Originally debuting simply as a sketch before being unveiled “in the flesh” at EICMA in 2019, Ducati’s DesertX concept was met with such a warm reception from the riding public that the Italian marque opted to fast-track the bike to production. And as Ducati anticipated, the release of its first-ever hardcore adventure motorcycle has been quite a hit, resonating with two-wheeled touring and off-roading enthusiasts alike.
In addition to an ever-expanding range of available factory accessories and upgrades, the bike’s popularity has also given way to numerous up-specced trim levels — the latest of which to break cover is the long-range-ready, factory-kitted 2025 Ducati DesertX Discover.
The Basics
The DesertX Discover is a special edition version of Ducati’s hardcore adventure motorcycle that benefits from a host of preinstalled factory upgrades that collectively aim to bolster the base model’s already impressive go-anywhere capabilities — along with a model-exclusive livery. Constructed around a tubular steel trellis frame paired with a dual-sided aluminum swing-arm, the DesertX Discover features a 5.54-gallon tank, a 34.4” seat height, and a curb weight of 463lbs — sans fuel, and without the bike’s Discovery kit.
Classic Ducati Powertrain
At the heart of the new DesertX Discovery is one of Ducati’s classic L-Twin engines — in this case the liquid-cooled 937cc 11° Testastretta twin. Bolted to a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch, the engine cranks out 110hp and 68ft-lbs of torque. Boasting extended service intervals, the L-Twin also comes fitted with Bosch electronic fuel injection, a ride-by-wire throttle, and a stainless steel rally-inspired exhaust.
Adventure-Ready Running Gear
For the DesertX Discovery, Ducati has opted to arm the adventure bike with a premium fully-adjustable KYB suspension setup with a 46mm upside-down fork and a rear mono-shock that offer 9.06” and 8.66” of travel respectively. The braking hardware on the bike is just as high-end, consisting of radial-mount four-pot Brembo Monobloc calipers in front chomping down on 320mm rotors.
Out in back is a floating dual-pot caliper in the rear biting down on a 265mm disc. Both items fore and aft come backed by Bosch Cornering ABS. The entire bike rides on a set of cross-spoked tubeless rims with a 21” front hoop and an 18” rear item — both of which are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber.
The Discover Package
The DesertX Discovery’s biggest selling point is no doubt its generous host of upgrades and protective elements. This includes an extended touring windscreen, a center stand, heated grips, and a 5” TFT display that’s been supplemented via the Ducati Multimedia System and turn-by-turn navigation — all of which comes as standard.
Standard protective elements include a subframe-reinforced skid plate, a protective radiator grille, crash bars, water pump protection, and reinforced aluminum bark-buster-style hand-guards. On top of all the pre-installed standard amenities, the bike is also offered with optional off-road-specific locking aluminum side cases.
Model-Specific Livery
Like other special versions of the DesertX — such as the DesertX Rally — the new Discover model comes draped in its own exclusive livery. Penned by the Ducati Style Center, the DesertX Discovery’s scheme is comprised of a black and red livery that sports adhesive graphics that add some undeniable style points while simultaneously protecting the bike’s bodywork from scratches and scuffs.
Rider Assists & Tech
In typical Ducati fashion, the DesertX Discovery features a generous slew of state-of-the-art tech and rider assists. Standard technology on the bike includes multiple ride modes, cruise control, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Braking Control, self-canceling indicators, a Lithium-ion battery, a 12-volt socket, a USB socket, a bidirectional quick-shifter, and LED lighting throughout, including daytime running lights.
Built To Go The Distance
The entire purpose of the Discovery-spec DesertX is that the thing is fully-kitted and ready for long-range travel and two-wheeled adventuring riding right off of the showroom floor. With its generous slew of preinstalled accessories and upgrades, there’s little to no need to modify the DesertX Discovery — and thus, no risk of voiding your factory warranty by modding it.
Speaking of that warranty, Ducati’s policy is practically begging buyers to hit the road and use this bike for what it was built for — eating up miles whether on or off road — as the motorcycle comes backed by a 24-month, unlimited-mile warranty. Additionally, it also benefits from extended service intervals with valve clearance checks and maintenance service intervals of 18,000 and 9,000 miles, respectively.
Spec Sheet
Model Year: 2025
Brand: Ducati
Model: DesertX Discover
Class: Adventure Motorcycle
Engine: 937cc Testastretta 11° L-Twin
Power: 110HP & 68FT-LBs
Frame: Tubular Steel Trellis
Suspension Travel: 9.06” F, 8.66” R
Wheels: Cross-Spoked Tubeless (21” F, 18” R)
Tank Size: 5.54 Gallons
Seat Height: 34.4”
Curb Weight: 463LBs (w/o Fuel or Discovery Kit)
Pricing & Availability
The 2025 Ducati DesertX Discovery is available for order now, with pricing starting at $19,995.
Recap
2025 Ducati DesertX Discovery
The 2025 Ducati DesertX Discovery is a new, factory-kitted, off-road-focused of the Italian brand’s retro Dakar-inspired adventure motorcycle that’s ready to eat up miles right off the showroom floor.
