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: a single central volume (the tank with side covers), the seat, and the windshield that integrates the distinctive double headlight . The 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 and 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 . The gear ratios have been tailored for mixed use, with shorter lower gears for technical riding and a taller sixth gear for comfort and efficiency on faster road sections .
The 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 and long-travel suspension with dedicated settings to ensure efficient operation even in the most demanding conditions . The chassis layout is designed to withstand the toughest conditions, with generous ground clearance (9.8 in / 250 mm) and a wheelbase of 1,610 mm (63.3 in) .
Front: A KYB Ø 46 mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable, with 230 mm (9.06 in) of travel .
Rear: A KYB monoshock, fully adjustable, with remote preload adjustment, an aluminium double-sided swingarm, and 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 with Brembo radial monobloc 4-piston calipers and Bosch Cornering ABS; a Ø 265 mm rear disc with a Brembo floating 2-piston caliper and Bosch Cornering ABS .
The geometry (27.6° rake, 4.8 in trail) and long-travel suspension are calibrated to deliver precise handling on all surfaces and impressive bump absorption , while the 21-inch front wheel provides confidence-inspiring stability over rough terrain .
The 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 and remains comfortable, easy, and safe for urban commuting and long travels . The 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 . The 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) , a USB power socket, a 12V socket, self-cancelling turn indicators, a steering damper, and a lithium-ion battery .
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, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally—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 .
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.
Colour summary for the DesertX 937:
Star White Silk—the original and signature livery, a matte white finish with red accents that evokes the Cagiva Elefant’s Lucky Explorer scheme .
RR22 livery—a black, grey, and red scheme with 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 and 2023 RR22 pricing at €17,890 . The DesertX 937 represents exceptional value for riders who want a proven, characterful adventure bike with a 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 and 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:
Every used bike undergoes a pre-sale inspection, and known faults are disclosed before purchase.
Technical Specifications (DesertX 937, 2022–2026)
The Ducati DesertX 937 is the motorcycle that proved Ducati could build a genuine off-road adventure bike—a Dakar-inspired dual-sport with a 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—a proven, well-supported, and deeply characterful machine that is ready to take you wilder, further, and in true Ducati style.
