New Ducati DesertX gen 2 revealed globally

Ducati unveiled this beast at their 2026 World Premier, completely rethinking their travel enduro around a punchy new V2 engine, a slick monocoque frame, new suspension and electronics with multiple riding modes.

Ducati DesertX design

The DesertX’s look endures, sporting the same signature livery and those standout retro round DRL, but now integrated into a redesigned front fascia, unlike the previous gen. Its body panels have subtle updates and a grippy texture for better rider control. Up front, the stance drops 20mm for improved aerodynamics, paired with a broad windscreen and beefy hand-guards. With the Ducati accessories, you can add an extra 8L fuel tank at the rear (Dakar style), crash bars, radiator guards and a bull bar make it more endurance worthy. For more off-road adventures, one can opt for the Mosko Moto soft bags for those adventure trips. Termignoni titanium liners with carbon end caps add more sportiness. In electronics, optional Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) for Bluetooth connection and turn by turn navigation.

Ducati DesertX engine

At the core, the Ducati's lightest-ever 890cc V2 twin, packing 108bhp and 92 Nm of torque. It's got variable valve timing that delivers a big chunk of the torque from as low as 3,000 rpm. The six-speed gearbox remains, but the gear ratios are now specifically designed to offer shorter first four gears to overcome short and fast obstacles. The longer sixth gear will improve the fuel consumption for longer rides. And maintenance? Oil every 15,000 km, and valves at 45,000, which is a big leap from the previous 15,000km for a valve clearance check, this difference of service intervals will help riders endure through endless adventures.

Ducati DesertX frame and suspension

Like the Panigale, Multistrada and the Monster, the monocoque frame replaces the traditional steel trellis frame; it doubles as an airbox, keeping things compact and stiff. The rear trellis sub-frame will continue and keep Ducati’s styling tradition. Braking at the front is taken care of by Brembo M4.32 radial callipers with twin 305mm discs. Suspension-wise, up front, a 46mm KYB fork with independent adjustments, offering 230mm travel. Rear? Fully adjustable KYB shock with progressive linkage. 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels shod in Pirelli Scorpion Rally Streets.

Ducati DesertX ergonomics

The bike's footpegs are pushed back, bars and seat forward for a more natural stand-up stance. The 18L polymer tank is slimmer, lighter, and crash-proof with pads. Higher front mudguard, and a 880mm seat (drop to 840mm with the low kit). Weight? A difference of one kilogram. The new DesertX weighs at 209kg wet, without fuel from the previous 210kg.

Ducati DesertX electronics

Just like the previous generation, the new DesertX also sports a 6-axis IMU runs the show with Cornering ABS (four levels, off-road optimized and fully disableable in Enduro/Rally modes), DTC, DWC, EBC, all tweakable. Six riding modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally) tailor everything. Along with all the aforementioned electronics, the bike also gets Ducati’s new-gen Quickshifter 2.0 that supports bi-directional clutchless shifting. The previous horizontal dash, now replaced by a 5-inch vertical TFT dash with a 16:9 aspect ratio, switches to Rally mode with tripmaster for nav, and is controlled by a petal joystick.

The new DesertX hits Europe in April 2026, US in May, then Australia and Japan. We can expect it to reach our shores by the end of 2026.