The second generation of DesertX is on the way and “created to further improve ease of use and increase off-road capability, while maintaining the riding pleasure typical of a Ducati on the road,” says Ducati.
Ducati’s second-generation DesertX is completely redesigned around the company’s latest V2 engine platform, already seen in the Monster, Multistrada V2, Panigale V2, Streetfighter V2 and Hypermotard V2 models. The engine features a 90° V2, four valves per cylinder, an intake variable valve-timing system and liquid cooling, with an 820cc displacement. It’s claimed to produce 110 horsepower at 9000 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 7000 rpm.
Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO.
The chassis is fitted with fully adjustable KYB suspension with 9.1 inches of travel up front and 8.7 inches in the back. It’s fitted with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels.
A new 4.7-gallon polymer fuel tank is slimmer and lighter, facilitating movement in the saddle, and features protective crash pads to help prevent damage in the event of a typical low-speed fall during off-road use. In addition, its structure positions the fuel volume very low, thereby reducing the bike’s center of gravity and enhancing its handling and maneuverability.
The 2026 Ducati DesertX will be available in American dealerships starting in May, offered in Matte Star White Silk, with prices beginning at $16,995, which is surprisingly $2000 less than the previous model. CN
2026 Ducati DesertX Standard Equipment
- V2 Engine, 890cc
- Max Power (claimed): 110 HP @ 9,000 rpm
- Max Torque (claimed): 92 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
- 18L polymer fuel tank
- Dedicated monocoque chassis
- Dedicated trellis subframe
- 46 mm KYB upside-down fork, fully adjustable with independent settings on both legs, 9.1 in. wheel travel
- KYB monoshock, fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment, 8.7 in. 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 305mm discs
- Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street 90/90 and 150/70 tires
- 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 in. full-TFT dashboard with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800 x 480 resolution and two USB ports
- 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
2026 Ducati DesertX Specifications
| MSRP | $16,995 |
| Engine | 90° V2, 4 valves per cylinder, intake variable valves timing system, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 890cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 96mm x 61.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.1:1 |
| Power (claimed) | 110.3 hp @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque (claimed) | 68 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm |
| Fueling | Electronic fuel injection system, Ø 52mm throttle body with ride-by-wire |
| Exhaust | Stainless-steel muffler, single catalytic converter and lambda probes |
| Transmission | 6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0 |
| Final Drive | Chain 520; Front sprocket Z=15; Rear sprocket Z=46 |
| Clutch | Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch. |
| Frame | Monocoque Aluminium |
| Front Suspension | KYB 46mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension | KYB shock absorber, fully adjustable, remote preload adjustment, full floater progressive link |
| Front-Wheel Travel | 9.1 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel | 8.7 in. |
| Front Wheel | Cross-spoked, tubeless, 2.15 x 21 |
| Rear Wheel | Cross-spoked, tubeless, 4.5’’x18’’ |
| Front Tire | Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 – 21 M/C 54V M+S TL (A) |
| Rear Tire | Pielli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S TL |
| Front Brake | 2 x Ø305mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston 2-pad calipers, radial master cylinder, Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake | Ø265mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS |
| Instrumentation | Digital 5 in. TFT, 6-axis IMU, Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally), Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO, Cruise control, USB ports |
| Weight (wet, claimed) | 461 lbs. |
| Seat Height | 34.6 in. |
| Wheelbase | 63.6 in. |
| Rake | 27° |
| Trail | 4.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.8 gal. |
| Warranty | 48 months, unlimited mileage |
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