Ducati DesertX Rally takes adventure riding to new heights: See Pics

When it comes to the world of adventure motorcycles, Ducati has always been a brand that garners attention. Their motorcycles not only exude style and performance but also embody the spirit of exploration and adventure. The Ducati DesertX, with its punchy engine, off-road prowess and retro design, was already an incredibly desirable middle-weight adventure motorcycle. Supplementing the DesertX lineup, Ducati has decided to introduce DesertX Rally, a bike that is almost ready to take on the Dakar Rally itself. (Image: Ducati)

The first thing that catches your eye with the Ducati DesertX Rally is its striking appearance. Clad in an eye-catching Iron Giant livery, it's a visual treat for motorcycle enthusiasts. But the aesthetics are just the tip of the iceberg; the DesertX Rally has much more to offer beneath the surface. The bodywork is now made of coloured plastic. This, Ducati says, will help hide scratches and scuff marks better. The graphics on the Rally edition, too, are crafted from a thicker PVC material so as to add durability against the rough and demanding conditions that this bike is expected to encounter. (Image: Ducati)

The most noticeable visual change is the dirt bike-style tall front fender, replacing the standard mudguard. This design not only adds to the bike's rugged appearance but also serves a functional purpose by preventing mud from clogging between the wheel and the mudguard, a common issue in off-road riding. (Image: Ducati)

The single-piece bench seat, which comes as standard, has been paired with new suspension components, resulting in an even higher seat height than the standard DesertX. While the base model boasts a seat height of 875mm, the DesertX Rally lords it over the terrain with a commanding seat height of 910mm. For riders who prefer a lower saddle, an optional low seat can reduce this to 885mm, but that's still quite a lofty perch. Additionally, the DesertX Rally introduces a new engine skid plate made out of forged carbon fibre, a first on any production motorcycle. (Image: Ducati)

One of the most significant enhancements in the DesertX Rally is the advanced suspension system. While the standard DesertX already boasted impressive off-road capabilities, Ducati has taken it a step further with the Rally edition. The suspension components, still manufactured by Showa, have been upgraded to provide even better performance in challenging terrains. (Image: Ducati)

Both the front fork and the rear shock absorbers have been replaced with more advanced units. The DesertX Rally now offers a substantial 250mm of travel in the front and 240mm at the rear, representing a 20mm increase at both ends compared to the standard model. This increase in suspension travel translates into improved ground clearance, which has risen from 250mm to a towering 280mm. (Image: Ducati)

The suspension system itself has become more sophisticated. The front fork now features a closed cartridge design with a 48mm diameter, while the rear monoshock boasts a larger 46mm piston. Both ends are fully adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune their suspension to suit their riding style and terrain. Notably, the rear suspension's compression damping adjustment is divided into high-speed and low-speed damping, providing even more control over the bike's performance. (Image: Ducati)

Ducati has also made significant changes to the wheels and tyres of the DesertX Rally to enhance its off-road capabilities. The side-laced spoked rims with tubeless tyres found on the standard model have been replaced with centrally mounted spokes on new Excel Takasago rims. These rims are not only lighter but are also less susceptible to rock damage, according to Ducati. (Image: Ducati)

Despite the change in rims, the DesertX Rally retains the same tyre sizes as the standard DesertX—90/90-21 at the front and 150/70-R18 at the rear. The use of billet aluminium for the wheel hubs and foot levers contributes to further weight savings. However, it's worth noting that the DesertX Rally has tubed tyres and this, along with the new equipment, has resulted in a marginal increase in kerb weight, adding a kilogram to the standard DesertX's 223kg. (Image: Ducati)

While many aspects of the DesertX Rally have been revamped for off-road excellence, one thing remains constant—the engine. The Rally edition retains the same 937cc L-twin power plant found in the standard DesertX. This engine produces 110 hp of maximum power and 92 Nm of peak torque, providing ample power for both on-road and off-road adventures. (Image: Ducati)

Ducati has made no changes to the gearing or sprocket sizes, ensuring that the Rally edition maintains the same spirited performance as its predecessor. However, the most significant improvements are in the suspension and handling departments, making the DesertX Rally a true off-road champion. (Image: Ducati)

While the official prices for the DesertX Rally have not been disclosed yet, we can expect the tag to come at a premium over the standard DesertX. For context, the standard DesertX is priced at around Rs 17.91 lakh ex-showroom, so expect a sticker price of Rs 4-5 lakh higher. (Image: Ducati)