Heads up Ducatistis, Ducati Malaysia has expanded its line-up recently just before the new year by adding the new Ducati DesertX model into said line-up. Aptly, as you can see from the images sprawled here, the DesertX is a dirt-busting Ducati unlike any other. Much of this stems from what is a somewhat retro styling inspired by dirt-busting dual-sport Dakar rally bikes of the not-so-distant past.
This is evident in its dual headlamps, the sculpted designs of both the front fairing and fuel tank, not forgetting the immense ground clearance, and the ergonomics that are comfortable for riding both on- and off-the-seat (standing). Don’t let its retro skin fool you though as underneath, the DesertX is more akin to its cousin the Multistrada V2, sharing much of the oily bits and key modern tech here indeed. At the centre of which is a 937cc iteration of Ducati’s signature Testastretta L-twin mill that’s good for 110 HP and 92 NM.
Said mill gets paired with a six-speed transmission and chain drive, the former geared with shorter first and second cogs to enhance its off-road abilities further. Bolstering its ability to traverse off the beaten path is the presence of a trick ride-by-wire suite that offers no less than six riding modes – Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally.
The modes are paired furthermore with impressive rider tech from Ducati’s arsenal such as Ducati Traction Control (DTC), cornering ABS with three selectable levels, quick-shifter, as well as a wheelie control suite, all of which are tied through an advanced Bosch IMU as well.
A visual treat for the riders – aside from this bike’s retro styling, of course – comes from the two-mode 5-inch TFT-LCD instrument display screen mounted just above the bars ahead of its sizeable 21-litre fuel tank. Though interactive out of the box, there’s also a Bluetooth smartphone connectivity function available as an option to consider too.
Key hardware present that backs up this Ducati’s dirt-busting credentials includes long-travel and fully-adjustable suspension front and aft, wire-spoke wheels measuring 21-inches (front) and 18-inches (rear), special Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, as well as a protective engine cover or ‘bash plate’, that are all present as standard equipment.
Of course, no Ducati performance machine is complete without a host of tasty optional accessories, and Ducati hasn’t disappointed here. The catalogue includes accessories such as luggage, auxiliary lighting, rally seats, additional engine and radiator guards, as well as a secondary 8-litre fuel tank, not forgetting the all-important Termignoni exhaust system too.
Altogether, all of this tasty retro styling and tech-driven performance underneath which sees Ducati perhaps distilling the perfect dual-sport machine that looks comfortable both on and off the pavement.
Ready to gear up in your enduro gear and trundle down the path less travel in style? Orders for the new Ducati DesertX can now be placed through authorised dealers and the flagship Ducati Petaling Jaya outlet where it’s priced at RM112,900 sans insurance and on-road costs.
Yes, this dirt-busting Ducati is no bargain, but this much style, performance, and tech surely warrants such a figure, no?