Ducati DesertX specifications
Ducati · Adventure
RevZilla reviewed the 2026 DesertX, the V2 version, and lists features that the DesertX platform shares: spoked tubeless wheels, cruise control, adjustable ABS, lots of power, traction control, adjustable suspension, good balance, decent fuel range and an effective windscreen.
It lists the ride modes as Wet, Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro and Rally, and says in Touring the power is medium with medium-high traction control and low engine brake. Its notes on the new V2 engine, lighter with longer service intervals, apply to the newer bike and not to this 937cc one.
Ducati DesertX
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Engine | Testastretta 11°, liquid-cooled, L-twin (V-twin) |
| Displacement | 937cc |
| Bore x stroke | 94x67.5 mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch |
| Front suspension | 46mm fully-adjustable Kayaba fork |
| Rear suspension | Fully-adjustable single shock, nitrogen bladder |
| Rear brake | 265mm disc, double-piston caliper, ABS |
| Seat height | 34.4 in (875mm) |
| Wet weight (no fuel) | 463 lb |
| Fuel capacity | 5.5 gal |
| Starting MSRP | $17,995 |
| Class | Adventure |
| Compression ratio | 13.3:1 |
| Rear suspension travel | 220mm |
| Ground clearance | 9.8 in (250mm) |
| Destination charge | $995 |
Sit on it and see how the tall seat suits your legs. Check the tires for the mix of road and dirt you ride. Ask about the service interval on the 937cc engine.
Compare the price with the V2.
DesertX against the DesertX V2 and 890 Adventure R
Ducati's DesertX V2 is the newer sibling, and KTM's 890 Adventure R is the off-road rival.
Ducati DesertX — specification referenceRide Adventures says the Desert X, with its sub-500-pound weight, proper 21-inch and 18-inch wheelset, knobby tires and off-road-focused geometry, worked so well on pavement that it had never ridden a 21-inch front end that did so, and that even with fairly knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires the bike had no issue digging in and holding a line at speed.
Ducati · Adventure
The DesertX is Ducati's off-road-focused adventure bike, with 21-inch and 18-inch wheels, knobby tires and a weight under 500 pounds. RevZilla lists its six ride modes and many adventure non-negotiables, and Ducati asks $18,995.
2026 Ducati DesertX questions
How many ride modes does the Ducati DesertX have?
RevZilla lists six ride modes: Wet, Sport, Touring, Urban, Enduro and Rally, each with its own power and electronics set-up.
Is the Ducati DesertX good off-road?
Ride Adventures says it has a sub-500-pound weight, a proper 21/18-inch wheelset and off-road geometry, and it holds a line well on pavement too.
How tall is the Ducati DesertX?
Ducati lists a 34.4 in (875 mm) seat, tall enough that a shorter rider should sit on it before buying.
At $18,995 the 937cc DesertX costs $2,000 more than the DesertX V2 at $16,995, a 0.2 in lower seat than the V2's 34.6 in, and 2 lb more weight (463 lb against 461 lb, both excluding fuel). The older bike has the bigger tank.
The DesertX suits a tall, confident rider who wants a genuinely off-road-capable adventure bike with Ducati style. A shorter rider should test the seat height.
Separate the 937cc machine from the V2 offer
For a used DesertX, ask the seller to identify the 937cc engine and the applicable service schedule before comparing it with a newer V2 advertisement. The two names are close enough that a general DesertX service claim can refer to the other engine. Record the actual model year, service history and accessories, then compare the purchase offers on that basis.
The older machine's larger tank and the newer engine's maintenance description should not be combined into one imaginary specification.
Other models in this reference: Ducati XDiavel V4, Ducati Diavel V4.