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The Original DesertX: A Modern Dakar Homage

The DesertX was born in 2019 as a concept model, generating a tremendous amount of positive feedback from motorcyclists worldwide . Ducati’s designers drew inspiration from the Cagiva Elefant—the Ducati-powered desert racer that conquered the Dakar Rally in the 1980s and 1990s—and created a contemporary interpretation of the 1980s Enduro motorcycle line . The result is a machine that combines the suggestion of the “Dakarians” with an almost touch interface feeling—post-heritage and digital at the same time .

The visual identity is defined by three macro elements: un single central volume (the tank with side covers), the seat, and the windshield that integrates the distinctive double headlight . Le use of black and white surfaces is a deliberate stylistic touch, and the overall effect is a solid, clean, modern design that is functional and purposeful .


The 937 cc Testastretta 11°: Proven, Characterful, Capable

At the heart of the DesertX 937 is Ducati’s 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine—a Desmodromic, liquid-cooled L-twin that has powered a generation of Ducati middleweights, including the Monster and Multistrada V2 . In DesertX tune, it delivers 110 hp (81 kW) at 9,250 rpm et 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm, with a linear, torque-rich response that is ideal for off-road riding while remaining refined and stress-free on the road .

The engine features all the improvements already featured on the Monster and Multistrada V2, including a lightweight and compact 8-disc clutch. The twin-cylinder engine’s weight is reduced by a staggering 1.7 kg compared to its predecessor . Le gear ratios have been tailored for mixed use, avec shorter lower gears for technical riding and a taller sixth gear for comfort and efficiency on faster road sections .

Paramètre du moteur DesertX 937
Déplacement 937 cc
Configuration Ducati Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinders, Desmodromic valvetrain, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled
Puissance maximale 110 hp (81 kW) @ 9,250 rpm
Couple maximal 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
Alésage x Course 94 mm x 67.5 mm
Taux de compression 13.3:1
Livraison de carburant Bosch electronic fuel injection system, Ø53 mm throttle bodies with ride-by-wire
Boîte de vitesse 6 vitesses avec Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down
Embrayage Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

Le Desmodromic valve train delivers a characterful soundtrack and a proven service history across the Ducati range, and the valve clearance check interval—while shorter than the spring-valve 890 cc engine that replaces it—remains a well-understood and manageable ownership consideration for Ducati enthusiasts.


Chassis and Suspension: Rally-Derived Capability

The DesertX 937 is built around a tubular steel trellis frame et long-travel suspension avec dedicated settings to ensure efficient operation even in the most demanding conditions . The chassis layout is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, avec generous ground clearance (9.8 in / 250 mm) and a wheelbase of 1,610 mm (63.3 in) .

  • Devant: A KYB Ø 46 mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, avec 230 mm (9.06 in) of travel .

  • Arrière: A KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, avec remote preload adjustment, un aluminium double-sided swingarm, et 220 mm (8.66 in) of travel .

  • Wheels: Cross-spoked, tubeless items—2.15″ x 21″ front and 4.5″ x 18″ rear—fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres (90/90-21 front, 150/70 R18 rear) .

  • Brakes: 2 x Ø 320 mm semi-floating front discs avec Brembo radial monobloc 4-piston calipers et Bosch Cornering ABS; a Ø 265 mm rear disc avec un Brembo floating 2-piston caliper et Bosch Cornering ABS .

Le geometry (27.6° rake, 4.8 in trail) and long-travel suspension are calibrated to deliver precise handling on all surfaces et impressive bump absorption , tandis que 21-inch front wheel fournit confidence-inspiring stability over rough terrain .

Paramètre du châssis DesertX 937
Cadre Tubular steel trellis
Suspension avant KYB Ø 46 mm fully adjustable USD fork, course de 230 mm
Suspension arrière KYB fully adjustable monoshock, remote preload, aluminium double-sided swingarm, 220 mm travel
Roues avant / arrière 21″ / 18″, pneus sans chambre à air à rayons croisés
Pneus avant/arrière Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90-21 / 150/70 R18
Frein avant 2 x Ø 320 mm semi-floating discs, Brembo radial monobloc 4-piston calipers, ABS en virage
Frein arrière Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo floating 2-piston caliper, Cornering ABS
Empattement 1,610 mm (63.3 in)
Râteau / Sentier 27.6° / 4.8 in
Hauteur du siège 875 mm standard; 890 mm high seat; 865 mm low seat; 845 mm siège bas + kit de suspension basse
Capacité du réservoir de carburant 21 litres (5.5 US gal)

Le seat height is adjustable through a range of factory and accessory options, and the fuel tank holds 21 litres—with an additional 8-litre rear tank available as an accessory, extending range for remote adventure routes .


Ergonomics and Equipment: Built for Control

The DesertX’s ergonomics and aerodynamic study have produced a motorcycle that has off-road as a natural territory et remains comfortable, easy, and safe for urban commuting and long travels . Le surfaces in contact with the rider are wide and well connected, allowing movement in various directions with the highest level of comfort, especially in off-road riding . Le central body is narrow enough to provide good accessibility for almost any rider height, and the seat is positioned at 875 mm from the ground, with lower seat and suspension options available .

Standard equipment includes full-LED lighting with DRL, Ducati Brake Light (DBL) , un USB power socket, un 12V socket, self-cancelling turn indicators, un steering damper, et un batterie lithium-ion .


Electronics: Six Riding Modes, Full Off-Road Suite

The DesertX 937 is equipped with a comprehensive electronics package built around a Bosch IMU inertial platform . It offers six Riding Modes—Sport, Touring, Urbain, Pluie, Enduro et Rallye—each of which can be freely configured to allow individual electronic systems to intervene at different levels . In the Enduro and Rally modes, ABS can be completely deactivated using a dedicated button .

Système Fonction
Modes de conduite 6 : Sport, Touring, Urbain, Pluie, Enduro, Rallye
ABS en virage Bosch lean-aware ABS, switchable/deactivatable
Contrôle de traction Ducati (DTC) Calibré pour le tout-terrain, à plusieurs niveaux et géré par IMU
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) Gère le soulèvement des roues avant
Commande du frein moteur (EBC) Ajuste le couple de rétrogradation
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Changement de vitesse sans embrayage (montée/descente)
régulateur de vitesse Standard
Éclairage entièrement LED Headlight with DRL
Ducati Brake Light (DBL) Des clignotements apparaissent lors d'un freinage brusque.
Instrumentation TFT colour display (5-inch on later models)
USB / 12V Sockets Standard
Steering Damper Standard
Batterie lithium-ion Standard

The electronics controls can be adjusted or disabled to suit the rider’s preferences and the terrain, making the DesertX as accessible to newer riders as it is capable for experienced off-roaders .


Model Years, Updates, and Colours (2022–2026)

The DesertX 937 has a well-defined model history, with a single major livery addition and a series of running updates across its production run.

Année modèle Détails clés Couleurs / Livrées
2022 Modèle de lancement. The DesertX is released in 2022, introducing the 937 cc Testastretta, 21/18-inch wheels, long-travel KYB suspension, and six riding modes to Ducati’s adventure range . European pricing: €18,090 . Star White Silk-un matte white finish with red accents, inspired by the Cagiva Elefant’s Lucky Explorer livery .
2023 RR22 livery introduced. Ducati adds the RR22 livery-un black, grey, and red scheme inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron that competed in the Dakar Rally, combined with the Star White Silk base and carrying a price premium (€17,890 in some markets) . Star White Silk; RR22 livery (black/grey/red with red saddle accent) .
2024 Reporter. The DesertX continues with the mêmes spécifications mécaniques et électroniques. Le RR22 livery remains available, and the Discovery et Rally variants join the lineup . Star White Silk; RR22 livery .
2025 Running updates. The standard DesertX is offered in Star White Silk et le RR22 livery, with the Discovery variant adding aluminium panniers, crash bars, a skid plate, and a larger windscreen . US MSRP: $17,995** for Star White Silk, **$18,495 for the RR22 livery . Star White Silk; RR22 livery .
2026 Final year of the 937 cc platform. The DesertX 937 remains available alongside the new 890 cc DesertX V2. **US MSRP: $18,995** (plus $995 destination), with demonstrator examples discounted to $16,995 . Le Discovery et Rally variants continue with their existing specifications . Star White Silk; RR22 livery .

Colour summary for the DesertX 937:

  • Star White Silk—the original and signature livery, un matte white finish with red accents that evokes the Cagiva Elefant’s Lucky Explorer scheme .

  • RR22 livery-un black, grey, and red scheme avec geometric motifs inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron Dakar car, featuring a striking red accent integrated into the black saddle . This livery carries a price premium (approximately $500 in the US market).


New vs. Used: Buying the DesertX 937

New (2025–2026 examples): The DesertX 937 remains available as a new motorcycle in 2025 and 2026, although it is now positioned alongside the new 890 cc DesertX V2 . New examples carry Ducati’s 24-month unlimited-mileage warranty and the ability to specify exact colours and accessories. US MSRP is $17,995–$18,995 depending on model year and livery , with demonstrator examples available at discounts of up to $2,000 . UK and European pricing varies by market, with 2022 European pricing at €18,090 et 2023 RR22 pricing at €17,890 . The DesertX 937 represents exceptional value for riders who want a proven, characterful adventure bike avec un Desmodromic engine and a well-established aftermarket and accessory ecosystem.

Used (2022–2025 examples): The used market offers significant savings, particularly for 2022–2023 examples that have absorbed the steepest depreciation:

  • A 2023 Star White Silk with 9,749 miles has been listed at $12,590**—a **substantial saving** against its **$17,095 base MSRP .

  • A 2023 RR22 livery has been listed at **$15,999** (reduced from $16,999) .

  • European listings include 2023 models from €12,564 et 2024 models from €11,490 (with 28,000 km) .

  • 2023 Star White Silk examples have appeared on auction platforms with bids starting as low as $3,250 (though final sale prices vary).

These represent outstanding value for a motorcycle with proven off-road capability, a characterful Desmodromic engine, and Ducati’s signature design and engineering.

Our condition grades for used DesertX 937:

Grade À quoi s'attendre Idéal pour
Excellent Low mileage, full history, no faults, often under warranty. Riders who want the best possible example of a proven adventure bike.
Très bien Moderate mileage, complete history, minor cosmetic wear consistent with adventure use. Excellent value sans transiger sur les conditions.
Bien Higher mileage, visible cosmetic wear from off-road use, may need consumables (tyres, brake pads, chain). Riders who prioritise utilisabilité et valeur plutôt que la perfection cosmétique.
Projet Problèmes mécaniques ou esthétiques connus, vendu en l'état avec divulgation complète. mécaniciens à domicile compétents ou constructeurs de projets de rallye/tout-terrain.

Chaque vélo d'occasion subit un inspection avant-vente, et les défauts connus sont divulgués avant l'achat.

Technical Specifications (DesertX 937, 2022–2026)

Spécification Ducati DesertX 937
Moteur Ducati Testastretta 11°, 937 cc, L-Twin cylinders, Desmodromic valvetrain, 4 valves/cyl., liquid-cooled
Puissance maximale 110 hp (81 kW) @ 9,250 rpm
Couple maximal 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
Alésage x Course 94 mm x 67.5 mm
Taux de compression 13.3:1
Système d'alimentation en carburant Bosch electronic fuel injection, Ø53 mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Échappement Stainless steel single muffler, catalytic converter, 2 lambda probes
Boîte de vitesse 6 vitesses avec Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down
Embrayage Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch, hydraulic control
Cadre Tubular steel trellis
Suspension avant KYB Ø 46 mm fully adjustable USD fork, course de 230 mm
Suspension arrière KYB fully adjustable monoshock, remote preload, aluminium double-sided swingarm, 220 mm travel
Roues avant / arrière 21″ / 18″, pneus sans chambre à air à rayons croisés
Pneus avant/arrière Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90-21 / 150/70 R18
Frein avant 2 x Ø 320 mm semi-floating discs, Brembo radial monobloc 4-piston calipers, ABS en virage
Frein arrière Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo floating 2-piston caliper, Cornering ABS
Dry Weight 202 kg (445 lb)
Hauteur du siège 875 mm standard; 890 mm high; 865 mm low; 845 mm siège bas + kit de suspension basse
Empattement 1,610 mm (63.3 in)
Râteau / Sentier 27.6° / 4.8 in
Capacité du réservoir de carburant 21 litres (5.5 US gal)
Modes de conduite 6 : Sport, Touring, Urbain, Pluie, Enduro, Rallye
Électronique Cornering ABS (switchable), DTC, DWC, EBC, DQS, Cruise Control, DBL, full-LED with DRL, steering damper, USB/12V sockets, lithium-ion battery
Garantie 24 mois, kilométrage illimité
Contrôle du jeu des soupapes Desmodromic service interval (shorter than 890 cc V2)

The Ducati DesertX 937 is the motorcycle that proved Ducati could build a genuine off-road adventure bike-un Dakar-inspired dual-sport avec un characterful Desmodromic engine, proven KYB suspension, and a comprehensive electronics suite that remains as capable and rewarding today as it was when it launched in 2022. With the arrival of the new 890 cc DesertX V2, the original 937 cc platform represents exceptional value on both the new and used markets-un proven, well-supported, and deeply characterful machine that is ready to take you wilder, further, and in true Ducati style.

Année, couleur et état

2026 New – Star White Silk, 2025 New – Star White Silk / R22 Livery, 2025 Used – Star White Silk, 2024 Used – Star White Silk / R22 Livery, 2023 Used – Star White Silk, 2022 Used – Star White Silk