Ducati has a new DesertX Discovery on the market, splitting the difference between the base model and the up-spec’d DesertX Rally.
What’s new? It’s all bolt-on stuff, with no changes to the engine (which would be expensive, since all this stuff goes through regulatory agencies) and no changes to the electronic safety/stability systems (why mess with what works?). The suspension is the same as the base model, and so is the fuel tank and frame. That means you should expect 110 horsepower at 9,250 rpm, and 68 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Major engine maintenance intervals are a very generous 9,000 miles apart, or every 24 months. This ain’t your daddy’s fussy Ducati L-twin.
Ducati’s upgrades to the Discovery model include hard parts that make the bike more rugged for off-road use. The Ducati DesertX Discovery gets beefed-up handguards, engine crash bars, added protection for the radiator and water pump, and a heavy duty skid plate (the standard DesertX also comes with a skid plate, but it’s not as robust).
There’s also a taller screen to cut windblast on the highway and a set of standard heated grips. A new centerstand makes long-haul touring easier; now, you can easily stand up the bike to clean or adjust the chain or perform other maintenance.
Finally, the Discovery model also gets the Ducati Multimedia system as standard, including turn-by-turn satnav capability through Ducati’s Link app. And of course it gets its own special paint job.
You can buy soft bags instead, if that’s your jam, because these hard panniers aren’t standard equipment. Photo: Ducati
Add it all up and this bike is basically a pre-built adventure tourer, with the basics added to keep you protected and comfortable. You can buy this and hit the road with minimal need to add your own farkles. You will need to add your own luggage system, though, since these bikes don’t come with hard bags standard.
MSRP for the DesertX Discovery is $19,995 US, right between the base model ($17,995) and the DesertX Rally ($22,995). For more details, check out Ducati’s website.
