If you look at the premium end of the middleweight adventure bike market, there are only a few serious off-road capable bikes. The three key players here have been the KTM 890 Adventure R, BMW F 900 GS, and the Ducati DesertX. All of these bikes bring sturdy spoke wheels, high-quality long-travel suspension, and punchy engines with over 100 horsepower to stand above their rivals.
In recent times, though, Ducati has fallen on its back foot. The DesertX has had no substantial updates since its inception towards the end of 2021. Sure, we had a new variant (the DesertX Discovery), but the core bike remained unchanged. That is finally changing now, as the Italian giant has taken the wraps off the new DesertX V2. This is a proper overhaul, and here are all the deets.
Powered By Ducati’s Lightest Twin-Cylinder Engine
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ll know Ducati has been focusing on reducing weight more than anything else. The DesertX V2 follows the same brief, featuring the new 889cc twin-cylinder engine. This is Ducati’s lightest V-twin of its kind, thanks to innovations like:
- A new water cooling system (that eliminates the water-oil heat exchanger)
- Hollow valve stems
- Racing-derived lubrication system
- Thin inner walls
- Aluminum cylinder liners
The Ducati That Feels Exotic, Usable, And Less Intimidating Than You’d Expect
The Panigale V2 has become a fast, gorgeous Ducati that’s actually usable and docile even on a daily basis
No Desmo Valves Anymore
Aside from this, Ducati has ditched the desmo valves in favor of a new intake variable timing system. The result is 70 percent of the torque right from 3,000 RPM. The final output, meanwhile, stands at 110 horsepower and 67.9 pound-feet. These peak at 9,250 RPM and 6,500 RPM, respectively. If you think these numbers are similar to the outgoing bike, you’re right. The 2024 DesertX produces 110 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 67.9 pound-feet at 7,000 RPM.
New Swingarm And Suspension Aim To Boost The Riding Abilities
Like the engine department, there are sizable changes to the underpinnings. Both the main steel chassis and subframe are new, and so is the swingarm. The latter has a gullwing-type shape with a cast aluminum construction, unlike the previous hollow unit. These join hands with a new suspension setup. This comprises 46 mm KYB USD forks and a KYB monoshock, with 9.1 and 8.7 inches of travel, respectively. Both ends are fully adjustable like before, but the rear has a new linkage and a remote adjuster near the subframe.
The wheel sizes remain the same as before: 21-inch front wheel with 90-section rubber and a 17-inch rear wheel with 150-section rubber. The hoops house dual 305 mm disc brakes up top with Brembo four-piston calipers and a 265 mm rear disc with a two-piston caliper.
There Is Barely Any Weight Reduction
This is where things might seem disappointing. While all the Ducati V2s have become substantially lighter, the DesertX V2 serves as an exception. The wet weight (without fuel) is 461 pounds, just two pounds less than before. As for other dimensions, the wheelbase is 63.6 inches, and the saddle height is 34.6 inches. Short-heighted folks beware here!
Top-Drawer Features Sweeten The Package
As you’d expect, the feature list is top-drawer here. A 5-inch TFT makes up the cockpit, laid out in a horizontal manner, unlike the old vertically laid-out display. This gives you access to six riding modes (including an Enduro and Rally mode), an eight-level traction control, four-level wheelie control, three-level engine brake control, and four-level cornering ABS. Ducati’s two-way quickshifter is standard, too, but there is no smartphone connectivity.
The Ducati That Balances Exotic Performance With Real-World Usability
There are some brilliant and usable Ducatis on offer today, but one bike gets you a package like no other
A special mention goes to the design as well. The DesertX V2 appears slimmer than its predecessor from all angles. There’s also a new LED headlight and tail lamp, complete with an updated livery. A notable detail is the new tank, which has a polymer construction and replaceable covers should you crash. The windscreen is also new, claimed to offer better wind protection.
The DesertX V2 Is Considerably Cheaper Than Before
Yes, you read that right. Ducati has launched its new DesertX V2 at $16,995, which is a solid $2,000 less than the outgoing bike. The new MSRP gives it a better fighting chance against its rivals like the $16,299 KTM 890 Adventure R and the near-$18,000 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro. This is still way pricier than the BMW F 900 GS, even if you add the $1,500 Enduro kit.
2026 DesertX V2 Vs Rivals
|
Specs |
DesertX V2 |
890 Adventure R |
Tiger 900 Rally Pro |
F 900 GS |
|
Engine |
890cc, V-twin |
890cc, parallel-twin |
888cc, inline-triple |
895cc, parallel-twin |
|
Power |
110 HP |
103 HP |
106 HP |
105 HP |
|
Torque |
67.9 LB-FT |
73.7 LB-FT |
66 LB-FT |
68.6 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |