Ducati have unveiled the new DesertX Rally, a race bred, off road focused beast set to arrive in Australian showrooms from January 2024. It features upgraded suspension, increased ground clearance and motorsport components.
Developed and tested on racetracks, the DesertX Rally prototype was the protagonist of the Iron Road Prologue at the Erzbergrodeo 2023 with Antoine Meo. Sporting its own distinctive style, it has a new livery and a host of off road goodies.
High front mudguard guarantees usability, while Kayaba suspension, with increased travel, and a closed cartridge KYB fork and shock absorber with larger piston, allow the rider to overcome any obstacle.
To improve smoothness and resistance to wear, the fork tubes are equipped with Kashima Coating and the sliders with DLC surface treatment. Wheel travel increases by 20mm, for a total of 250mm.
Central-spoked Takasago Excel wheels with sizes and characteristics specific to off road racing make the Rally an unstoppable motorbike on any type of terrain. These are paired with a light and resistant forged carbon sump guard.
The rear is made up of an aluminium swingarm with a different attachment point to the standard DesertX, while travel is increases by 20mm, for a total of 240mm. The DesertX Rally is also fitted with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper, fixed to the handlebars.
Ground clearance rises to 280mm as a result. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber comes standard. The DesertX Rally has a dry weight just one kilogram more than the standard model and is powered by a 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11-degree twin-cylinder engine.
Featuring desmodromic distribution, it provides 82kW of power and 92Nm of torque. There are six driving modes, including Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally, with cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control on offer.
These have been recalibrated for more challenging off-road use. The electronic functions of the DesertX Rally are managed through the vertically oriented, high-resolution 5.0-inch colour TFT display, positioned to offer optimal visibility even when riding standing.
This display is designed for integration with the Ducati multimedia system for smartphone connectivity, including music control, call management and optional turn-by-turn navigation. On the accessories front, LED spotlights and heated grips can be added.
An optional additional 8.0-litre secondary fuel tank is also available, as are aluminium side cases (for up to 120-litres of storage). You can even add a Termignoni homologated exhaust, which boosts power and torque by 7 per cent.
For further information, contact your local Ducati dealer.
