With the third episode of World Première 2024, Ducati reveals the new DesertX Rally (link to watch the episode here).
From the DesertX, the first Ducati equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, comes the new DesertX Rally model. Characterized by competition-born components, the DesertX Rally adopts quality solutions that are both specialized and effective for off-road use, as well as sophisticated.
Developed and tested on the tracks, the DesertX Rally prototype was the protagonist of the Iron Road Prologue at Erzbergrodeo 2023 with Antoine Meo (multiple Enduro World Champion and European Supercross Champion), who took it to the top of the podium in the twin-cylinder category (video illustrating Meo’s achievements here).
Like all Ducatis, the DesertX Rally has a unique and distinctive style. However, it is thanks to the technical equipment that the Rally becomes a true off-road motorcycle.
The high front mudguard ensures usability even in particularly difficult terrain conditions, the Kayaba suspensions with increased travel, closed cartridge fork, and larger piston shock absorber, derived from motocross, allow the rider to overcome any obstacle, while the new central spoked rims with dimensions and characteristics specific to off-road competitions make the Rally a complete bike on any type of terrain. These solutions, together with a light and resistant carbon crankcase protection, machined selector and brake pedal, unequivocally identify the Rally as a bike designed to face the most extreme adventures.
Chassis
The suspension of the DesertX Rally is designed to face the most difficult obstacles, improving the off-road capabilities of the DesertX. Both the fork and the shock absorber are indeed characterized by the same technologies used in professional cross and enduro motorcycles.
On the front end, the DesertX Rally is equipped with new rigid and lightweight aluminum triple clamps. The fork is a KYB closed cartridge, a technology used in competition motocross and enduro bikes.
This solution involves pressurizing the oil inside the cartridges to prevent cavitation, ensuring a homogeneous and consistent behavior of the front suspension and the necessary support during the most extreme uses. In addition, to improve smoothness and wear resistance, the stanchions are equipped with Kashima coating and the jars with DLC surface treatment. The wheel travel has increased by 20 mm, for a total of 250 mm. At the rear, we find an aluminum swingarm with a different attachment point compared to the standard DesertX, with a fully adjustable shock absorber with a larger piston to improve the bike’s behavior in the most demanding off-road use. The rear wheel travel increases by 20 mm, for a total of 240 mm. Finally, to improve handling on the most demanding off-road terrains, the DesertX Rally is equipped with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper, fixed directly to the handlebar with aluminum brackets machined from the block. The new suspensions have allowed the DesertX Rally to increase the minimum ground clearance, which is now 280 mm (30 mm more than the standard version), to allow it to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. Always aiming to improve off-road performance, the DesertX Rally is equipped with wheels characterized by specific measures for off-road, more robust and lightweight thanks to hubs machined from the block, central spokes in carbon steel, and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with inner tubes.Finally, to underline the versatility of the DesertX Rally, as in the DesertX, a triple homologation is planned for the tires, with the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR proposed as original equipment. To enhance its off-road capabilities, it is possible to mount the Scorpion Rally, while for those who prefer to ride the bike on asphalt, the Scorpion Trail II is available.
Thanks to the use of high-level components, the DesertX weighs only one kilogram more than the standard model, despite the increase in length and size of the suspension.
Engine and Electronics
The DesertX Rally is equipped with the Ducati Testastretta 11° 937 cc twin-cylinder engine with desmodromic distribution. The maximum power is 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and the maximum torque is 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This engine, characterized by a smooth and controllable power delivery to tackle any terrain, has been optimized for off-road use thanks to dedicated gear ratios and specific strategies and calibration of electronic systems.
The six Riding Modes of the DesertX Rally (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) feature Cornering ABS, recalibrated Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) for a more challenging off-road riding experience.
The electronic functions of the DesertX Rally are managed through the 5” high-resolution vertical TFT screen, positioned to offer optimal visibility even while standing. This screen is designed for integration with the Ducati Multimedia System, allowing connection to a smartphone for new functions such as music control, call management, and ‘Turn by Turn’ navigation (optional) with directions displayed directly on the panel. Additionally, the DesertX Rally offers the ‘Utility Bar’ as standard for GPS mounting.
The service intervals for the DesertX Rally are every 15,000 km or 24 months, with valve clearance check every 30,000 km. The DesertX Rally will also be available in a 35 kW version for A2 license holders.
Accessories and Equipment
The DesertX Rally comes with all the essential components for off-road use as standard, but those looking to customize it can do so by choosing from Ducati Performance’s accessory catalog. To increase autonomy, an additional 8-liter tank can be mounted, providing almost 40% more capacity, perfectly integrated into the bike’s lines. Aluminum side cases are also available, which, combined with the top case, give the bike a load capacity of almost 120 liters. For travelers who never stop, additional LED spotlights and heated grips are also available.
The steel tube engine guards protect the tank and engine from falls or impacts during off-road use. Finally, enthusiasts looking to make the bike’s image even more sporty can choose the approved Termignoni exhaust. Those wishing to use the DesertX Rally in competition can improve power and torque values by 7% through the competition exhaust, again from Termignoni.
Enthusiasts looking to complete their look can choose from various specialized equipment options, with graphics coordinated with the DesertX Rally color scheme. The collection, which also includes a women’s line, consists of an Explorer jacket-pants set, Atacama gloves, Explorer T7 boots, and Arai Tour-X5 helmet.
The DesertX Rally will be available at authorized dealers starting in January 2024. Consult your authorized dealer for more information.
