Redesigned platform with new V2 engine targets better control in rough terrain and easier long-distance touring, priced at $28,200 rideaway

Ducati has unveiled the second-generation DesertX, the Bologna brand’s serious crack at big off-road riding—built around a 21-inch front wheel and the idea that an adventure bike should genuinely work in the dirt. First shown as a concept at EICMA 2019 and launched in 2021, the original quickly won over maxi-enduro and adventure-tour fans thanks to real off-road ability without losing its road-going edge.

This new model draws on years of development and racing-style punishment, with Ducati name-checking events like Erzbergrodeo, the Rally of Albania, Transanatolia and the NORRA Mexican 1000. The mission was clear: sharpen its dirt performance again, but keep the ride feel Ducati owners expect on the blacktop.

New 890 V2 donk

At the centre of the update is Ducati’s new 890cc V2, claimed to be the brand’s lightest-ever twin with four valves per cylinder. It also runs IVT (variable intake valve timing), aimed at delivering punch across the rev range and a crisp response whenever you crack the throttle.

Figures are 110hp and 92Nm, with Ducati claiming a fatter torque curve than before—70 per cent of max torque available at 3000rpm, which should translate to easier drive in loose conditions and better drive out of corners. The gearbox is tailored to the job too, with shorter first four ratios for obstacles and technical terrain, and a longer sixth for fast transport stages and improved economy. Service intervals are also a standout on paper: valve checks at 45,000km, and oil changes every 15,000km or two years.

Chassis and suspension

Ducati sticks with its segment-unique monocoque frame concept, using the engine as a stressed member while also integrating the airbox for compactness and rigidity. There’s a practical bonus here as well: better access to the air filter for cleaning after dusty rides. A rear trellis section continues the Ducati design language and is built for durability and easier access to engine components, while an aluminium swingarm has been developed specifically for the DesertX.

Suspension gets a meaningful update with a Full-Floater progressive linkage on the rear, designed to feel softer early in the stroke and offer more support as loads increase—handy when the track goes from chatter to big hits. Up front is a new Kayaba fork, claimed to be smoother in rough terrain and featuring independent hydraulic adjustment on each leg for riders who want to fine-tune feel and support.

Wheels remain the right sizes for proper off-road intent: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, tubeless spoked, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street tyres (90/90 and 150/70). Ducati also says the bike is triple-homologated with other Pirelli Scorpion options, letting owners skew the set-up more dirt-focused or more road-biased.

Chassis upgrades

Braking is via Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers and new 305mm discs, plus dedicated pads and an axial master cylinder with a redesigned lever. Ducati’s aiming for better off-road modulation and lever feel, while keeping strong road braking. The new set-up also helps riders fit a high front mudguard without needing additional kits—something Aussie adventure riders will appreciate once the mud builds up.

The riding position has been refined with off-road control in mind: wide bars, a narrow waist and a layout that encourages an active stance. Ducati moved the footpegs back and shifted the seat and bars forward, creating a less “seated” posture for improved control on dirt and a sportier feel on road.

A new 18-litre polymer tank is slimmer and lighter, with protective crash pads for the inevitable low-speed dirt naps. Ducati also claims the tank carries fuel lower to help centre of gravity and improve slow-speed handling. Side panels now feature a grippier texture to lock in with your knees, and the front mudguard sits higher for better clearance in heavy terrain.

Seat height is 880mm, with an option to drop to 840mm using a lowered seat and suspension kit.

Electronics, dash and ride modes

A 6-axis IMU underpins the latest electronics suite, with Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control—each adjustable across multiple levels. There are six riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, plus Enduro and Rally, all customisable.

Cornering ABS offers four levels: Levels 1 and 2 target off-road use, while 3 and 4 are road-focused. ABS can be disabled for off-road use in Enduro and Rally modes only. Ducati’s Quick Shift 2.0 is also fitted, and by ditching external sensors it’s less exposed to impacts, mud and dust.

The new 5-inch TFT (800 x 480) includes two USB ports and three display styles—Road, Road Pro and Rally—with Rally adding tripmaster-style functionality. The horizontal dash layout also frees up space for mounting navigation gear and improves the rider’s view of the trail immediately ahead when standing.

Styling and accessories

The look remains clean and purposeful—“form follows function”—with Ducati noting the front end is 20mm lower for a more dynamic stance. The minimalist tail keeps key components visible (including the rear linkage) and is designed to accept accessories such as an auxiliary tank, grab rail and pannier frames.

Ducati Performance accessories cover the obvious bases: an 8-litre rear auxiliary tank for added range (also intended to take first contact in a fall), radiator guards and a bull bar, plus touring gear like a larger screen and reinforced handguards. Luggage options range from aluminium panniers with frames to soft bags developed with Mosko Moto. There are also tech add-ons like Ducati Multimedia System (Bluetooth) and turn-by-turn navigation, and a Termignoni-approved muffler option.

Availability and price

The new DesertX is scheduled to hit Australia in June 2026, priced at $28,100 rideaway

Standard equipment

  • V2 Engine, 890 cc
  • Max Power: 110 HP @ 9,000 rpm
  • Max Torque: 92 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
  • Wet Weight no fuel: 209 kg
  • 18L polymer fuel tank
  • Dedicated monocoque chassis
  • Dedicated trellis subframe
  • 46 mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable with independent settings on both legs, 230 mm wheel travel
  • KYB monoshock, fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment, 220 mm wheel travel
  • Dedicated double-sided swingarm with progressive link
  • 15” x 21” tubeless spoked wheels at the front and 4.5” x 18” at the rear
  • Front braking system with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers and dual 305 mm discs
  • Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street 90/90 and 150/70 tyres
  • Latest-generation electronic package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU): switchable ABS with four levels of cornering functionality; Ducati Traction Control (DTC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC); Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Control (EBC)
  • New petal-shaped joystick
  • New 5″ full-TFT dashboard with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800 x 400 resolution
  • Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally)
  • Full-LED headlights with DRL and dynamic turn indicators (where homologated)
  • Ready for Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), turn-by-turn navigation, Cruise Control
  • Ducati Brake Light EVO
  • Matt Star White Silk livery