It’s not that Ducati doesn’t have any Enduros in its program, but those who really want to go off-road will probably not get a Multistrada. From spring onwards, the Italians will also have something on offer for off-road freaks: the Ducati DesertX
Right from the start, one is inclined to believe the marketing text: “Desert dunes, narrow off-road paths, gravel roads and mountainous serpentines: With the DesertX, travel dreams know no more limits.” Even the tires stand out from the model range: a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, 90 / 90-21 at the front and 150/70 R18 at the rear. With a suspension travel of 230 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear, you get adequate leeway. The wheels run on a 46 mm upside-down fork from Kayaba or an aluminum swing arm with Kayaba strut. Both elements can be adjusted in tension, compression and pre-tension. The ground clearance is generous at 250 mm, an engine guard helps if the 25 centimeters are not enough. Braking is done with two 320 mm discs and Brembo M50 monoblock radial calipers at the front and a single 265 mm disc with one at the rear Two-piston floating caliper. The adaptable and disengageable curve ABS is standard. Unusual tank solution The seat height is 875 mm, a lower bench and a lowering kit are also available. The 80s enduro-style bike has a new tubular steel frame and weighs 202 kg dry. The weight corresponds to that of the Multistrada V2, so it should add up to 226 kg with liquids. The tank holds 21 liters (Multistrada: 20 liters). Consumption should be 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers. If you need more fuel, you can order an extra tank in addition to the traditionally mounted fuel drum, which is attached to the rear and has a capacity of eight liters. It looks like a panel to the left and right of the bench. The fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank can be conveniently activated via the display as soon as the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level. Fixed windshieldThe plastic parts at the front are actually a panel. It turns into a windshield, which is not adjustable in height, but can be replaced by a higher one from the accessories. Below is the double headlight unit, which lights up with two delicate, round LED daytime running lights. The entire lighting system consists of LEDs. The ergonomics were planned with the aim of giving you relaxed control of the motorcycle both on asphalt and off-road, while standing. The pillion rider should also be able to sit comfortably. The liquid-cooled Testastretta V2 engine with 937 cc and desmodromic valve control is known in principle from Monster and Multistrada, here it develops 110 hp at 9250 / min and provides 6500 / min. A maximum torque of 92 Nm is available. Compared to the Multistrada V2, the gearbox (with Quickshifter) has a different translation: gears one to five are shorter, especially the first two. The sixth gear is designed to be particularly long. In addition to the Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet riding modes, there is the newly tuned Enduro mode and the newly introduced rally mode. “Enduro” is intended to enable less experienced drivers to take a detour into the terrain. “Rallye”, on the other hand, with full engine power and reduced electronic control, is intended for more experienced drivers who want to get the most out of the DesertX’s off-road performance. High-resolution display with trip master mode The five-inch TFT display is oriented vertically and offers two display modes to choose from: standard and rally. With the Standard option, all information relevant to operation on the road is displayed: the rev counter and the speedometer are clearly visible, as is the gear engaged, the fuel gauge and other useful driving information. The trip master function is part of the rally display mode. It simulates the operation of the Trip Master used in rally motorcycles and enables the mileage to be set manually using the buttons on the left-hand control unit. The display is prepared for the use of the Ducati Multimedia System, to which the driver can connect his mobile phone and thus functions such as music and incoming / outgoing calls or turn-by-turn navigation (optional) can be operated. The information about these features is shown directly on the display. As accessories, aluminum cases and top cases (117 liters in total), center stand, heated grips, additional headlights and an approved Termignoni exhaust can be ordered. With it comes a special mapping that increases power and torque by seven percent. The Ducati DesertX will be available from dealers from May 2022 at a price of around 19,000 euros.
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