Ducati has taken the covers off its 2027 DesertX Rally at EICMA in Milan, revealing a substantially revised adventure bike with a new engine, chassis and suspension package aimed squarely at serious off-road riding.
The latest DesertX Rally adopts Ducati’s new 890cc V2 engine, replacing the previous 937cc Testastretta powerplant, while introducing a dedicated monocoque frame and an entirely new Full Floater rear suspension system.
The new V2 produces a claimed 110hp and 92Nm of torque, with Ducati focusing on improving low- and mid-range performance for better control when riding off-road.
Ducati says the engine is the lightest twin-cylinder unit it has produced in this class, although the manufacturer has yet to provide a complete weight figure for the new Rally.
The engine forms part of an entirely new DesertX technical platform, developed using feedback from previous models and experience gained through off-road competition.
COMPETITION-SPEC KYB SUSPENSION
One of the biggest changes for 2027 is the adoption of professional-grade KYB suspension, including a 48mm closed-cartridge fork designed to cope with more demanding off-road conditions.
Closed-cartridge technology is commonly found on high-end motocross and enduro motorcycles, where consistent damping performance under repeated heavy impacts is critical.
The new fork features Kashima-coated components and DLC surface treatments on the 48mm stanchions, designed to reduce friction and improve suspension performance under load.
At the rear, Ducati has fitted a fully adjustable KYB shock absorber working through an entirely new Full Floater linkage system.
The progressive linkage arrangement is designed to improve rear-wheel traction and bump absorption while providing greater resistance to bottoming under heavy impacts.
Ducati says the revised suspension layout and increased wheel travel improve stability and control when riding across rough terrain, particularly at higher speeds.
An adjustable Öhlins steering damper is also fitted as standard to help control unwanted handlebar movement over uneven ground.
NEW FRAME AND REVISED REAR SUSPENSION
The 2027 DesertX Rally moves to a dedicated monocoque frame, marking a significant change from the previous generation’s chassis layout.
The new structure has been developed alongside the smaller V2 engine, with Ducati targeting improved precision and control when riding off-road.
At the rear, the Full Floater suspension system uses progressive linkages to alter the suspension response throughout its travel.
The arrangement is intended to provide greater sensitivity over smaller bumps while maintaining support when the rear wheel encounters larger obstacles.
Combined with the longer-travel KYB suspension, Ducati claims the revised chassis delivers improved traction, comfort and stability in demanding conditions.
EXCEL RIMS WITH 21-INCH FRONT AND 18-INCH REAR
Ducati has retained the off-road-focused 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination but introduced new Takasago Excel tubeless rims for the Rally.
The rear wheel features a 36-spoke configuration designed to improve strength and durability when riding over rocky or heavily rutted terrain.
Narrower rim profiles have also been adopted, with Ducati claiming they improve handling and agility on difficult surfaces.
The manufacturer says the new wheels are lighter and more resistant to impacts than conventional designs, although exact weight savings have not been released.
The tubeless construction also allows punctures to be repaired without removing an inner tube, an advantage for riders covering long distances in remote areas.
DUCATI TARGETS SERIOUS OFF-ROAD RIDERS
The DesertX Rally has always been positioned as the more off-road-focused model in Ducati’s adventure range, and the 2027 version continues that approach with substantial mechanical changes rather than simply revised bodywork.
The combination of a lighter V2 engine, new frame, closed-cartridge suspension and revised rear linkage suggests Ducati is putting greater emphasis on performance over rough terrain.
However, important specifications including overall weight, suspension travel, seat height, fuel capacity and ground clearance have not been detailed in the initial announcement.
Those figures will be particularly important in determining how the new DesertX Rally compares with other large-capacity adventure bikes designed for serious off-road use.
Australian pricing and availability have also yet to be confirmed.
DESMO250 EDS ALSO BREAKS COVER AT EICMA
The DesertX Rally was one of five new Ducati models unveiled at EICMA, alongside the Diavel V4, Panigale V4 SP, Streetfighter V4 SP and Panigale V2 SP.
Ducati also provided a preview of its new Desmo250 EDS, the smaller-capacity enduro model that follows the Desmo450 EDS revealed at the same event a year earlier.
The Desmo250 EDS is scheduled to arrive in European dealerships during the northern hemisphere summer of 2027, expanding Ducati’s growing off-road range.
The latest announcements come as Ducati celebrates its centenary and continues to expand beyond its traditional road and racing motorcycle line-up.
With the new DesertX Rally and the forthcoming Desmo250 EDS, Ducati is increasing its investment in the off-road market, from lightweight competition enduro machinery through to large-capacity adventure motorcycles.
