With the third episode of World Première 2024, Ducati unveils the new DesertX Rally (link to watch the episode here).
From the DesertX, the first Ducati equipped with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, comes the new DesertX Rally model. Characterized by components born in competition, the DesertX Rally adopts quality solutions that are both specialized and effective in off-road use, and sophisticated.
Developed and tested also on the track, the DesertX Rally prototype was the protagonist of the Iron Road Prologue at the Erzbergrodeo 2023 with Antoine Meo (multiple World Enduro Champion and European Supercross Champion), who took it to the top step of the podium in the twin-cylinder category (video illustrating Meo’s achievements here).
Like all Ducati bikes, the DesertX Rally has a unique and distinctive style. However, it’s thanks to the technical equipment that the Rally becomes a true off-road bike.
The raised front mudguard guarantees handling even in particularly difficult terrain conditions, the Kayaba suspensions with increased travel, closed cartridge fork and shock absorber with larger piston, derive from motocross and 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 motorcycle on any type of terrain. These solutions, together with a light and resistant carbon sump guard, machined selector and brake pedal, unequivocally identify the Rally as a bike designed to tackle the most extreme adventures.
Cycling
The DesertX Rally’s suspension has been designed to tackle the toughest obstacles, enhancing the DesertX’s off-road capabilities. Both the fork and the shock absorber are, in fact, characterized by the same technologies used in professional cross and enduro bikes.
On the front axle, the DesertX Rally is equipped with new, rigid and lightweight aluminum steering tables. The fork is a closed-cartridge KYB, a technology used on motocross and enduro racing bikes.
This solution involves pressurizing the oil inside the cartridges to prevent cavitation, thus guaranteeing homogeneous and consistent front suspension behaviour and the necessary support during the most extreme use.
In addition, to improve smoothness and resistance to wear, the sheaths are equipped with a Kashima coating and the jugs with a DLC surface treatment. Wheel travel has been increased by 20 mm, to 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 handling in the most demanding off-road use. Rear wheel travel is increased by 20 mm, to a total of 240 mm. Finally, to improve handling on the most demanding off-road terrain, the DesertX Rally is equipped with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper, fixed directly to the handlebars with aluminum brackets machined from the block.
The new suspensions have allowed the DesertX Rally to increase its 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 with a view to improving off-road performance, the DesertX Rally is equipped with rims characterized by specific off-road measurements, more robust and lighter thanks to hubs machined from the block, carbon steel central spokes and high-strength Takasago Excel rims with air chamber.
Finally, to underline the versatility of the DesertX Rally, as with the DesertX, a triple homologation is planned for the tires, with the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR offered as original equipment. To improve its off-road capabilities, the Scorpion Rally can be fitted, 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 is only one kilo heavier than the standard model, despite the increase in the length and size of the suspension.
Engine and electronics
The DesertX Rally is equipped with the 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine with desmodromic distribution. Maximum power is 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and maximum torque 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm. This engine, characterized by a regular and controllable power delivery to tackle any course, has been optimized for off-road thanks to dedicated gear ratios and specific strategies and calibration of the electronic systems.
The DesertX Rally’s six Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) feature Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) recalibrated in line with the new cycling style and for more challenging off-road use.
The DesertX Rally’s electronic functions are managed via the high-resolution 5″ vertically oriented TFT screen, positioned to offer optimum visibility even when riding while standing up. This screen has been designed for integration with the Ducati Multimedia System, which allows connection to the smartphone, thus activating new functions such as music control, call management and ‘Turn by Turn’ navigation* (optional) with directions displayed directly on the dashboard. In addition, the DesertX Rally offers the standard ‘Utility Bar’ for mounting the GPS.
Service intervals for the DesertX Rally are every 15,000 km or 24 months, 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 has all the essential components for off-road use fitted as standard, but those who want to customize it can do so by choosing from the Ducati Performance accessories catalog. To increase autonomy, it is possible to fit the additional 8-liter tank, which guarantees almost 40% more capacity, perfectly integrated into the lines of the bike. 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, there are additional LED spotlights and heated grips.
Steel tube engine guards protect the tank and engine from falls or impacts during off-road use. Finally, enthusiasts who want to make the bike look even sportier can choose the Termignoni homologated exhaust. Those who want to use the DesertX Rally in competition can improve the power and torque figures by 7% with the competition exhaust, again from Termignoni.
Enthusiasts who want to complete their image will be able to choose from various specialized equipment proposals, with graphics coordinated with the DesertX Rally’s color scheme. The collection, which also includes the women’s line, consists of an Explorer jacket-pants set, Atacama gloves, Explorer T7 boots and an Arai Tour-X5 helmet.
DesertX Rally will be available from authorized retailers from January 2024. Check with your authorized retailer for more information.