2024 Ducati DesertX: Dakar DNA, Daily Ready

If your adventures start where pavement ends, the 2024 Ducati DesertX is the most off-road-focused Ducati in years—purpose-built with long travel suspension, 21/18 wheels, and a broad-shouldered 937 cc twin. On Torquepedia, you can dive into its specs, compare it against rivals, and filter for exactly what matters to your ride.

Key specs at a glance

• Engine: 937 cc Testastretta 11° L‑twin (Euro 5)
• Power/Torque: 110 hp (81 kW) @ 9,250 rpm / 92 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
• Transmission: 6‑speed, up/down quickshifter, slipper clutch
• Fuel capacity: 21 L main tank; optional 8 L rear auxiliary tank
• Suspension travel: 230 mm front (KYB USD), 220 mm rear (KYB shock), fully adjustable
• Wheels/Tires: 21" front / 18" rear cross‑spoked, tubeless; Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR OE
• Brakes: Dual 320 mm front discs with Brembo radial calipers; Cornering ABS (Enduro/Rally tuning)
• Electronics: 6‑axis IMU, 6 Riding Modes (incl. Enduro & Rally), DTC, DWC, EBC, cruise control
• Display: 5" vertically oriented TFT with smartphone connectivity and turn‑by‑turn nav support
• Seat height: 875 mm (accessories available to lower)
• Ground clearance: approx. 250 mm
• Weight: 202 kg dry; approx. 223 kg wet (claimed)

Why the DesertX stands out

• Big front wheel confidence: A 21-inch front and 18-inch rear give the DesertX real bite in rocks, ruts, and sand without feeling vague on tarmac.
• Long-travel composure: Fully adjustable KYB components soak up hits off-road and stay composed on fast pavement—rare balance in this class.
• Real range: A 21 L tank gets you deep into the backcountry, and Ducati’s neat 8 L auxiliary rear tank (optional) extends it even further without awkward canisters.
• Smart safety net: IMU-powered aids with off-road calibrations (Enduro and Rally) let you tailor intervention levels for loose surfaces without killing momentum.
• Daily livability: Cruise control, a bright vertical TFT, full-LED lighting, and a smooth quickshifter make the commute and highway stints easy.

On-road feel vs off-road grit

• On road: The 937 cc Testastretta 11° is flexible and friendly below 4,000 rpm, then wakes up smartly—perfect for passing without frantic downshifts. Brembo stoppers and cornering ABS inspire confidence on twisty tarmac.
• Off road: Standing ergonomics, generous ground clearance, and progressive throttle maps make technical sections approachable. The Rally/Enduro modes relax ABS and traction control in the dirt while keeping a safety margin.

2024 pricing and variants

• DesertX (base): From around $17,995 USD MSRP (varies by market).
• DesertX Rally: For 2024, Ducati also offers the DesertX Rally with higher-spec suspension and off-road hardware; if your riding skews heavily to rugged terrain, it’s worth a look. The standard DesertX remains the well-rounded choice for mixed ADV use.

Pros and cons

• Pros

  • True off-road geometry and suspension with Dakar-inspired ergonomics
  • Strong yet tractable engine; long service intervals (with valve checks typically at 30,000 km)
  • IMU electronics that actually help in the dirt
  • Optional rear auxiliary tank solves range anxiety

• Cons

  • Tall seat height can intimidate shorter riders (lowering options help)
  • Weight is competitive but still noticeable in slow, technical terrain
  • Premium pricing vs middleweight competitors

Rivals to cross-shop

• KTM 890 Adventure R: Sharper off-road edge, more minimalist feel
• Yamaha Ténéré 700: Simpler electronics, lighter hit on the wallet
• Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro: Tech-rich, great road manners
• Aprilia Tuareg 660: Light and agile with capable electronics

Who it’s for

Riders who want a legit off-road adventure bike without sacrificing everyday comfort. If your bucket list includes BDRs, desert two-tracks, and long highway connectors, the 2024 DesertX delivers a rare mix of dirt-first geometry, real range, and Ducati character.

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Explore the full 2024 Ducati DesertX specs, compare it to rivals, and filter by seat height, weight, wheel size, suspension travel, and more—only on Torquepedia.

Note: Specifications and pricing may vary by market and are subject to change. Always confirm with your local Ducati dealer and consult the official spec sheet before purchasing.