Ducati DesertX is officially launched.

The wildest travel dreams come true with the Ducati DesertX. From desert dunes and narrow off-road paths, to gravel roads and endless highways; the DesertX knows no limits. And even with all its remarkable off-road capabilities, this incredible new machine is highly capable, confidence-inspiring and comfortable in its on-road performance, making it one of the most versatile bikes in Malaysia not just within the Ducati stable, but in the entire industry as well.

The DesertX project was born in 2019 when Ducati presented the eponymous concept to the public, generating a strong and positive reaction from motorcyclists around the world. This gave the Bologna-based manufacturer the decisive push to transform that concept into this functional, competent and effective motorcycle.

The design of the DesertX represents a contemporary interpretation of the lines of the Enduro motorcycles of the ‘80s, created by the Ducati Centro Stile in keeping with essentiality and robustness criteria.

Dennis Michael, Head of Company at Ducati Malaysia shares his thoughts:

“From its head-turning design to its robust engineering, the all-new DesertX is, in every way, an incredibly unique Ducati model. When the team at Ducati Malaysia had its first riding experience of the bike, we were all in agreement that the DesertX is just exceptionally special. You could be dominating an off-road rally route, going hard on fast twisty roads, or just comfortably cruising long distances on a highway – the DesertX will do it all; it’s the kind of machine that brings infinite satisfaction across all types of riding.

On Road. Off Road. All Roads.

The chassis layout of the new Ducati DesertX includes a new steel trellis frame, which works in combination with long travel suspension with dedicated settings, to ensure effective operation even in the most demanding off-road conditions, while also offering uncompromised on-road performance with high levels of comfort. The optimisation of all components led to an efficient bike, all packed in 202 kg (dry weight). The choices in terms of chassis make the new DesertX an easy bike to ride with great capacity to absorb road imperfections, all while providing the right dose of engagement and safety on any surface.

On the suspension front, the DesertX stands out for its premium fitting. It is offered with a 46 mm diameter upside-down Kayaba fork with 230 mm travel and Kayaba monoshock. Both elements are adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. The Kayaba monoshock is perfectly married to the aluminium swingarm and allows a rear wheel travel of 220 mm. In addition, the new DesertX has a generous 250 mm ground clearance, which makes it especially suitable for more extreme off-road adventures.

The new DesertX features unprecedented tyre sizes for a Ducati: 21” at the front and 18” at the rear. The original equipment tyres are the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, 90/90-21 and 150/70 R18: the perfect choice for a brilliant all-round use of the bike with remarkable on-road composure.

Like all Ducati motorcycles, the braking system of this new bike benefits from ABS Cornering functions. The front features Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with four 30 mm diameter pistons, axial pump with adjustable levers and double 320 mm discs with aluminium flanges. At the rear there is a single 265 mm diameter disc with a twin-piston floating caliper by Brembo. The braking calibration offers great modulation in off-road riding as well as on slippery surfaces, while also granting responsive stopping power in road use.

Power & Comfort To Go The Distance

The ergonomics of the new DesertX have been developed over long and demanding test sessions. The saddle-footrest-handlebar triangulation gives its best in stand-up riding and offers a good level of comfort for on-road riding. The result is a bike with an extremely slim fitting area and perfectly linked surfaces that guarantee the rider maximum control and handling. The saddle is 875 mm high and can be reduced by means of a lowered saddle (available as an accessory) and can be further lowered thanks to an add-on kit.

Ducati technicians have also strived to engineer a full suite of features that make the DesertX a truly enjoyable tool on every road. The riding position, for example, provides even more comfort for rider and passenger alike, thanks to the shape and padding targeted for each of the two seats. Heat management is studied in detail with openings for a flow of fresh air while aerodynamic protection is ensured by defining the shape and size of the original windshield.

Excellent range for longer journeys is possible thanks to the fuel tank with over 21 l of capacity, complemented by the opportunity of mounting a second tank (available as an accessory) in the rear area, adding a further 8 l of fuel. Fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank is enabled when the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level and can be activated from the dashboard.

The new DesertX also features excellent load capacity, almost 120 l of volume available including bags and the aluminium top case. The specific choice of tubeless tyres is functional to the journey and to safety. It allows a combination of greater reliability, greater safety in the event of a puncture and easier repair.

The proven 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valvetrain engine is the heart of the new DesertX. Characterized by excellent performance and reliability, the engine delivers 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm* in Euro5 configuration. The engine can count on all the improvements already seen on the Monster and Multistrada V2, which boasts engine weight savings of 1.7 kg compared to the previous version.

The gearbox has different dedicated ratios compared to those of the Multistrada V2. The ratios have been shortened overall on all gears up to fifth, to ensure responsive on-road characteristics and exciting off-road performance. First and second gears in particular are much shorter, in order to facilitate the low-speed driving phases of certain difficult passages typical of off-road use. Sixth gear is adequately long to facilitate highway handling while maintaining low engine speeds; this means a contained fuel consumption and an increased level of comfort.

Riding Modes For Every Mood

The new DesertX comes with 6 Riding Modes working in combination with 4 Power Modes – Full, High, Medium, Low – that modify the power and responsiveness of the Testastretta engine. The primary new features are specific settings for the Enduro Mode and the introduction of the new Rally Mode, in addition to Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet.

The Enduro Riding Mode, thanks to its regulated power and the specially designed control settings, allows the rider to tackle the most demanding dirt roads with greater safety and makes it easier for less experienced users to ride off-road. The Rally Riding Mode, on the other hand, with full engine power and reduced electronic controls, is designed for more experienced riders who want to make the most of the DesertX’s off-road performance.

These riding modes also work in harmony with the various electronic controls available: Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down and ABS Cornering.

ABS Cornering also offers high adjustability and can be set on 3 levels to be able to adapt to whatever the situation and rider skill. In the Riding Modes dedicated to off-road (Enduro and Rally), ABS Cornering can also be completely deactivated via the switch cube.

The dashboard of the DesertX, vertically oriented and positioned to offer clear information also in a stand-up riding position, features a high resolution 5” full-TFT colour display, which is integrated with the Ducati Multimedia System. The rider may choose between two as-standard Info Modes: Standard and Rally.

Premium technological features are also present with the lighting system, which is full LED. The double front headlight has two twin-function poly-ellipsoidal modules with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and has been designed to ensure excellent visibility, particularly important for a motorcycle capable of travelling in all conditions.

Ultimately, the new DesertX is a truly multi-faceted motorcycle, one that can be further customised by the riders according to their own spirit and mood by drawing on the broad range of Ducati Performance accessories. Among the most appealing items: the rally saddle, which marries the rider and passenger seats for greater effectiveness in off-road activities, and the additional 8-l tank. Touring experience can be further improved with the aluminum side panniers which, combined with the top case, give the bike a total load capacity amount of 117 l, additional LED spotlights, central stand and heated grips. Termignoni exhausts are also available, both homologated and racing. The latter increases the values of power and torque of +7% thanks to the dedicated mapping.

DesertX Accessories and Apparel Packages

The all-new Ducati DesertX will be launched in tandem with a host of exclusive packages to further enhance the riding and ownership experience. This includes a 40% offer on DesertX Bike Accessories Packages and a 35% offer on Genuine DesertX Apparel Packages.

The 2022 Ducati DesertX will be priced for ownership at RM112,900.00 (base selling price).

Faster, Easier Ownership with Ducati Corse Credit Financing

All Ducati and Scrambler Ducati models will be made available for ownership via an exclusive financing option – Ducati Corse Credit. The financing plan incorporates features that make Ducati ownership more seamless:

• Tailor made for Ducati and Scrambler bikes
• Flexible repayment scheme
• Faster approval
• Interest rate as low as 4.88%
• 10% downpayment option