Ducati Desert X - India Owners PoV.

Not sure why most reviewers are saying this is Ducati’s maiden attempt at building an offroad focused motorcycle? I dont think its Ducati’s first attempt…

Well technically these reviewers are right because Ducati and the Ducati Scrambler are two different brands with different identities and entities…but both the titties are on the same chest! 🤣…hence my statement! (Pun intended)

Lets dive in: Desert X owners PoV:

Looks “different”: I like the way it looks…you might not! Its not a design which would be widely appreciated in general..but looks are always subjective and a personal choice.

Handles like a dream when in motion! But while standing still…or moving the bike around while its switched off…one can feel the weight. Having said that, the weight distribution is excellent and you know and feel what you are moving around…it does not surprise you with sudden weight shifts and imbalances.

Loved the suspension!!! I did not feel the sudden peaks and troughs on the trail…the broken roads and potholes as much as I would on other bikes I ride. It was just gliding through. There was not one cringe moment where I felt the suspension bottoming out!

I am used to this engine because I own and ride a Hypermotard 950 SP..which sports the same engine…but the overall riding experience across these two machines is completely different…I could not point out any similarities in the way these two handle. They feel like two completely different machines…yet there’s this invisible common comforting factor for people who have ridden this engine before…like some comforting predictability.

The electronics are way too advanced and complex, to be decoded with a day of riding and in just one type of riding terrain…So, I feel - One will only know when one uses it across a wider spectrum covering different riding conditions..Terrain, weather etc. To be safer, go with how Ducati has defined the riding modes…for city use the “urban” mode, for highways use “touring”, for offroad one can use “enduro” mode and if you like some spirited riding then “Rally”…for some spirited riding in twisties one can use the “Sports” mode…so on and so forth..once you know exactly how each mode delivers, you will find your comfort and fun zones..and then you can customise the modes as per your liking.

Remember : In the DeX, EVERYTHING can be turned ON or OFF!!! Wheelie control, Traction control, ABS, Engine braking and the quick shifter…they have also provided a button exclusively for ABS on and off.

The ground clearance is brilliant!! Its a tall bike…now that can be an issue for riders who are at an average height of lets say 5.7 ft or shorter! And tip toeing 223 kgs would require strong toes with a premium gym membership and with personalised trainers and dieticians!

The weight while on the heavier side is balanced really well and sits lower towards the centre…this helps in the overall handling of the bike…especially while in motion..

The beauty of the DeX lies in its gearing! With a 15 front and 49 rear sprocket..the 1st and 2nd gear provide enough and more grunt on broken roads, gravel etc. without being too intimidating…

Standing on the bike is easier and provides a better controlling stance while offroad…the tank is not overwhelming to grip with your knees and infact feels narrow.

I have to reach out to the handlebars as they are set on the offroad position (Up and forward / Tall)..This is not a good handlebar position if you are touring…So, I guess putting the handlebars back in the road position should be a standard for most averagely built riders…

The windscreen / visor feels like prescription lenses…there is a distinct image distortion when you see through the screen…it does not matter when you are on the highways because you are looking way ahead…but in the city or on trails if you are not standing and riding…looking through the screen and then outside of it…can be distracting…it could be because of the visor contours…Also - There is a lot of helmet buffeting with the stalk visor..but Ducati sells a taller and wider touring visor which hopefully should solve the issue!

Overall I loved the DeX…this would be my tool for touring and weekend trails with some off-roading etc. I love its balance, its power delivery, the way it looks, the suspension travel, the ground clearance, its range ( 21 ltrs tank )…For what I want to be able do with my motorcycle…DeX is a perfect machine!

Its not “too much” like the the big adv tourers ( Multi, GS etc. ) which personally I find overwhelming because of their sheer size and weight…nor is it “too little”( Desert Sled, Scrambler etc. ) which I found a bit uncomfortable for long distances…smaller range & tank capacity..uncomfortable seats…etc. The DeX is a good blend of both the worlds!

A more detailed assessment would be due in due course…need more time with the DeX.

Cheers,
Ashutosh (Tinu)