For over 20 years, the Multistrada represented Ducati’s only adventure bike. With a desire to deliver something more off-road-capable, the Bologna brand rolled out its all-new DesertX model in May of 2022. And while the bike undoubtedly represents its most competent go-anywhere model to date, the company has now opted to deliver an even more hardcore model variant with the new DesertX Rally.
Benefitting from the same treatment bestowed upon the Multistrada Rally, the Rally-spec DesertX uses the base models same advanced off-road-specific frame design, as well as its 110-hp 973cc Testastretta 11° L-Twin. The Rally variant’s bodywork also goes unchanged, though it does now sport a Rally-exclusive livery inspired by Ducati’s race bikes. In typical two-wheeled off-roader fashion, this new model has also been treated to a new high-mount MX-style front fender. Additionally, the bike also gets a new rally-specific red seat with embossed rally graphics.
The biggest and most noteworthy updates to the Rally-spec, however, are undoubtedly found in its suspension. Now comprised of a Pro KYB setup, the DesertX Rally now sports a Kashima-coated 48mm USD closed-cartridge fork and a matching KYB mono-shock that offer 9.8” and 9.4” of travel, respectively. While this isn’t a huge increase over the regular DesertX’s normal 9.06” front and 8.66” of travel, though not only is this new setup tuned specifically for hard-core off-roading, but it also bolsters the bike’s ground clearance to 11” in total — a pretty major increase over the regular base model’s 9.84” spec. Rounding out the DesertX rally is a 5.54-gallon tank, Ducati’s full suite of electronic rider aids, and a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
The 2024 Ducati DesertX Rally is available for order now, starting from $22,995. Alongside the adventure motorcycle itself, Ducati has also released a range of adventure riding gear and apparel that, like the DesertX rally, has been engineered from the ground up specifically for hard-core off-road use.
