understanding how the seat height feels. Thanks for making me measure how low my bum hangs ;)

[@PP-wz7mp]

Exactly, not everyone's tool is same size...

[@LunarEntity]

@@VToldsMotoShow 6ft with 30in inseam. Sucks.

[@12masterr]

A "adventure " bike that needs a fuel tank removal to change air filter? And on top of that not a easy removal? No thanks. Most ducati are beautiful bit we dont need a technician to follow us in every trip!

[@MacawAviculture]

I test rode a 2024 version of this bike today, and a 2023 KTM 1290 Adventure R a few days ago. Neither the Desert X or 1290 fit me. Both felt cramped and required foot control location modifications to safely ride them. My 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure R fits me perfectly, has fewer electronics, and rides better than either of the newer bikes. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@gilvietor1918]

Interesting, I just got rid of my 1090 adv r for a 24 dx and I think it is way better for me. I am 6’1” 225. I had the dongle on my 1090 which made me fall in love with that bike. I do miss that exhaust though!

[@gilvietor1918]

I got rid of my 1090 adv r for this bike, the dx is lower to the ground and narrower at the seat. So flat footed is much easier than the 1090 which at 6’1” was only one flat foot for me. It feels lighter by a lot than the 1090 but on the highway the dx seems way more refined. I took it off road to test it and it seems to jump better and seems like a lower center of gravity. MPG is where this thing is really shining, 80mph I am getting 50.6 for an hour and lower speeds 55! My 1090 would drop way down in all situations unless going 45mph. The brakes are so good, so good. In a few days I am doing the southern part of the Wyoming BDR, I’ve done some of the mountain parts up north on the 1090. I’ve also done the Idaho BDR on the 1090 which was pretty good.

[@RJ-yn3nu]

Hi V-Told, thanks for your reviews. I bought this bike early, fitted the larger windshield, lower suspension and modified my seat narrower. I would also suggest some of the issues might be tuning from your supplier. But the big issue is the heat, and i live in Thailand, so thats my critiscim. Otherwise i really enjoy it (but i am lucky enough to have other bikes as well)😊

[@VToldsMotoShow]

My pleasure and thanks a lot for adding your experiences regarding long-term ownership and daily use in a pretty warm place indeed ;)

[@andrewpeter6128]

I live in Alaska, and I love the heat 😁

[@elithegreat6463]

I'm so glad I picked my 2023 Triumph 900-GT-Pro instead of this Ducati. You get so much more for with the Triumph, more reliable, cheaper to own, and the price was right

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Triumphs are becoming really solid motorcycles in the whole adventure motorcycles segment. They simply do everything well enough. Just like BMW but in certain aspects with certain models, are just cooler. May have some weird solutions but no terrible flaws etc.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@VToldsMotoShow So true, other than some software updates, My GT has been a smooth, reliable Bike, Just enough Power, and all the bells & whistles 👍🇬🇧

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

The air filter change takes to long and the rear end looks unfinished without the AUX tank.

[@chrisbeale9022]

I wanted to love it too, but it’s not for me. I’m a senior motorcyclist with old school expectations like reasonable fuel consumption and decent comfort, neither of which are high on the DesertX’s list of virtues. I accept of course there will be others who might get a lot more out of the bike than I could but, with the frankly ridiculous price, I don’t think the Ducati offers great value compared with other bikes in its class. I ended up with a Triumph 900 Rally Pro which is less ‘pro’ than the DesertX but it has the same power, does 80% of the off-road stuff, is way more comfortable on tarmac, returns close to half the fuel consumption and is 30% cheaper for equivalent spec. My previous two Ducatis spent a lot of time in warranty repair so I’m naturally wary of the brand, despite enjoying them immensely and feeling the emotion of riding great Italian motorcycles. I still have my KTM 1290SA which has zero faults in five years and 30,000 miles but it’s worth very little on the second hand market. My guess is that a DesertX will not be worth much at all out of warranty.

[@Fernando90054]

There’s one bike of Ducati that I will give it a try. The new Diavel. And they also have a sports style bike that I also want to test the Super sport 950 S. The Desert X doesn’t ring my bell . Excellent review, as always . Thank you. ✌️✌️

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks, I'm glad you've enjoyed watching. I myself would place DesertX as a piece of art in a living room or on some display behind glass just to look at.

[@Fernando90054]

@@VToldsMotoShowI can see that carisma of the Desert X, yes, definitely. Unfortunately, if I spend this kind of money on something I better give it the intended use, can’t afford that kind of luxury furniture 😂 But yeah, I got the idea 😉 the bike is pretty enough.

[@philiplaurell1163]

Very good review. Thanks

[@maldridge7630]

Great, just in time for my Saturday coffee... 🤝 Loved that classic Green Jaguar 😁

[@Mac_okee]

Same here… teatime 😊

[@verlinswarey507]

You must live in the western time zone of North America!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Yeah, it was an afternoon teatime here too. The Jag is really nice and looks taken care of. It was an unusual pleasure to 'get stuck' behind a car for once ;)

[@emiloles9873]

Love Poland Witold

[@BlazinBlades]

First batch of Multistrada V4 did blow up and engines were replaced under warranty with an extra gift from Ducati to compensate the early adopters for their “heart attacks” 😂😂 So when you were thinking that your 7K bike might just blow an engine that is not something totally imaginary😅😅 Thanks for your honesty 🍻🍻

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh, that's not the most reassuring. Damn...

[@Michael-Elo]

Its all about geometry. Stable at speed but slow turning.

[@nemerkha]

i have a Scrambler 800 and engine heat is horrible. It's unrideable in summer time. Also, that exhaust heat boils the rear master cylinders and Ducati are oblivious to that. Worst customer service i had by far.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Oh, that's not the best experience one may expect from riding a Ducati. I tried a Scrambler 800 years ago but so much time has passed that I don't remember what the heat management is like. Well, it may then be a good reason for you to swap it for something else.

[@emiloles9873]

Nice haircut W

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thank you very much, I'll forward that to my local, random hairdresser.

[@jdroth50]

Did you get any feedback from the dealer/owner about the bike almost stalling after revving the engine? I recently picked up a gently used 2021 Multistrada 950s with only 1300mi, and it does the same thing. Local Ducati dealer gave me the classic "That's just how Ducatis are" response, but there are numerous other videos where I see people revving their engines where this almost stalling doesn't occur.

[@PowerYacht]

I have a Mts 950S, and I would say it is stalling because you are low in the rave range. 939cc Testastretta engines loves to be 2500rpm 2/3 gear, and 3000 rpm on 4th or higher gear. You might manage a a bit lower if you keep it on Urban map, and is a bit worse if you do it on Sport mode. If this is not your problem, then may be your chain, is a bit lose, or needs a service or change. I know people who reduce chain by 1 or 2 sizes and say the stalling is gone, and you lose about 5kmh in top speed they said.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I never asked but I'd head to Ducati's forum to ask about this kind of behavior. Or even write directly to Ducati presenting them with an unlisted at that time video. This should be better in triggering their response.

[@Flatlower]

stock exhaust does sound like a two cylinder lawn mower.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

That's a refreshing description, thank you.

[@ConceptArtistic]

Nice video , good shots on the bike. Keep doing 👍🏼

[@VToldsMotoShow]

Thanks and I'm glad that you enjoyed.

[@javip3300]

Good analysis. What do you think is the most balanced middleweight trail bike?

[@trailrider1980]

He wouldn't know he doesnt really test them off road

[@VToldsMotoShow]

I think I'd point at Aprilia Tuareg without so much analysis upfront. @erasmonieves3785 - one doesn't need to go off-road to find out how well-balanced a motorcycle is. I'm guessing that the mentioned phrase of "middleweight trail bike" means a certain type of motorcycle and not a bike that's the best-balanced on a trail. It's balanced the same on a trail as it is in one's garage.

[@trailrider1980]

@@VToldsMotoShow sorry bud but your analysis is flawed. Follow big rock moto for true testing....

[@trailrider1980]

@@VToldsMotoShow thats judging a book by its cover precisely what nobody should do....

[@brucekendall52]

Thank you.

[@VToldsMotoShow]

My pleasure as always!

[@Scootir185]

It's funny - people seem to love or hate this bike. Love the looks and expect some of the usual Ducati nonsense like the heat but think I'll stick to my 1250GS. Thanks for another great review!

[@VToldsMotoShow]

My pleasure - I'm glad you enjoyed.

[@terrellgarren7125]

Outstanding review. Too tall and heavy for off road or urban, then what is it good for? Given the price, an 8 out of 10 is too high. I bought a V-STROM 1050 thanks to your review. I will avoid the Desert X like the plague. Well done VTOLD.

[@bikegiant1376]

😂 the V strom is heavier than the Desert X

[@VToldsMotoShow]

It looks cool to show to friends in a garage - I'd like that.

[@mehdibb4186]

The Vstrom 1050 is almost 50 pounds heavier than the desert x

[@nikolasleontiou9962]

i would sue him for making me buy a vstrom over the most exciting adventure motorcycle after ktm 990 😂