Ducati DesertX Rally (2024 – ) review.

design

“The result looks great, rides brilliantly and is one of the most off-road adventure bikes you can buy“

The DesertX has been one of Ducati’s lesser-known success stories in recent times. Initially a concept bike inspired by sister company Cagiva’s 1980s Paris-Dakar Elefant, public response was so positive that it went into production in 2022. Since then, it has proven that Ducati has launched this rally version with even more prowess. At its heart, Ducati’s proven 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin remains unchanged, as does the retro-modern styling and impressive all-round capability. But there’s longer-travel suspension, more dirt-optimized wheels and tires with a matching tall front fender, one-piece saddle and custom trim. The result looks great, rides brilliantly and is one of the most off-road adventure bikes you can buy. If that’s important, you won’t be disappointed, while everyone else will be better off with the cheaper, road-worthy standard version.

Expert rating: 4/5

Riding position

“Another 20mm of front and rear suspension and the all-terrain one-piece saddle combine for a seat height of 910mm.“

Little has changed from the standard DesertX, and it’s no worse for it, except in two significant areas. Another 20mm of front and rear suspension and the all-terrain one-piece saddle combine into a 910mm seat height that was intimidating even for your 6′ 3″ tester. With the ride form off-road in mind, the seat is also firmer and less comfortable, which will be fine for peg-happy off-road riders, but not so good for longer periods while seated Bar height and overall riding position are roomy and even the small, non-adjustable screen is effective.

Expert rating: 4/5

practicality

“This Rally version loses a degree of comfort and handling in the name of dirt capability“

Expert rating: 4/5

Performance and braking

“Peak power is 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm plus plenty of exploitable torque further down the line“

Expert rating: 4/5

Driving and handling

“Yes, it’s tall and a little intimidating at first, but its steering is controlled, intuitive and consistent“

On the road, there was nothing wrong with the standard DesertX, its combination of sumptuous ride quality and decent off-road prowess over-delivering in its ’80s Dakar racing style. The Rally version makes things are higher, at least off road. With lighter, stronger all-terrain center wire wheels and more sophisticated, longer-travel KYB front and rear KYB suspension, the Rally combines extra ground clearance with impressive control and handling. Yes, it’s tall and a little intimidating at first, but its steering is controlled, intuitive and consistent, and the grip of the standard Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR is much better than its tread pattern suggests, while the Scorpions More asphalt-oriented Trail IIs are also an option. .

Expert rating: 5/5

Operating costs

“That mid-level performance works to the DesertX’s advantage in terms of running costs, and it won’t have the same appetite for consumables like tires, chains or brake pads.“

At just £20,000, the Rally is more than £4,000 more than the standard DesertX and very much a premium Ducati, even though it ‘only’ has a 937cc engine. That’s not much less than Ducati’s updated Multistrada V4, for example. But that mid-level performance works to the DesertX’s advantage when it comes to running costs, and it won’t be as hungry for consumables like tires, chains or brake pads, nor will it cost as much fuel and insurance as its 1,200cc. stablemate That said, if used as intended, you can expect these consumable components to struggle. But since when is a £20,000 off-road Ducati likely to be cheap?

Expert rating: 4/5

Reliability

“The days of ‘fragile Ducatis’ are long gone with service intervals now better than most rivals“

Although the Rally is a new version of a model that is only two years old, there is, as with the standard bike, plenty of reason to be confident in its durability. The days of the “fragile Ducatis” are long gone with service intervals now better than most rivals. Second, its 937cc Testastretta V-twin is long-proven and has also been continuously refined on the other bikes it’s used on. In short, the DesertX Rally is above all a premium machine packed with quality components like KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, Excel rims and even an Öhlins steering damper.

Expert rating: 4/5

Warranty and service

“The new Rally version comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty that covers all parts and labor.“

As with the standard DesertX, the new Rally version comes with a four-year unlimited mileage warranty that covers all parts and labor. As with all recent Ducatis, their service intervals are also impressive, with the standard oil service every two years or 15,000 km/9,000 miles and the more complicated and expensive Desmo valve adjustment service every 30,000 km or 18,000 miles.

Expert rating: 4/5

equipment

“It’s all very believable, but don’t kid yourself that you’re getting Multistrada creature comfort levels“

The standard DesertX already shone in this department and the new Rally is at least as good, if not better. Which it should be, given the premium. The 5.0-inch TFT panel, sophisticated electronics, quick shift, LED lights and the like you get on the stock bike join lighter and stronger Excel wheels, upgraded suspension components, spec parts off-road and more. It’s all very believable, but don’t be fooled, you get Multistrada levels of amenities like radar cruise, heated grips, adjustable screens and other luxuries!

Expert rating: 4/5

Why buy?

“With its dirt-oriented upgrades to the already excellent and capable DesertX package, the result is one of the best adventure off-roaders around.“

Expert rating: 4/5