Ducati DesertX: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The Ducati that really goes off-road, and the brand's model with the most accessories in the catalog
21-inch front wheel, trellis frame and the 937 cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine: the DesertX is Ducati's first serious attempt at off-road riding, and the market responded by developing a deep accessories catalog. It is the only Ducati model for which we have complete protection, luggage and lighting.
- In summaryThe only Ducati with crash bars, luggage racks and complete lighting.
- Do this right awayDedicated CHG581 crash bars and luggage racks.
- ElectricalPre-paired DENALI kits, with CANsmart control unit.
- SharedCANsmart and the low auxiliary-light mount also work on the Multistrada V4.
- BrandsLOBOO, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, Endurrad.
Recommended for
It is the right bike if
- You want a Ducati that goes off-road without cosmetic compromises: 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension
- You are over 1.80 m tall, or accept putting only one foot down: the seat is 875 mm high
- You are serious about outfitting it: it is the Ducati with the most complete catalog, including protection and luggage
- You travel far and want real light: dedicated DENALI kits sort out auxiliary lights, horn and control unit in one order
- You are looking for character: the 110-hp Testastretta is not just any adventure engine
Look elsewhere if
- You need long stages without stops: 21 liters on a 110-hp twin-cylinder engine run out quickly
- You are looking for low running costs: servicing and components remain Ducati
- You are under 1.75 m tall and do not want to work on the seat or suspension
- You mainly ride on motorways: wind protection is essential
- You have the Rally and order by eye: suspension and setup change, and some codes follow the version
In short: it is Ducati's dirt-travel bike, not Ducati's fast-mileage bike. If real-world use is on the road and with a passenger, the Multistrada V4 does that job much better and shares some of the electronics; if off-road riding is the priority and 223 kilos are too much, the KTM 890 Adventure R is more manageable.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 937 cc Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
| Power | 110 hp at 9,250 rpm |
| Torque | 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gears, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, long-travel suspension; KYB on the Rally version |
| Wheels | 21 inches front, 18 rear, spoked |
| Tank | 21 liters |
| Seat height | 875 mm, higher on the Rally |
| Production | from 2022, Rally version from 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- True enduro chassis, with a 21-inch wheel
- The deepest accessory catalog in the entire Ducati range
- Pre-matched DENALI kits: auxiliary lights, mounts, wiring, and controller
- Dedicated frames and side cases, rare on a Ducati
- Testastretta engine with real character and power
Cons
- Fuel consumption typical of a 110-horsepower twin used off-road
- 875 mm seat height and considerable weight
- Ducati maintenance costs
- Essential wind protection
- Some codes differ between the DesertX and Rally
What to install, in order of priority
On a bike that takes to dirt roads with Ducati fairings, protection comes first. Then luggage, then lighting.
- 1
CHG581 stainless steel crash bars25 mm 304 stainless steel, black or silver. This is the first purchase to make: on an off-road Ducati, a slow-speed fall costs far more than the engine guard. - 2
Dedicated side-case framesThe foundation for mounting hard or semi-rigid cases: they are available for this bike, which is the main difference compared with the rest of the Ducati range. - 3
D7 PRO auxiliary light kit with CANsmart controllerAuxiliary lights, mounts, wiring, and controller in a single package: they are controlled from the stock buttons, without cutting anything. This is the solution if you are starting from scratch. - 4
D7 PRO kit with engine guard collarsSame equipment, but with collars for attaching the auxiliary lights to the bar instead of the bracket. If you already have an engine guard installed, this is the right code. - 5
Aluminum side casesTo be paired with the dedicated frames: the long-distance touring setup for a bike with 21 liters of range. - 6
Rear luggage rack with top-case plate, from 2023Fixed or sliding: adds capacity at the rear without making the bike wider, and also works without side cases. - 7
Tank anti-slip stickersStanding on the foot pegs, your knees hold the bike. It is worth putting the tank protective film underneath, and for the bodywork there is the dedicated film. - 8
Instrument protection, DesertX and RallyThe vertical display is exposed and expensive: the film protects it from scratches and stone chips without reducing readability. - 9
Navigator mount with high crossbarNinety millimeters of aluminum with an anti-rotation system, mounted to the windscreen: it keeps the navigator secure instead of hanging from the handlebars. There is also the DENALI smartphone mount. - 10
SoundBomb horn kit with bracket and wiringThe stock horn is barely audible: the kit includes a dedicated bracket and wiring, with no modifications required.
For the electrical system, individual parts are also available, useful for those building the setup little by little: the CANsmart control unit on its own, the DialDim controller with wiring, B6 brake light kits in single or dual versions, the lower auxiliary light mount and the one on the original engine guard, the horn mount, the power adapter, and wiring harnesses for DialDim and the brake light. For luggage, you can also find the Wanderer semi-rigid panniers, the PIKE TRACKER aluminum top case, the 18-liter ALPS bag, folding mirrors, and the motorcycle cover.
View all accessories for DesertXCompatibility table
For the electronics, the DesertX communicates with the Multistrada; for everything else, it has its own part numbers.
| Accessory | DesertX Rally | Multistrada V4 |
|---|---|---|
| CANsmart control unit | yes | yes, including V2 |
| Lower auxiliary-light mount | yes | yes |
| Instrument protection and tank film | yes, shared part number | no |
| CHG581 crash bar | to be checked | no |
| Luggage frames and side cases | to be checked | no |
| Luggage rack with top-case plate | to be checked | no |
| Navigation mount on windscreen | to be checked | no |
| DesertX auxiliary-light, horn, and brake-light kit | yes | no, own part numbers |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOProtection and luggageCHG581 crash bar, luggage frames, aluminum side cases, luggage rack with top-case plate, and dedicated navigation mount.
DENALIFourteen dedicated part numbersD7 PRO auxiliary-light kit, CANsmart control unit, DialDim controller, SoundBomb horn, B6 brake lights, auxiliary-light mounts, and plug-and-play wiring.
Eazi-GripGrip and protective filmsTank stickers, protective film for the tank and bodywork, and instrument protection are also valid for the Rally.
Frequently asked questions
Do the DesertX accessories fit the DesertX Rally?
Tank films, tank stickers, instrument protection, and all DENALI electrical components are compatible: the part numbers are listed for both models. For crash bars, luggage frames, and luggage racks, it is best to check before ordering, because the Rally has different suspension and geometry.
What about those for the Multistrada V4?
Only the electronics: the CANsmart control unit and lower auxiliary-light mount are listed for the DesertX, Multistrada V4, and V2. The protection, luggage, and dedicated mounts are not, because the frame and bodywork are completely different.
Is a DENALI kit better than the individual parts?
The kit, if you are starting from scratch, contains the auxiliary lights, the correct mounts, wiring, and control unit, and costs less than the sum of the individual parts. The individual part numbers are for those who already have part of the system or are adding one device at a time.
Do I need the CANsmart control unit, or is the DialDim enough?
The CANsmart manages multiple circuits and controls them from the original buttons: it is the choice if you plan to install auxiliary lights and a horn. The DialDim costs less, plugs into the original connectors, and is sufficient to power auxiliary lights only.
Can I install the cases without the frames?
Yes, with the Wanderer semi-rigid bags, because they attach with straps. The aluminum cases instead require dedicated frames, which are available for this motorcycle: this is the long-distance touring configuration.
Does the luggage rack fit all model years?
It has been listed for the DesertX since 2023. It is available in a fixed or sliding version, and the top-case plate is already integrated.