Ducati has introduced its brand new DesertX at the Ducati World Premiere 2026. This is the second generation of Ducati's travel enduro motorcycle featuring the brand’s new V2 engine, revised frame and a complete overhaul to its electronic suite. Ducati claims it has developed the DesertX with improved off-road performance without changing the essence of Ducati motorcycles.
Powering the DesertX is a new 890cc V-twin engine producing 108bhp at 9000rpm and 92Nm of torque at 7000rpm with 70 per cent of the torque available as low as 3000rpm. Ducati claims it is the lightest V-twin it has ever produced. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The gear ratios are revised with shorter 1st to 4th gears for improved low-end and a longer 6th gear for better highway performance.
The engine is wrapped in an all-new monocoque frame, which uses the engine as a structural member. Ducati states that it has done this to make the frame compact while also increasing the rigidity. In addition, the rear trellis subframe is designed to offer easy access to the engine compartments, reducing maintenance costs.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable KYB suspension on both ends, with 230mm travel up front and 220mm travel at the back. The seat height is 880mm and can be reduced to 840mm with an optional lower seat and suspension kits.
The DesertX has 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels wrapped with Pirilli Scorpion Rally Street tyres. The brakes are by Brembo featuring M4.32 monobloc calipers, new dual 305mm front discs, revised brake pads and redesigned levers to provide improved modulation and better lever feel.
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There is a comprehensive upgrade to the electronics package of the new DesertX, compared to the outgoing model. There is a new 6-axis IMU specifically designed for off-road use. Ducati has also equipped the DesertX with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Braking System (EBS). Each setting can be adjusted according to your preference. Dual-channel ABS is standard, with multiple ABS modes along with a bi-directional quickshifter.
There are six riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet for road use and Enduro and Rally modes for off-road duties. All the information is displayed on a new high-resolution 5-inch TFT display, and two USB ports are standard. The display can be operated with the help of a joystick on the left cluster on the handlebar.
Ducati has developed the DesertX with the “form follows function” principle in mind, and it shows in the design. The wet weight is 209kg, and it has an 18-litre fuel tank designed to aid rider movement on the saddle and provide a lower centre of gravity for enhanced manoeuvrability. The front end is 20mm lower for enhanced view over the bars. The tail has mounts to attach various accessories and a grab handle for pillion comfort.
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The accessory catalogue involves an eight litre auxiliary fuel tank, radiator guards, a taller windscreen for touring and reinforced handguards. There are traditional aluminium panniers, along with soft bags developed in collaboration with Mosko Moto. Termignoni developed titanium exhaust and electronic add-ons such as the Ducati multimedia system (DMS), completing the accessory catalogue.
The DesertX is offered at an introductory price of ₹15.5 lakh and comes with 2 introductory colour schemes, Matte star white silk and an Audi RS E-tron-inspired R22 paint scheme. The DesertX will arrive in European dealerships in April 2026, followed by the USA and Japan in May and June, respectively.
