The new 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is built for riders seeking serious off-road capability as well as those interested in rally-raid competition. Designed to tackle demanding environments such as deserts, rocky terrain and forest trails, the motorcycle aims to deliver high performance and durability while encouraging riders to push their limits in challenging conditions.
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is engineered as a performance-focused adventure machine capable of handling extreme terrain. Its purpose-built design emphasises strength, precision and control, making it suitable for riders who want to explore difficult routes or participate in competitive off-road events.
2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Professional off-road suspension
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle improves off-road efficiency with lighter, more technically advanced wheels. These wheels feature hubs machined from solid material, carbon-steel spokes, and high-strength Takasago Excel rims, designed for durability on demanding terrain.
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The motorcycle is equipped with high-quality off-road components to enhance performance. The front brake line is split to accommodate a high mudguard, which is useful when riding through mud or rough terrain. An adjustable Öhlins steering damper is mounted directly to the handlebars to improve stability and control during challenging off-road riding.
Chassis
The suspension system of the 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is designed to handle challenging obstacles and further enhance the already strong off-road capabilities of the standard DesertX. Both the new front fork and an all-new rear shock absorber use technologies similar to those found on professional motocross and enduro motorcycles.
At the front, the 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle features a new billet aluminium triple clamp that combines strength with reduced weight. The motorcycle uses a closed-cartridge KYB fork, a technology commonly employed on competition motocross and enduro machines.
This design pressurises the oil within the cartridge to prevent cavitation, ensuring consistent suspension performance even under extreme riding conditions. To reduce friction and increase wear resistance, the fork tubes are treated with Kashima Coating while the sliders feature DLC surface treatment. Front suspension travel increases by 20 mm, bringing the total to 250 mm.
The rear suspension includes an aluminium swingarm with a revised attachment point compared with the standard DesertX. A fully adjustable large-piston shock absorber improves the motorcycle’s behaviour during demanding off-road riding. Rear wheel travel also increases by 20 mm, bringing the total to 240 mm.
Handling is further enhanced by the adjustable Öhlins steering damper mounted directly to the handlebars using supports machined from solid material. The improved suspension also increases ground clearance to 280 mm, which is 30 mm more than the standard model. This additional clearance allows the motorcycle to pass over difficult terrain more easily.
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle uses wheels designed specifically for off-road riding. These wheels are lighter and more durable thanks to hubs machined from solid material, carbon-steel spokes, and high-strength Takasago Excel rims designed for inner tubes.
To highlight its versatility, the DesertX Rally—like the standard DesertX—is approved for use with three tyre types. Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres are fitted as standard equipment. Riders seeking greater off-road capability can install Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres, while those who prefer riding on asphalt can choose Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres.
Despite the longer suspension and additional equipment, the use of high-quality components ensures that the DesertX Rally weighs only one kilogram more than the standard Ducati DesertX.
Engine and Electronics
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is powered by the 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11-degree twin-cylinder engine with desmodromic valve distribution. The engine delivers a high power output of 110 hp at 9,250rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500rpm. The engine is designed to deliver smooth, manageable power, particularly important for off-road riding.
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To enhance its off-road capability, the engine has been optimised with dedicated gearbox ratios and specific electronic calibrations. The motorcycle includes six riding modes—Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally. Each mode adjusts the behaviour of Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control to match the demands of different riding conditions and the updated chassis.
Electronic functions are managed through a vertically oriented, five-inch, high-resolution colour TFT display, positioned to remain clearly visible even when the rider is standing on the footpegs during off-road riding.
The display integrates with the Ducati Multimedia System, allowing riders to connect a smartphone and access features such as music control, call management and optional turn-by-turn navigation directly on the dashboard. The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle also includes a Utility Bar as standard equipment for mounting a navigation device.
Service intervals are set at 15,000 kilometres or 24 months, with valve clearance inspections required every 30,000 kilometres.
Design
First introduced in 2021, the DesertX represents a modern interpretation of the large enduro motorcycles of the 1980s. Designed by Centro Stile Ducati, the motorcycle follows principles of simplicity and durability while drawing inspiration from the machines used in classic African rally competitions.
The design includes several visual elements associated with historic rally motorcycles but presented in a contemporary form. The twin headlights are integrated into the windscreen and project distinctive dual-segment full-LED daytime running lights, one of the DesertX’s signature styling features. The rally appearance can be further emphasised with the optional rear fuel tank, which increases capacity by 8 litres.
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is aimed at riders seeking even more extreme adventures. Its appearance immediately conveys its purpose through a distinctive livery inspired by Antoine Meo’s motorcycle at the Erzbergrodeo. The look is complemented by the red-painted seat support frame and technical off-road components that highlight the bike’s rugged character.
One of the most recognisable design elements is the high front mudguard, which allows the motorcycle to handle muddy conditions more effectively. Another distinctive component is the forged carbon sump guard, which combines strength with reduced weight and protects the engine when riding over rough terrain.
Engine
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle uses the well-known 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine with desmodromic valve actuation. In its Euro 5 configuration, the engine produces a peak power delivery of 110 hp at 9,250rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500rpm.
The engine is designed to combine Ducati performance with smooth and controllable power delivery, giving the rider confidence across a wide range of riding conditions.
For the DesertX models, the Testastretta 11° engine has been specifically optimised for off-road use. The gearbox features dedicated ratios that differ from those used in the Multistrada V2. Gear ratios from first through fifth are shorter overall to improve off-road performance.
First and second gears are significantly shorter than those on other Ducati models, by 14.3% and 8.7%, respectively, compared with the Ducati Multistrada V2. These shorter gears improve control at low speeds, which is essential when navigating difficult off-road obstacles.
At the other end of the spectrum, sixth gear is longer to support comfortable highway riding. This configuration helps maintain lower engine speeds at cruising speeds, improving fuel efficiency and riding comfort.
The gearbox operates together with the Ducati Quick Shift Up and Down system, which has been specifically calibrated for the DesertX to support both upshifts and downshifts.
Service intervals for the engine are every 15,000 kilometres or 24 months, with valve clearance inspections scheduled every 30,000 kilometres. A 35 kW version of the DesertX Rally will also be available for riders holding an A2 license.
Suspension
The suspension system of the 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is designed to manage extremely demanding off-road conditions while improving the already capable performance of the standard DesertX.
At the front, the motorcycle uses new billet aluminium triple clamps with a reduced offset. Combined with an increased value at the fork bottom, this change results in a one-millimetre increase in the overall front-end offset to suit the new suspension configuration.
The front suspension consists of a closed-cartridge KYB fork similar to those used in competition motocross and enduro motorcycles. Pressurising the oil inside the cartridge prevents cavitation and maintains consistent damping performance during intense off-road riding.
The fork features 48 mm inverted sliders with DLC coating and Kashima-treated tubes to improve smoothness and durability. The suspension is fully adjustable for compression and rebound. Front wheel travel increases by 20 mm, bringing the total to 250 mm.
Due to the additional support provided by the closed-cartridge design, the spring stiffness is reduced from 6 N/mm to 5 N/mm.
At the rear, a new aluminium swingarm supports a shock absorber with a larger 46 mm piston designed to improve oil flow and overall suspension performance in extreme conditions. The shock absorber is fully adjustable for preload through a remote control system, as well as compression damping at both high and low speeds and rebound damping.
Rear spring stiffness increases from 90 N/mm to 96 N/mm compared with the standard DesertX. Rear wheel travel also increases by 20 mm, resulting in a total travel of 240 mm.
Tyres and Rims
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle maintains wheel dimensions of 21 inches by 2.15-inch at the front and 18-inch at the rear, although the rear rim uses a narrower channel of four inches instead of the 4.5-inch channel found on the standard DesertX. These dimensions are typical for motorcycles designed primarily for off-road riding.
The Rally version incorporates stronger, lighter wheel components, including hubs machined from solid material, carbon-steel spokes, and high-strength Excel rims designed for inner tubes. Inner tubes simplify repairs in remote off-road environments.
Despite the increased suspension travel, the use of lighter wheels and components machined from solid material helps offset the additional weight, limiting the total weight increase to only one kilogram compared with the standard DesertX.
The standard tyres are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, sized 90/90-21 at the front section and 150/70-18 at the rear section. These tyres deliver balanced performance on both road and off-road terrain. The DesertX Rally is also approved for both more aggressive off-road tyres and road-focused tyres, giving riders flexibility depending on their preferred riding conditions.
Brakes
The DesertX Rally’s braking system is supplied by Brembo and includes Cornering ABS. At the front, the system uses Brembo M50 monobloc radial callipers with four 30 mm pistons acting on twin 320 mm discs with aluminium flanges. The system also includes an axial master cylinder with adjustable levers and a split brake line.
At the rear, braking is provided by a single 265 mm disc paired with a two-piston floating Brembo calliper.
The braking system is designed to deliver strong stopping power for road riding while also providing the precise modulation required for off-road surfaces. The Cornering ABS system has been recalibrated to account for the longer suspension travel and different weight transfer characteristics during braking.
2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle – Price
The new 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle is priced at $22,995.
2024 Ducati DesertX Rally Adventure Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine
| Type | Ducati Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinders, Desmodromic valvetrain, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid cooled. |
| Displacement | 937 cc (57.2 cu in) |
| Bore x Stroke | 94 x 67.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.3:1 |
| Power | 110 hp (81 kW) @ 9,250 rpm |
| Torque | 92 Nm (68 lb-ft, 9.4 kgm) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Fuel Injection | Bosch electronic fuel injection system, Ø53 mm throttle bodies with ride-by-wire system |
| Exhaust | Stainless steel single muffler, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift up/down |
| Primary drive | Straight cut gears, ratio 1.85 : 1 |
| Ratio | 1st=38/14, 2nd=31/17, 3rd=28/20, 4th=26/22, 5th=24/23, 6th=23/24 |
| Final drive | Chain, front sprocket Z15, rear sprocket Z49 |
| Clutch | Slipper & self-servo wet multiplate clutch including hydraulic control |
Chassis
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame |
| Front suspension | KYB 48mm upside-down fork, closed cartridge, compression and rebound adjustable, Kashima Coating on the outer tubes, DLC treatment on the inner tubes |
| Front Wheel | Spoked, 2.15’’x21’’ |
| Front Tire | Pirelli Scorpion RallySTR 90/90 – 21 M/C54VM+S TL (A) |
| Rear suspension | KYB monoshock, 46mm piston, fully adjustable (high and low speed compression, rebound), remote preload adjustment, aluminium double-sided swingarm |
| Rear Wheel | Spoked, 4’’x18’’ |
| Rear Tire | All-new Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S TL |
| Wheel Travel (Front/Rear) | 250mm / 240mm (9.8 inches / 9.4 inches) |
| Front Brake | 2 x Ø 320 mm aluminium flange semi-floating discs, Radial mount Brembo monobloc 4-piston callipers, Bosch Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake | Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo floating 2-piston calliper, Bosch Cornering ABS |
| Instrumentation | 5’’ TFT color display |
Dimension
| Seat Height | 910 mm (35.8 in) 885 mm (34.8 in) with a low seat accessory |
| Ground clearance | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1625 mm (64 in) |
| Rake | 27,6° |
| Trail | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21 l (5.54 US gal) |
| Number of Seats | 2 |
Other Features
| Safety Equipment | Riding Modes, Engine Brake Control (EBC), Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Cornering ABS, Ducati wheelie control (DWC), Ducati brake light (DBL) |
| Standard Equipment | Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS), full LED lighting system, DRL, Cruise control, USB power socket, 12V socket, self-cancelling turn indicators, Öhlins adjustable steering damper |
| Warranty | 24 months, unlimited mileage |
| Maintenance service intervals | 15,000 km (9,000 miles) / 24 months |
| Valve Clearance Check | 30,000 km (18,000 miles) |
