Ducati DesertX (2022) Review: The Ultimate Adventure Bike Built to Conquer Any Terrain

The 2022 Ducati DesertX isn't just another adventure motorcycle—it’s Ducati's bold leap into the rugged, off-road-centric ADV segment. Built with a clear focus on rally-inspired performance and real-world versatility, the DesertX combines Italian design flair with serious mechanical grit. For a brand traditionally known for sportbikes and naked streetfighters, Ducati's foray into hardcore adventure touring makes a confident statement: this is no soft-roader.

Born from the concept showcased at EICMA a few years prior, the DesertX is now a production reality. And it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Ducati DesertX 2022 adventure motorcycle accessories

Design and Aesthetics

Visually, the DesertX is a head-turner. It pays homage to classic Dakar bikes of the 1980s with a neo-retro design that’s unmistakably modern underneath. The vertically stacked dual LED headlamps, tall windscreen, and sculpted fuel tank give it a rally-raid silhouette that’s both aggressive and elegant.

The chassis is clean and purposeful, with a minimal rear subframe and a robust skid plate, all painted in Ducati's signature Star White Silk color. The overall fit and finish are premium, with every weld, panel, and bolt designed to survive tough trails while still looking showroom-fresh.

This isn't just a pretty face—it's a machine designed to get dirty.

Technology and Features

Ducati didn’t hold back in the electronics department. The DesertX is equipped with a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display, complete with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

You get six ride modes—Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally—each offering customized throttle response, traction control, engine braking, and ABS settings. The inclusion of cornering ABS, wheelie control, and quick shifter (up/down) gives riders supreme confidence, whether they’re navigating city streets or steep inclines.

Other notable features include cruise control, engine brake control, and Ducati’s refined ride-by-wire system that ensures seamless power modulation across various conditions.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Adventure bikes live or die by their comfort, and the DesertX delivers in spades. The riding triangle is optimized for long-distance touring and off-road control, with upright handlebars, a narrow waistline, and standard seat height of 875 mm.

Despite its imposing stature, the bike manages to feel approachable for riders of average height. Long-distance comfort is excellent, thanks to plush, wide seats and a suspension setup that soaks up rough terrain without punishing your spine.

The fully adjustable KYB suspension—46mm upside-down forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear—offers 230 mm of front travel and 220 mm at the rear, making it incredibly capable on gnarly trails and rocky outcrops.

Braking and Safety

Stopping power is provided by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers biting into dual 320 mm front discs, with a 265 mm disc at the rear. Combined with cornering ABS and multiple braking maps tied to the ride modes, the DesertX brakes hard and true without unsettling the chassis.

Whether you're descending a mountain pass or navigating wet urban traffic, the safety tech supports you without getting in the way.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

Fuel capacity stands at 21 liters, with an optional auxiliary rear tank (8 liters) for longer expeditions—a rare feature that underscores this bike’s long-haul credentials. You can realistically expect around 45-50 mpg, depending on terrain and riding style.

Ducati’s new generation of engines has improved service intervals, with oil changes every 15,000 km and valve checks every 30,000 km. That means more ride time, less garage time.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the DesertX is Ducati’s proven 937cc Testastretta 11° L-twin engine, delivering 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. It’s the same motor found in the Multistrada V2 and Hypermotard, but here it’s tuned specifically for off-road and adventure performance.

Power delivery is smooth and predictable, ideal for controlling traction on loose surfaces. In first and second gears, the DesertX offers shorter ratios to maximize torque and crawl ability during technical riding. Open it up on twisty backroads or fire roads, and the twin roars with Ducati’s trademark urgency.

With a top speed over 120 mph and a standing 0-60 sprint in under 4 seconds, this bike can comfortably blur the line between long-distance cruiser and desert sprinter. The handling is nimble for a bike of this size, thanks to a relatively light dry weight of 202 kg and long-travel suspension that’s more than up for the job.

Whether you’re carving mountain trails or gunning down gravel highways, the DesertX feels eager and capable.

Comparison and Competitors

In a segment dominated by the likes of the Yamaha Ténéré 700, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, and KTM 890 Adventure R, the DesertX brings a distinctly premium Italian touch. It may not be the most affordable option, but it arguably delivers the best blend of technology, performance, and aesthetics.

Compared to the KTM, it’s a bit less raw but more refined. Against the Ténéré, it offers better electronics and performance. And versus the Tiger, it brings a more rally-focused edge and stronger off-road credentials.

Ducati Panigale V4 and V4S 2020 race-ready parts

Ideal Riders and Target Audience

The DesertX is perfect for experienced riders and seasoned adventurers who want a serious off-road machine without sacrificing road comfort or high-end features. If you're planning on tackling long tours, backcountry trails, or rally-style riding, this is the bike for you.

While newer riders may find the size and power a bit overwhelming, those with a few seasons under their belt will appreciate the bike’s responsiveness and adaptability.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The 2022 Ducati DesertX is a landmark entry in the ADV category. It’s a bike that doesn't just look the part—it performs with grit and grace, whether you're tearing through the desert or cruising to your next weekend escape. Ducati has managed to blend high-performance engineering with rider-focused usability in a way that makes this bike feel truly special.

Sure, it's priced on the higher end and may intimidate beginners, but for those who know what they want in an adventure bike, the DesertX delivers—in spades.

Looking to make it your own? Pair the DesertX with rugged panniers, a skid plate upgrade, or a touring windshield—all available in our adventure accessories collection. Whether you're planning your next trans-continental ride or your next coffee stop, gear up right and ride further, safer, and in style.