Ducati
Ducati DesertX specifications and features
Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.
The numbers in context
Each figure read against the 33 adventure bikes we have reviewed.
The figures below are the manufacturer's. To make them mean something, each is read against the 33 adventure bikes we have reviewed: the class average is the number to beat, and the rank shows how far the DesertX is from the ends of the field.
The 937 cc engine is 263 cc above the class average of 674 cc, 7th of 33. Peak power of 108.6 bhp is 31.2 bhp above the class average of 77.4 bhp, 7th of 33. The extra power is what you feel on an overtake with a pillion. Torque of 92 Nm is 23.3 Nm above the class average of 68.7 Nm, 10th of 33. High torque for the class means fewer downshifts in traffic.
Kerb weight is 223 kg, 13 kg above the class average of 210 kg, 23rd of 33. Seat height is 875 mm, 36 mm above the class average of 839 mm, 2nd of 33. Riders under 5'7" should sit on one before signing; you may be on tiptoe at signals. Ground clearance is 250 mm, 38 mm above the class average of 212 mm, 2nd of 23. Speed breakers and broken village roads will not trouble the underbody, even two-up.
Fuel tank is 21 litres, 3 litres above the class average of 18 litres, 6th of 33. At a realistic 15 kmpl that is roughly 318 km between fills. Wheelbase is 1608 mm, the largest of the 31 we have data for. A longer wheelbase trades some agility for stability at speed and with a pillion.
Full specification sheet
Electric
- Top speed
- 209 km/h
Dimensions
- Kerb weight
- 223 kg
- Fuel tank
- 21 L
- Seat height
- 875 mm
- Ground clearance
- 250 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1608 mm
- Length
- 2390 mm
- Width
- 960 mm
- Height
- 1178 mm
Tyres
- Front tyre
- 90/90-21M/C
- Rear tyre
- 150/70-R18M/C
Engine
- Engine
- 937 cc
- Engine type
- 2 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves
- Power
- 108.6 bhp
- Torque
- 92 Nm
- Claimed mileage
- 17.8 kmpl
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Transmission
- 6 Speed
Brakes & suspension
- Front brake
- Disc, 320 mm, 4 piston caliper
- Rear brake
- Disc, 265 mm, 2 piston caliper
- ABS / CBS
- Dual Channel ABS
- Front suspension
- KYB 46mm USD fork, fully adjustable
- Rear suspension
- KYB monoshock, fully adjustable
Source: Ducati official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.
Dimensions in practice
The DesertX weighs 223 kg with fluids, has an 875 mm seat, 250 mm of ground clearance, and rides on a 1608 mm wheelbase. That clearance is generous: speed breakers and broken roads will not trouble the underbody.
The fuel tank holds 21 litres.
Tyres are 90/90-21M/C front and 150/70-R18M/C rear, tubeless.
Features, and why each matters
Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.
Safety and braking
Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.
Front disc brake
Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.
Rear disc brake
Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.
Tubeless tyres
A puncture deflates slowly instead of instantly, and roadside repair takes ten minutes.
Traction control
Cuts power if the rear spins on wet paint or gravel. Rare under ₹2 lakh.
Side-stand engine cut-off
Engine will not run with the stand down, which prevents a common low-speed crash.
Hazard lamps
All four indicators flash; useful in fog and when stopped on a highway shoulder.
Chassis
USD front forks
Stiffer than conventional forks, so the front feels planted under hard braking.
Rear monoshock
One central shock instead of twin units; usually better damping on broken roads.
Slipper clutch
Stops the rear wheel hopping on aggressive downshifts. Also makes the lever lighter.
Lighting
LED headlamp
Brighter, whiter and lasts the life of the bike. Halogens on rivals look yellow by comparison.
Projector headlamp
Sharper cut-off and a longer throw than a reflector unit.
LED daytime running lamp
Makes you visible to cars in daylight, when most two-wheeler collisions happen.
LED tail lamp
Lights up instantly, which gives the vehicle behind a fraction more warning.
Console and connectivity
Colour TFT console
Readable in direct sun and can show turn-by-turn navigation.
Digital console
Trip meters, real-time mileage and a gear indicator. The analogue dial is disappearing.
Bluetooth connectivity
Call and message alerts on the console so the phone stays in your pocket.
Turn-by-turn navigation
Directions on the console via the phone app. Saves mounting a phone on the bars.
Ride modes
An Eco map for mileage and a Power map for overtakes, switched from the bars.
Convenience
USB charging port
Charges the phone on a long commute. Check whether it is Type-A or Type-C.
Engine kill switch
Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.
Equipment against Tuareg 660, F 900 GS Adventure and 890 Adventure R
Equipment present on at least one variant of each; check the variant table for trim-specific items.
Only the DesertX has
- Projector headlamp
Rivals have, it lacks
- Nothing significant
Colours
DesertX specs: questions people ask
- What is the engine capacity and power of the DesertX?
- It uses a 937cc engine producing 108.6 bhp and 92 Nm, with a 6 speed.
- Is the DesertX suitable for short riders?
- It is on the tall side at 875 mm. Riders under 5'6" may be on tiptoe at stops and should try it before buying.
- Does the DesertX have ABS?
- Yes, dual-channel ABS on at least one variant; check the variant table, as lower trims may get single-channel.
- What features does the DesertX have?
- 21 items across 5 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres and traction control. Some are variant-specific.
DesertX from
₹19.59 Lakh