New Ducati Desert X adventure weapon leads new bike charge

Ducati is planning to unleash a raft of red-hot new machines between now and Christmas with the all-new Desert X adventure weapon being the headline machine for the firm’s 2022 line-up.

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Another five motorcycles will be unveiled in fortnightly intervals, up until the December 9 reveal of the eagerly anticipated Desert X.

The Desert X first appeared as a concept model in 2019, but it seems that a lot has changed since then. The latest teaser images from Ducati of the bike being blasted through massive sand dunes shows that it keeps the concept bike’s twin circular headlights, to give it that classic Dakar style, while things have moved on considerably in the engine department.

The air-cooled Scrambler 800 motor has been replaced with the firm’s 937cc water-cooled Testastretta engine, as used to great effect in the Supersport 950, Monster, Hypermotard 950 and Multistrada 950. So we can expect about 110bhp and 70lb.ft of torque.

It’s not yet clear what frame will be used, but the Multi 950’s part-alloy, part-steel frame would work and fit the Desert X’s serious off road intentions.

Ducati’s dirt ambitions are clear with the new machine as it’s got a 21in front wheel. It’s expected to have an 18-in rear, which would pair it up with Honda’s Africa twin which looks likely to be the Desert X’s immediate rival.