NEW BIKES - BUYING
DesertX gets more advanced
COMING UP: DUCATI DESERTX
Neo-retro leaves trellis frames and Testastretta motors in its past
PICTURES: DUCATI
Ducati modernity meets retro off-road styling in new DesertX
Ducati have revealed their second-generation DesertX adventure bike for 2026, featuring the brand’s latest 890cc twin-cylinder engine platform also found in the Monster, Hypermotard, Panigale, Streetfighter and Multistrada V2 ranges.
It’s being launched with an initial price of £14,995 for machines ordered by June 30 and is due to arrive in dealers from April.
The DesertX is the final model to migrate from Ducati’s 937cc Testastretta V-twin engine, with the new motor featuring four valves per cylinder, variable timing, and no desmodromic valves. An A2 licence restriction kit also available.
Power is now a claimed 109bhp at 9000rpm, with 68lb·ft of torque available at 7000rpm – 70 per cent of which comes from 3000rpm. The first four gears are now shorter to help with off-road expeditions, and a longer sixth gear acts as an overdrive to save fuel over distance.
Monocoque designed specifically for this
Oil service intervals are every 15,000km (around 9320 miles) or two years, whichever comes first. Valve clearance checks are needed every 45,000km (around 27,960 miles).
The motor sits alongside bespoke chassis components, complex lean-sensitive electronics, and an optional auxiliary fuel tank in the tail to carry an extra eight litres of fuel over the standard 18 litres.
Like the rest of the V2 family, the DesertX does away with a trellis frame design in favour of a monocoque ‘front frame’ – this time created specifically for the DesertX. It also doubles up as a 12.5-litre airbox and pairs with a blackedout aluminium swingarm, again designed specifically for the model.
The final mid-size Ducati to get the new V2
A trellis subframe supports moderate space for a pillion, with the standard seat height coming in at a lofty 880mm. This can be reduced to 840mm if you need, with the bike weighing a claimed 209kg without fuel – down 1kg from the outgoing model.
The footpegs have been moved back, and the seat and handlebars have shifted forwards – making life easier when stood up off-road.
Elsewhere, you get a 21in front and 18in rear tubeless spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, and the KYB front forks feature independent adjustments in both legs.
New lever improves feel of these, say Ducati
A taller front mudguard allows more room for mud to safely pass through, with Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers working alongside chunky 305mm front discs, with special pads and a newly designed lever said to aid rider feel.
There’s a full lean-sensitive electronics suite courtesy of a six-axis IMU, which includes traction and wheelie control plus four-level cornering ABS. Six riding modes are also present, including an off-road dedicated ‘Enduro’ and ‘Rally’ option.
Aluminium hard luggage will be offered with dedicated mounting frames, alongside a range of soft bags developed in partnership with Mosko Moto.
Further-forward bars boost stood-up riding
THE FACTS
Engine 890cc 8v V-twin, 4v per cyl, l/c
Fuel capacity 18 litres (standard)
Power 109bhp @ 9000rpm
Seat height 880mm (adjustable)
BUYING ONE
£14,995 special launch price
IN DEALERS APRIL 2026
This month's deals
NEW BIKE BARGAINS
* Deals correct at time of going to press and subject to change
SAVE £2000
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