2023 Ducati DesertX Review | Ultimate Motorcycling

We ride the all-new 2023 Ducati DesertX! The Italian firm is setting its sights on the off-road end of the middleweight ADV spectrum, decking its DesertX out with a liquid-cooled 937cc twin-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension, and a first for Ducati in the modern era—a set of tubeless cross-spoked 21- and 18-inch wheels. The DesertX is loaded for bear with high-performance equipment, ready to take on the street or trail and a potent contender in the middleweight ADV class. Of course, the Multistrada platforms have served the Bologna-based brand well as their go-to ADV motorcycles, but the DesertX is taking things further down the trail. Powering the DesertX is the familiar 937cc Testastretta 11-degree engine, producing a claimed 110 horsepower at 9250 rpm and 68 ft-lbs of torque at 6500 rpm. A model-specific airbox, intake, and fuel maps align with tighter internal gear ratios, demonstrating remarkable versatility in this engine. There's great low-end and midrange power for the trail while it still motors on the highway, as any performance-minded Ducati should. Although, low-speed radiant heat is still noticeable with this powerplant. Fully adjustable KYB suspension over roughly 9 inches of travel in the front and over 8.5 in the rear, providing excellent damping whether you're bouncing over boulders or attacking a canyon curve. The 21/18-inch cross-spoked wheel combo dispatch any obstacle in their path, and handling is a highlight of this machine, which makes it stand out in this segment. A full suite of electronics is available that does its part in keeping things manageable on or off-road. Of course, the Italian brand allows full customization of its safety features, and expert riders can disable them as they see fit. That said, the TC and ABS maps are excellent. Overall, the DesertX is a comfortable and capable middleweight ADV, packed with features to take on this hotly contested segment. Will it become the king of the mountain? Well, that's what a comparison test will decide. Until now, we're left impressed. Pricing for the 2023 Ducati DesertX starts at $17,095. Be sure to check out our full review with specs and pricing at: https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2022... Those are just the basics we'll be covering in this comprehensive 2023 Ducati DesertX review. Join Senior Editor Nic de Sena while he explores some of the local trails and roads in Southern California. Have any questions? Drop them down below, and we'll get you some answers! #Ducati #DucatiDesertX