This guy is one of my favorite reviewers. Love the wheelies and jumps he's known for, but also the thorough break down of the bikes he reviews. And this Desert Sled looks downright awesome. Best color scheme they've had so far!
Thrilled they brought back the gold wheels for '21! Only thing I wish I had on mine. As usual, Chris nails it - the bike is a blast to chuck around fire roads, big slides are easy, and it loves lifting the front wheel (as shown ;)
Just bought mine, 2022, in sparkling blue - Ive owned a LOT of bikes and this one is probably the funnest and nicest bike Ive owned...its not as fast as a 1000cc in-line four but man what a hoot! Beautiful bike too, pics dont do justice. I also own a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS and I bought this as a "second" bike for tooling around gravel roads, mild off-road use, etc. I love it.
"19 front and 17 rear is pretty much standard for the adventure bike world". . . . Proper adv bike will have 21x18. Great review, and a lot of fun to watch! I garee, this is the coolest looking Sled in the lineup. I want one. . . .
one of the most visually attractive motorcycles around today,ive just bought a yammy superten because of 2 up capability,but if i was riding solo this would be my first choice,echoes of the xt500.ducati know how to style bikes.
My favourite style of bike . Wish Honda would do a , early seventies SL 70, Elsinore 125 / 250 style retro. Two stroke would be just awesome and I'm talking mainly as a road bike. Around 400to 500 cc would suit me.
Good review. I just rode the earlier model and didn't hate it. It wasn't for me though. Engine is a bit 'blah' and the one I rode had been lowered for a previous owner. The suspension in the set-up it was in (Forks dropped 20mm through the yokes and the rear preload wound out a huge amount) was pretty horrible. I thought it would be too soft like this, but it felt really stiff and uncompliant. In its standard-setting you need to be 6 foot + to manage the seat height. Possibly an aftermarket seat, or reupholster might fix that, but a lower seat would mean very cramped legs... I just don't think I could make one work for me personally. The brakes are a bit average too, they stop the bike, but the ABS is intrusive like something from the early 2000s. Like I said I didn't hate it. At least the 'ride-by-wire' was predictable. New bike same, with new colours.
Hi, i dont wana bring the duc down but i was soo hyped for this motorcylce and i really wanted to buy 1. until i test drove 1 HORRIBLE! i never looked back and bought a 2023 yamaha tenere 700 instead. Still a great looking bike ! :)
@1:56 IT'S FREAKING HOT! I mean HEAT wise. The rear side of the L twin engine gets REALLY HOT between your legs, around the crotch area. The rear section of the L twin engine heats up the right side of the bike frame and burns your right inner thigh. You have to keep this thing moving or wear protective gear in order to not get burned. I still have my Desert Sled and wrapped fiberglass exhaust wrap around the exhaust and the section of the bike frame that gets really got. The wrap helped some.
@@SledTillDead I removed the stock catalytic converter and added a Leo Vince GP slip on. That solved some of the heat issues as the heat from the catalytic converter rose up and added to the heat from the engine, which then heated the bike frame. You have to keep this machine moving in order to keep it cool. I guess you do not have heavy traffic in Australia.
I'm sure it's got enough power for the task. But honestly, some kind of 270° parallel twin liquid cooled 800cc engine in that chassis would be a LOT stronger. More complex, maybe. Heavier, maybe. Wonder if KTM is going to make a scrambler for their 890R engine....
I grew up racing Motocross, and we would have killed for almost 7" of travel. That this hits it's limits quickly is more to do with the pretend notion that a 190kg bike can be considered an off roader.
It’s not the weight, it’s the suspension. Ducati just dropped the ball. The Triumph Scrambler 1200XE is 206kg, has 9.8” of front travel, and was raced showroom stock in Baja because it comes off the showroom floor with proper suspension. Travel isn’t everything here, it’s the quality. Ducati built a fad bike and forgot back up the name, where Triumph built an obese dirt bike and gave it a shot of steroids where it counts.
Great bike, but I find it unacceptable that, in order to get the computer to reset the oil change minder, you MUST take it to a dealership! Even if you change the oil yourself (which you have to remove 2/3 of the exhaust system) and many dealers will void the warranty unless they actually performed the oil change. It’s targeted to posers and those who don’t mind keeping their local dealership well funded.
I would have bought this bike had they not put the exhaust right where my left heel is supposed to be… absolutely stupid on their behalf. Thanks for a melted boot and terrible egos. SMH!!
Gotta love it when you get a proper rider to review a bike.
This guy is one of my favorite reviewers. Love the wheelies and jumps he's known for, but also the thorough break down of the bikes he reviews. And this Desert Sled looks downright awesome. Best color scheme they've had so far!
Thrilled they brought back the gold wheels for '21! Only thing I wish I had on mine. As usual, Chris nails it - the bike is a blast to chuck around fire roads, big slides are easy, and it loves lifting the front wheel (as shown ;)
How’s it like to use the sled as a commuter bike? Yammie.
@@shinthantmaung9476 It's great as a commuter. Grab some Kreiga bags and Kreiga backpack and go!
Yammie down here in the comment section with us squids! Love it.
I knew I should not have watched this.
It's 20°, snowing, at midnight.
......and now I'm jonesing to go out and ride !
Great reviewer.
Just bought mine, 2022, in sparkling blue - Ive owned a LOT of bikes and this one is probably the funnest and nicest bike Ive owned...its not as fast as a 1000cc in-line four but man what a hoot! Beautiful bike too, pics dont do justice. I also own a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS and I bought this as a "second" bike for tooling around gravel roads, mild off-road use, etc. I love it.
I had to triple check the channel....Love to see Chris on almost any video.
My '21 sled is my most prized possession.
Perfection, period.
Bought one after this review and have not been disappointed.
I wish Honda, or Yamaha would make a mid sized, ADV Desert Sled type bike like this.
Didn't expect to find Chris in this channel but as always another great piece of review, really enjoyed it.
you need this guy to do more of your reviews! great stuff
Never watched a motor review this short yet very informative!
"... But aren't quite ready to sell your soul for big panniers and fairings of adventure bike", those words...
Wait.. Aren't you from Bike World channel?
Nice review and pretty bike, congrats!
I liked like the delivery of information. It's what I listen for, and price at the end. Thanks.
That last bit bout the not quit into the adventure bike scene yet, ready for all those fairings and sparky engine haha thanks bro 🤘🏼
"19 front and 17 rear is pretty much standard for the adventure bike world". . . . Proper adv bike will have 21x18.
Great review, and a lot of fun to watch! I garee, this is the coolest looking Sled in the lineup. I want one. . . .
one of the most visually attractive motorcycles around today,ive just bought a yammy superten because of 2 up capability,but if i was riding solo this would be my first choice,echoes of the xt500.ducati know how to style bikes.
Yep, I would buy it because it's one of the most beautiful motorcycles made, maybe ever. And it seems to be really practical too.
I love his review.
The Desert Sled looks too be channelling the XT250H of 1981.
Anthony
Good review. I might have to trade in my '03 Multistrada for one of these.
4:14 Tell me that's not a nod to Steve McQueen in The Great Escape. Awesome!
My favourite style of bike . Wish Honda would do a , early seventies SL 70, Elsinore 125 / 250 style retro. Two stroke would be just awesome and I'm talking mainly as a road bike. Around 400to 500 cc would suit me.
Proper review mate
I’m definitely getting an older model Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled.
Beautiful motorcycle, great review!!
I think i just found my 3rd motorcycle
This bike's got everything I need
Good review.
Good review. I just rode the earlier model and didn't hate it. It wasn't for me though. Engine is a bit 'blah' and the one I rode had been lowered for a previous owner. The suspension in the set-up it was in (Forks dropped 20mm through the yokes and the rear preload wound out a huge amount) was pretty horrible. I thought it would be too soft like this, but it felt really stiff and uncompliant. In its standard-setting you need to be 6 foot + to manage the seat height. Possibly an aftermarket seat, or reupholster might fix that, but a lower seat would mean very cramped legs... I just don't think I could make one work for me personally. The brakes are a bit average too, they stop the bike, but the ABS is intrusive like something from the early 2000s. Like I said I didn't hate it. At least the 'ride-by-wire' was predictable. New bike same, with new colours.
Perfect style!
That is a beautiful bike 💗
and the frame is different from the others
Great reviews as always . 👍 what kit is that your wearing
Beautiful
Hi, i dont wana bring the duc down but i was soo hyped for this motorcylce and i really wanted to buy 1.
until i test drove 1 HORRIBLE! i never looked back and bought a 2023 yamaha tenere 700 instead.
Still a great looking bike ! :)
why didn't you like it
Nice! Where was this filmed and how do I go about getting there from London on my sled...
The question is Desert Sled or Hypermotard???
That's a nice bike!
Where are you able to take the bike off-road in the UK?
Yooooo Chris! Is he working for cycle world now?
@Justin Dawes you bet!
@Justin Dawes put him on the payroll already!
Ducati uses its limp-mode as traction control.
How do you make an wheelie with it? In the 1st or 2nd gear??
Fingers crossed for the Desert X.
Can you still turn ABS completely off ?
One of my favourite reviewers. Not so keen on this bike. Reliability?
I am 6ft 3 any good for me cheers
I'm 6ft 2in and it fits me great!
Take my money Ducatiiiii
what song did you use in this video?!
@1:56 IT'S FREAKING HOT! I mean HEAT wise. The rear side of the L twin engine gets REALLY HOT between your legs, around the crotch area. The rear section of the L twin engine heats up the right side of the bike frame and burns your right inner thigh. You have to keep this thing moving or wear protective gear in order to not get burned. I still have my Desert Sled and wrapped fiberglass exhaust wrap around the exhaust and the section of the bike frame that gets really got. The wrap helped some.
It's fine? We ride ours in Australia, offroad in Summer, and don't have these issues. Maybe take yours to the shop
@@SledTillDead Nothing the shop can do. I would have to design a work around to deflect the heat.
@@SledTillDead I removed the stock catalytic converter and added a Leo Vince GP slip on. That solved some of the heat issues as the heat from the catalytic converter rose up and added to the heat from the engine, which then heated the bike frame. You have to keep this machine moving in order to keep it cool. I guess you do not have heavy traffic in Australia.
I'm sure it's got enough power for the task. But honestly, some kind of 270° parallel twin liquid cooled 800cc engine in that chassis would be a LOT stronger. More complex, maybe. Heavier, maybe.
Wonder if KTM is going to make a scrambler for their 890R engine....
Why would you think that? These have the same stats as an MT07 but are aircooled.
@@SledTillDead Think a bit harder.
How is this off-road compared to the FTR Rally?
Far better than the FTR. The FTR is based off a flat track bike after all, which isn't "offroad" per se.
Looks a Little bit like XT 500 from 1976
Wonder if you can get decent engine guards?
Google
Wow
How tall is this man..? cm
I got one and I am 170cm. I reach the floor with both the tips of my boots "comfortably". Hope this helps.
yes ok👍😅
I just found out that Chris Northover does reviews here too! Subscribe!!!
How's it compare to say the Fantic Caballero 500 scrambler or Rally? The Fantic looks like a more fun, honest bike and a bit cheaper too.
Twice the power
* * * * * C O O L * * * * *
bellissima,ma x fare la manutenzione bisogna vendere un rene...fino a quando non spariranno qauelle maledette cinghie ...
I grew up racing Motocross, and we would have killed for almost 7" of travel. That this hits it's limits quickly is more to do with the pretend notion that a 190kg bike can be considered an off roader.
I raced motocross in the 1970's. 7" of travel was science fiction at the time
@@weirdshibainu Yep, me too. I'm pre incline double shocks in the rear, and 3" was a lot.
@@robertos4172 yep. It's amazing how far things have come
It’s not the weight, it’s the suspension. Ducati just dropped the ball. The Triumph Scrambler 1200XE is 206kg, has 9.8” of front travel, and was raced showroom stock in Baja because it comes off the showroom floor with proper suspension. Travel isn’t everything here, it’s the quality. Ducati built a fad bike and forgot back up the name, where Triumph built an obese dirt bike and gave it a shot of steroids where it counts.
@@DarthSpaceBall Nonsense. Evil Knievel jumped on Harleys and triumphs with half that travel but that does not mean those bikes were good at it.
a toy compared to the Triumph Scrambler 1200 - the only true "scrambler" on the market.
Great bike, but I find it unacceptable that, in order to get the computer to reset the oil change minder, you MUST take it to a dealership! Even if you change the oil yourself (which you have to remove 2/3 of the exhaust system) and many dealers will void the warranty unless they actually performed the oil change. It’s targeted to posers and those who don’t mind keeping their local dealership well funded.
I would have bought this bike had they not put the exhaust right where my left heel is supposed to be… absolutely stupid on their behalf. Thanks for a melted boot and terrible egos. SMH!!
“Desert” sled SoCal “desert”
Salesman.