Ducati has launched the DesertX adventure bike in India at Rs 17.91 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Based on its displacement and output levels, it goes up against the likes of Triumph Tiger 900 and BMW F 850 GS. For reference, the Tiger costs ₹13.7 lakh for the road-based GT variant and ₹15.5 lakh for the range-topping, off-road ready Rally Pro variant, while the Beamer is ₹12.50 lakh and ₹12.50 lakh in standard form. 13.75 lakh in the Adventure variant with the larger fuel tank.
The substantial excitement around the DesertX comes down to the fact that it’s the Italian manufacturer’s first serious adventure bike in the modern era. To back up this claim, it comes with 21-inch/18-inch wire-spoke wheel combo, front and rear suspension travel of 230mm and 220mm, and ground clearance of 250mm. These are impressive numbers that not only dwarf those of the preceding Multistrada 1260 Enduro, but are also class-leading on several fronts. The X stays true to its Ducati roots in the frame department, while a traditional trellis frame holds everything together.
Roaming around this purposeful new chassis is a familiar motor – the 937cc Testastrata L-twin that’s done duty in the Multistrada V2, Panigale V2, Monster and Hypermotard 950. Output figures, at 110hp and 92Nm, are slightly lower than some Testastratas. Powered bike.
The seat is 875 mm high from the deck, but this can be brought down to 865 mm using an auxiliary lower seat, and even to 845 mm when the seat is combined with a lower suspension kit.
Also in true Ducati fashion, the electronics suite is matched to the scale of the suspension travel and ground clearance, with a total of six riding modes on offer, including dedicated Enduro and Rally modes for off-road use. You also get four power modes and a Bosch IMU, which helps the electronics do their job regardless of the bike’s orientation.
Everything is controlled by an attractive looking 5.0-inch TFT dash with optional Bluetooth connectivity. Other optional extras include aluminum luggage unit, heated grips, fog lamps and even an 8-litre auxiliary fuel tank. Topped off with the standard 21-litre fuel tank, (and all other fluids), the DesertX tips the scales at 223kg.