Ducati DesertX Rally
The DesertX Rally is the model Ducati has designed for adventure touring enthusiasts, developed on the basis of feedback gathered and experience gained over years of development and competition on the most challenging terrain, including the Erzbergrodeo, the Albania Rally, the Transanatolia and the 1,500 kilometres of desert in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.
The new DesertX Rally has been created with the specific aim of improving the off-road performance of the new-generation DesertX - which is based on the new Ducati V2 engine and the new monocoque frame through the use of the finest racing-derived components. High-quality, specialised and effective off-road solutions have been adopted with the sole aim of increasing control, the ability to absorb obstacles and the rider's confidence in the most challenging situations.
From the high-quality KYB suspension with increased travel, featuring a sealed cartridge fork and Kashima Coating, to the new Takasago Excel tubeless wheels with a 36-spoke rear wheel, as well as the type-approved Termignoni exhaust with titanium liners and a carbon tailpipe, the reinforced skid plate, the high front mudguard and the one-piece seat, the DesertX Rally offers enthusiasts the chance to tackle increasingly challenging routes on a motorbike designed to push beyond the limits of traditional adventure riding.
Racing Chassis
The new DesertX Rally delivers better off-road performance than the previous model, thanks to the Full Floater rear suspension with progressive linkages a solution that improves both comfort and off-road handling, whilst further enhancing the benefits of fitting competition-spec components.
The front fork is a KYB sealed cartridge fork, a technology used on competition motocross and enduro bikes. This solution, found exclusively on professional forks, involves pressurising the oil inside the cartridges to prevent cavitation, ensuring exceptional smoothness over small bumps, consistent and uniform front suspension behaviour, and the necessary support when tackling the most challenging obstacles or riding at higher speeds.
Furthermore, to improve smoothness and wear resistance, the fork legs feature Kashima Coating and the 48 mm stanchions have a DLC surface treatment. Wheel travel is increased by 20 mm, bringing the total to 250 mm. Preload, compression and rebound adjustments are available on both stanchions, with a quick-adjust knob for setting compression damping on both fork caps.
At the rear, the DesertX Rally is fitted with a professional shock absorber featuring adjustable preload (with a remote adjuster for easy calibration), high and low-speed compression, and rebound damping, along with an oversized piston to improve performance in demanding off-road conditions. The rear wheel travel has also been increased by 20 mm, bringing the total here to 240 mm. Finally, to improve off-road handling, the DesertX Rally is fitted with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper.
The tubeless spoked rims are professional-grade Takasago Excel, measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. The 36-spoke configuration (4 more than the previous generation) on the rear rim also ensures greater strength, whilst the choice of a narrower rim width compared to the DesertX makes the Rally more agile. Compared to a design with external rims, these wheels are lighter and less susceptible to damage caused by impacts with stones and obstacles, enabling them to tackle more demanding routes with greater reliability without compromising on the practicality typical of tubeless tyres a significant improvement over the previous generation.
The tyres are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR in sizes 90/90 and 150/70 the best choice for all-round use of the motorbike. Those wishing to maximise its off-road or on-road capabilities can choose alternative options from the Pirelli Scorpion range, thanks to the DesertX Rally's triple type-approval.
The monocoque frame, unique in its segment and developed in a version specifically for the DesertX family, employs the engine as a structural element and also acts as an airbox, ensuring maximum compactness and greater frame rigidity to improve handling and intuitive ride feel. The new position of the airbox also offers better access to the air filter, which can be easily removed and cleaned after every off-road ride.
The braking system is by Brembo, featuring M4.32 monobloc calipers and new 305 mm discs, dedicated brake pads and an axial-piston master cylinder with a newly designed lever, to offer the rider greater modulation off-road and improved lever feel, whilst maintaining optimum braking power for on-road use.
Offroad Ergonomics
The Rally's riding position is specifically designed for off-road riding: wide handlebars, the bike tucked tightly between the rider's legs, with an ergonomic triangle featuring footpegs set further back and the seat and handlebars positioned further forward, resulting in a less upright riding position to improve control of the bike off-road.
The slim, lightweight 18-litre polymer fuel tank facilitates movement whilst riding and, thanks to the protective crash pads, is durable even in the event of the typical low-speed falls encountered during off-road use. Furthermore, its design positions the fuel mass very low down, thereby creating a particularly favourable centre of gravity for the bike and enhancing handling and manoeuvrability. The side panels are designed to accommodate the rider's body movements and feature a textured finish that enhances grip and connection with the bike. The high front mudguard allows for greater mud accumulation without blocking the front wheel when riding on heavy terrain.
On the Rally, protection is also ensured by the new reinforced aluminium skid plate. Its greater thickness (4 mm compared to 2.5 mm on the DesertX) makes it more robust, and the mounting with an additional bracket distributes the energy from impacts more effectively, improving the bike's overall reliability.
The increased ground clearance achieved with the new DesertX technical platform has made it possible to maintain a seat height of 900 mm on the Rally (910 on the previous generation), which can be reduced to as low as 880 mm by fitting the lowered seat. This makes the Rally more accessible to a wider range of riders, whilst significantly improving off-road handling thanks to the increased suspension travel.
The horizontal instrument panel, with a standard utility bar, frees up space in the upper part of the fairing for mounting navigation equipment, and compared to the previous generation offers better visibility of the area immediately in front of the bike, allowing for more precise identification of obstacles when riding off-road in a standing position.
The Perfect Engine
The new 890 cm³ Ducati V2 is the lightest twin-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder ever produced by Ducati and, thanks to the IVT variable intake valve timing system - unique in its class - it delivers generous power across the entire rev range, with a prompt response every time the rider opens the throttle.
The new DesertX Rally delivers 110 CV and a maximum torque of 92 Nm, with a more sustained curve than the previous model: 70 per cent of the maximum torque is available as early as 3,000 rpm, ensuring quick response and strong acceleration out of bends. The gear ratios, specifically designed for the DesertX range, feature shorter first four gears to tackle even the most challenging obstacles, and a longer sixth gear to improve fuel economy and comfort during high-speed journeys. Finally, the class-leading service intervals (45,000 km for valve clearance checks and an oil change every 15,000 km or two years) underline the reliability of this engine and keep maintenance costs down.
Advanced Electronics for Total Control
The new Rally inherits a state-of-the-art electronics package from the DesertX, based on a 6-axis inertial platform and developed specifically for off-road use thanks to the expertise of Ducati's riders and test riders. This system detects roll, pitch and yaw in real time, enabling rapid, precise and calibrated intervention by all the control systems, such as Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC). Each of these systems is adjustable across multiple intervention levels, allowing the set-up to be adapted to any situation, prioritising performance for sporty riding - whether on-road or off-road or stability and safety for touring.
All six Riding Modes on the DesertX Rally (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) feature Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), which have been recalibrated to suit the new chassis and for a more off-road-oriented use. In particular, the DTC settings for off-road riding have been calibrated to improve control during wheelies.
All information is displayed on the new, more comprehensive 5-inch TFT dashboard, with a resolution of 800×480 and two USB ports as standard. The three Infomode settings - Road, Road Pro and Rally - present the most relevant information for each scenario to maximise readability. In Road and Road Pro modes, the display highlights the most important data for road riding, whilst in Rally mode, the display transforms into a fully-fledged navigation tool complete with a tripmaster.
The DesertX Rally features four levels of Cornering ABS. Levels 1 and 2 are designed specifically for off-road use, with Level 1 intended for faster riders and Level 2 designed to provide greater safety for less experienced riders, reducing braking distances on unpaved terrain whilst ensuring the stability and safety standards of Ducati's ABS system. The ABS can be deactivated for off-road use, but only in Enduro and Rally riding modes.
The new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 makes gear changes more direct and precise, and as it has no external sensors, it is less susceptible to impacts, mud and dust.
Ducati Performance to Enhance the DesertX Rally
For those wishing to enhance the Rally's versatility, comfort or off-road performance, Ducati has developed a range of Ducati Performance accessories. The rear auxiliary fuel tank improves range, increasing the total capacity by 8 litres, and is designed to act as a point of first contact, thereby protecting the bike's most critical components in the event of a fall. The radiator guards and bull-bar help make the DesertX even more indestructible, whilst the larger plexiglass windscreen and reinforced hand guards improve comfort and protection for the rider.
More traditional travellers will appreciate the capacity and robustness of the aluminium panniers with dedicated frames, whilst off-road adventure enthusiasts can opt for the frameless soft-sided pannier kit, developed in collaboration with Mosko Moto.
On the electronics front, accessories designed for everyday use are available, such as the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) for Bluetooth connection to a smartphone, and the Turn-by-Turn sat-nav, ensuring you're always connected whilst riding.
Availability
The new Ducati DesertX Rally will arrive in European showrooms in April 2027. It will then be rolled out to the rest of the world. Naturally, a 35 kW version.
Technical Specifications & Equipment Overview
Livery: Matt Star White Silk
Engine: V2 Engine, 890 cm³
Max Power: 110 HP @ 9,000 rpm
Max Torque: 92 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Wet Weight (no fuel): 209 kg
Fuel Tank: 18L polymer fuel tank
Chassis & Frame: Dedicated monocoque chassis; dedicated trellis subframe
Protection & Body: Reinforced sump guard (4 mm); sport one-piece seat
Exhaust: Termignoni titanium exhaust
Front Suspension: KYB 48 mm inverted, sealed cartridge fork, fully adjustable with independent settings on both stanchions, 250 mm wheel travel, Kashima Coating on the stanchions and DLC coating on the legs
Rear Suspension: KYB shock absorber, fully adjustable (including high and low-speed settings) with remote preload adjustment, 240 mm wheel travel; dedicated double-sided swingarm with progressive link
Wheels: Takasago Excel tubeless rims, 2.15"×21" front and 4"×18" rear
Brakes: Front braking system with Brembo M4.32 radial calipers and dual 305 mm discs
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street 90/90 and 150/70 tyres
Electronics & Controls: 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)
Controls & Display: Petal-shaped joystick; 5" full-TFT dashboard with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800 x 400 resolution
Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally
Lighting: Full-LED headlights with DRL and dynamic turn indicators (where homologated); Ducati Brake Light EVO
Connectivity & Integration: Ready for Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), turn-by-turn navigation, Cruise Control
Detailed Design and Ergonomics
The new DesertX Rally represents a significant evolution of the previous model, with a more modern and sporty character. Building on the experience gained with the previous-generation Rally, Ducati has drawn on the developments introduced with the DesertX to make the bike more effective, easier to ride for less experienced riders and high-performing in the hands of professionals. This is thanks to the use of racing components for the suspension and wheels, and the streamlining of the equipment, which enable the Rally to tackle more extreme adventures.
The high front mudguard, which allows the bike to tackle even the muddiest terrain, is one of the DesertX Rally's most distinctive features. Similarly, the reinforced sump guard is a detail that identifies a bike designed to tackle challenging off-road terrain. Other details that enhance the DesertX Rally include the dedicated seat, better suited to off-road use, which helps facilitate transitions from a seated to a standing position, and the Termignoni titanium exhaust, with carbon end caps, which adds to the appeal of this enduro bike designed for adventouring.
The new DesertX Rally, based on the new DesertX, features a new and more modern technical approach. This is reflected in its styling, which moves away from the classic inspiration drawn from the legends of the Dakar Rally towards a contemporary, functional and distinctive design. All this whilst maintaining a strong visual connection to the previous model through the elements that made the DesertX Rally version iconic - such as the high mudguard and the signature lighting of the front and rear headlamps - whilst modernising components such as the DRL, which is now horizontal.
The Centro Stile Ducati has worked in synergy with the research and development department to ensure that the design reflects the greater lightness and agility of the new DesertX family, adhering, as always, to the principle of 'form follows function'. In particular, the entire front section has been lowered to give the rider a more commanding riding position and the sensation of sitting 'on top' of the motorcycle rather than inside it. The interior of the fairing and the junctions with the fuel tank feature smoother, better-finished surfaces compared to the previous model, giving the bike a more professional and pleasing appearance. The front mudguard now provides greater clearance for the front wheel, reducing the risk of mud build-up causing it to jam on very heavy terrain. Furthermore, the new braking system now allows the high mudguard to be fitted without any modifications.
Particular attention has also been paid to optimising the contact surfaces to provide the rider with the best possible fit and accommodate the body's movements whilst riding off-road. The side panels, in particular, feature a textured surface to improve grip for the rider's knees.
The new DesertX Rally conveys a greater sense of robustness at first glance, emphasising technical components such as the professional suspension, mounts and protection, whilst minimising bodywork. The engine, seat post frame and shock absorber link are left as exposed as possible to give the bike a technical look and emphasise its simplicity and sportiness, whilst the openings in the front fairing improve the bike's cooling. Similarly, the enlarged lower engine guard features numerous cooling vents which help to make the bike appear lighter and prevent the build-up of water and mud during off-road use. The double-sided swingarm, designed specifically for this generation of DesertX, is more robust and has a more professional look.
The 18-litre plastic fuel tank is now protected by special replaceable panels, making repairs following a fall easier and more cost-effective. The side protectors, featuring aluminium reinforcements which act as the first point of contact in the event of a slide are also replaceable. Similarly, the optional auxiliary fuel tank is fitted with side sliders that help protect the bike's most vital parts in the event of a fall, making the bike more robust and reliable for off-road use.
The new DesertX Rally has a seat height of 900 mm (which can be reduced to 880 mm by fitting the lowered seat), making the model more accessible thanks to this 10 mm reduction. This has been achieved thanks to the new chassis, which allows for the use of suspension with increased travel whilst minimising the rise in seat height compared to the previous model.
Detailed Engine & Powertrain Specifications
The new Rally, like the standard DesertX, is powered by the Ducati V2 engine — a 90° V-twin with coil-spring valves. This new twin-cylinder engine is homologated to Euro5+ standards, has a displacement of 890 cm³, and is fitted with the IVT (Intake Variable Timing) variable valve timing system and aluminium cylinder liners. Extremely compact and lightweight - in fact, it weighs just 54.9 kg in the version fitted to the DesertX, making a significant contribution to the bike's overall lightness with a weight saving of 5.4 kg compared to the Testastretta Evoluzione 11° engine of the previous model - it delivers 110 cv at 9,000 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
Thanks to variable valve timing, the V2 engine optimises performance, power delivery and fuel economy. Power at high revs is combined with sustained torque delivery at low and medium revs: 70 per cent of maximum torque is in fact already available at 3,000 rpm, more than 80 per cent at 3,500, and between 4,000 and 9,000 rpm the figure never drops below 90 per cent. This is complemented by smoother combustion at low revs, which provides very smooth power delivery at low throttle openings, and the larger flywheel, which enhances riding pleasure particularly when touring or in traffic - thanks to a smoother response to throttle input, whilst at the same time making the bike more versatile for off-road use.
In this version, the new V2 is fitted with a more powerful alternator to handle even the heaviest electrical loads effectively and also to offer a smoother throttle response during relaxed riding. The resulting 12 per cent increase in moment of inertia leads to smoother operation at low revs, despite an increase in engine mass of 0.51 kg.
Finally, the gear ratios have been specifically designed for the DesertX range, with short first and second gears to improve manoeuvrability at low speeds and acceleration under full load. The fifth and sixth gear ratios, on the other hand, have been lengthened (24/27 and 26/25 compared to 21/24 and 25/26, alongside a general reduction in the final drive ratio (15/46 instead of 15/40). As a result, the DesertX range benefits from an overall gear ratio configuration with the first four gears being 'shorter', making it more versatile and capable off-road, whilst the last two are longer, allowing for lower engine speeds when driving on country roads and motorways, with a clear improvement in comfort and fuel economy.
The gearbox is fitted with the new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, which offers a more precise feel at the pedal and faster gear changes.
The spring-loaded valve timing system, introduced with the V4 Granturismo and carried over to the new V2, has enabled the development of an engine that prioritises smoothness at low revs and low maintenance costs. Valve clearance adjustment is carried out every 45,000 km, confirming benchmark service intervals for the category. For younger riders holding an A2 licence, a version with power limited to 35 kW is available. In this version, maximum power is 43.5 CV at 6,250 rpm, and maximum torque is 5 kgm at 5,750 rpm. Go to www.ducati.com for more information.
