All-new second-gen Ducati DesertX revealed globally

KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati has introduced the all-new second-generation DesertX at the Ducati World Première 2026. The latest version of this exciting travel enduro has been completely redesigned around the new V2 engine and monocoque frame, making it more robust, reliable, and off-road capable. 

Born from a concept presented at EICMA 2019, the Ducati DesertX went into production in 2021 and instantly became a hit among maxi-enduro and adventure touring enthusiasts due to its impressive off-road performance. The second-gen bike is developed with consideration of extensive feedback and experience gained over the years, aiming to take the performance to the next level.

2026 Ducati DesertX: Engine and performance

At the core of the second-gen DesertX lies a new 890-cc liquid-cooled, 90° V-Twin engine replacing the older 937cc Testastretta V2 unit. It kicks out a maximum power of 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 92 Nm at 7,000 rpm and promises quick response and great acceleration when exiting corners, thanks to specifically-designed gear ratios.

2026 Ducati DesertX: Design

The motorcycle is redesigned from scratch to make it fit for both road and off-road journeys. With wide handlebars and a slim body, the bike features a restructured riding position for serious off-road use.  

It also benefits from a new 18-litre polymer fuel tank, which is slimmer and lighter, and positioned lower for improved balance and handling. Also new for 2026 are protective crash pads, new side panels and a horizontal dashboard offering forward visibility.

2026 Ducati DesertX: Suspension and braking 

Based on a dedicated monocoque chassis and trellis subframe, the bike features a 46 mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable with independent settings at the front and a KYB monoshock at the rear, fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment.

It runs on 21‑inch front and 18‑inch rear wheels wrapped with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street 90/90 and 150/70 tyres. Handling the braking setup are dual 305 mm front discs with Brembo M4.32 radial callipers and dual 305 mm rear discs.

2026 Ducati DesertX: Features 

The  new Ducati DesertX comes equipped with several advanced features, including 

• Full-LED headlights with DRL and dynamic turn indicators 
• New 5" full-TFT dashboard with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800 x 400 resolution
• Ready for Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), turn-by-turn navigation, and Cruise Control
• New petal-shaped joystick
• Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally)
• Ducati Brake Light EVO

As for electronic aids, the upgraded bike features the latest electronic package with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU), including 

• Switchable ABS with four levels of cornering functionality
• Ducati Traction Control
• Ducati Wheelie Control
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0
• Engine Brake Control 

The all-new Ducati DesertX is set to hit the UK dealerships soon, with a special launch price of £14,995 (approximately equal to RM 79k).

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