Second-gen Ducati DesertX will arrive in Australia in June 2026.
The second-generation Ducati DesertX has been revealed and it’s a comprehensively redesigned travel enduro machine powered by the brand’s new 890cc V2 engine and equipped with upgraded suspension, electronics and chassis technology. The new DesertX is confirmed to arrive in Australia from June 2026.
First introduced in production form in 2021, the DesertX marked Ducati’s entry into the serious off-road adventure segment. The new model builds on that foundation with significant updates aimed at improving off-road performance while maintaining the road manners expected of a Ducati.
New V2 engine delivers stronger performance and efficiency
At the heart of the new DesertX is Ducati’s latest 890cc V2 engine, producing a claimed 81.1kW (110.3hp) at 9000rpm and 92Nm of torque at 7000rpm. Ducati says the new twin-cylinder powerplant is the lightest V-twin engine it has ever produced with four valves per cylinder, and features variable intake valve timing designed to deliver strong performance across the entire rev range.
Torque delivery has also been improved, with 70 per cent of peak torque available from just 3000rpm, helping provide responsive acceleration in technical terrain and improved drive exiting corners.
The six-speed transmission has been tailored specifically for adventure riding, with shorter lower gears for off-road obstacles and a taller sixth gear to improve fuel efficiency and comfort on highway stretches. Service intervals are also extended, with valve clearance checks scheduled every 45,000km and oil changes every 15,000km or two years.
New monocoque chassis and upgraded suspension
The second-generation DesertX adopts a monocoque frame that uses the engine as a structural component while also serving as the airbox, improving rigidity and centralising mass. Ducati says the new chassis enhances both handling precision on-road and control off-road.
Suspension is upgraded with a fully adjustable 46mm KYB upside-down fork offering 230mm of travel and a KYB rear monoshock with 220mm of travel and progressive linkage. The system is designed to deliver improved comfort, better absorption over rough terrain and increased support under heavy loads.
The braking system features Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers paired with dual 305mm front discs, delivering improved braking modulation off-road while maintaining strong stopping performance on sealed roads.
Tubeless spoked wheels measuring 21-inch at the front and 18-inch at the rear are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street tyres, reinforcing the DesertX’s serious off-road capability.
Improved ergonomics and lighter fuel tank
The new DesertX receives revised ergonomics designed to improve both standing control off-road and comfort on long-distance rides. The footpegs have been repositioned, while the seat and handlebar geometry have been refined to enhance rider control.
A new 18-litre polymer fuel tank is slimmer and lighter, improving manoeuvrability and lowering the bike’s centre of gravity. Protective crash pads and redesigned bodywork improve durability during off-road use, while the higher-mounted front mudguard provides better clearance in muddy conditions.
Seat height is 880mm, with an optional lowered configuration reducing this to 840mm.
Advanced electronics and off-road riding modes
The DesertX is equipped with a comprehensive electronics package based on a six-axis inertial measurement unit, enabling advanced rider aids including Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control.
Six riding modes are available – Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally – allowing riders to tailor the bike’s behaviour to suit road or off-road conditions. Off-road-focused modes allow ABS and other systems to be adjusted or disabled to suit rider preference.
A new 5-inch TFT dashboard provides improved visibility and functionality, with dedicated display layouts including a Rally mode that transforms the screen into a navigation-focused interface.
The DesertX also features Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, designed to deliver faster and more precise gear changes while improving durability in harsh riding environments.
Built for serious adventure
Weighing a claimed 209kg (wet, without fuel), the new DesertX retains its off-road-focused design, including wide handlebars, slim bodywork and long-travel suspension. Full LED lighting, cruise control compatibility and optional navigation connectivity further enhance its touring capability.
Ducati has also developed a range of accessories, including auxiliary fuel tanks, panniers, protective components and touring equipment to extend the bike’s versatility.
Australian pricing confirmed
The second-generation Ducati DesertX will arrive in Australia in June 2026 priced from $28,100 ride away.
There is a full range of accessories listed on the Ducati Australia configurator, including an optional racing exhaust, carbon components, billet bits and pieces, optional screens, lowered suspension kits and a comprehensive range of luggage.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Ducati DesertX
ENGINE
Type: Ducati V2 engine, 90° V2, 4-valve per cylinder, IVT variable intake timing, liquid-cooled
Displacement: 890cc
Bore x Stroke: 96mm x 61.5mm
Compression Ratio: 13.1:1
Max Power: 110.3hp (81.1kW) @ 9000rpm
Max Torque: 92Nm @ 7000rpm
Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection, Ø52mm throttle body, ride-by-wire
Transmission: 6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0
Final Drive: Chain (15T front / 46T rear)
CHASSIS
Frame: Monocoque aluminium
Front Suspension: KYB 46mm USD fork, fully adjustable, 230mm travel
Rear Suspension: KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, remote preload, progressive link, 220mm travel
Front Brake: Dual 305mm discs, Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers, Cornering ABS
Rear Brake: 265mm disc, Brembo 2-piston caliper, Cornering ABS
Front Wheel: 2.15in x 21in cross-spoke, tubeless
Rear Wheel: 4.5in x 18in cross-spoke, tubeless
Front Tyre: 90/90-21 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Rear Tyre: 150/70R18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Wheelbase: 1615mm
Seat Height: 880mm (840–900mm options available)
Rake: 27°
Trail: 114mm
Wet Weight (no fuel): 209kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18L
ELECTRONICS
Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, Rally
IMU: 6-axis inertial measurement unit
Traction Control: Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Wheelie Control: Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
Engine Brake Control: EBC
ABS: Cornering ABS (switchable)
Instrumentation: 5in TFT display
SERVICE & WARRANTY
Service Intervals: 15,000km / 24 months
Valve Clearance Check: 45,000km
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited km
