Mate great video, The DDX is not for everyone. I came off a R1250 with its numb front end and grandad power. The DDX has impressed me from the start and was easy for me to get acclimated too. I have no problems with weight and turn in, it is not as twitchy as a KTM. It is a do it all, I ride mine in some of the hardest situations, and not to Starbucks. I do get that less than 10% will ride this lovely machine off road. However, I love my DDX and ride it like it needs to be ridden. The OEM crash protection is made by Touratech BTW. I must say keep up the awesome videos.
100%, beside my DX I also own the KTM 890 Rally. The video was entertaining to watch but I could not disagree more with the maker. Now I have added the Tractive suspension to mine so my DX is robust to say the least. I also own a Beta 390 and yes, the DX is a heavy machine like all adventure bikes but it is amazing off road, stable, less twitchy as you say, and tons of torque. Where the maker gets the idea that the DX does not have torque is beyond me. When you reduce the HP to 75HP in enduro mode it increases torque. Virtually everything this guys says is just not accurate. The DX is THE best handling adventure bike on road, equal to and better in some areas that my 890 rally off road. I just sold my 2021 GS so I have compared extensively. In fact, I sold my GS because my DX is simply better at everything. The ONLY thing I agree with is the hassle of changing the air filter. For those interested in a DX this video is so off the mark it is crazy. The DX is also unbelievably well balanced and easy to move in tight tracks. Lastly, find a vid where people are actually riding and pushing the DX.....he obviously has a beef with Ducati.
I love my desertx on road its awsome and off road with the knobbies its a blast. I disagree with alot of this review. Its not perfect but is a very capable bike.
I really tried to give him credit, but a longer wheel base has been amazing. lol. This bike is not for tight wood trails. But I wouldn’t ride any of the ADV bikes in those situations for my comfort levels. For a 21in tire. It turns tight. lol.
Throw numbers out the window. The Desert X is absolutely wonderful on and off road. Some people can’t stand that great bikes don’t fit the mold of what they are used too. The Diavel I had is still the best “cruiser” I’ve ever owned and it’s not even close. So many reviewers couldn’t stand the Diavel because they couldn’t put it into a category. Most people buying the Desert X aren’t traversing Africa. Ducati has made a really good off road bike that still kicks ass on the street.
Amazing review. What writes the bike off for me is having to take half the bike apart to clean or replace the air filter, that is just insane on a bike with a name like Desert x, in my considerable experience of desert riding it requires a air filter clean every single day. Of course you wouldn't be riding it in sand all the time when using it off-road but any off-roading requires constant air filter maintenance.
DO NOT let this dude spin you off of the DX, it is absolutely the best adventure bike out there. I have owned or currently own them all. This guy is full of sh%t!
Sorry to say bro, but this is a monster pile of excellent theoretical crap. I've been riding MX and enduro bikes for 30+ years and the Desert X is simply the most capable adventure bike I have ever owned. Plus it is a real mean machine on-road 😜 Mind-blowing. As you quite obviously are one of these honest experts, who use four fingers on the clutch 😅: Watch the verdict of some handsome and most trusted dirt buddies at 20:10 czcams.com/video/iDtu6J6g718/video.html Wheelbase too long 🤣🤣🤣
Great review , very detailed , actually too much details ,, but the efforts you put in this review is amazing. On the other hand , I believe that there are so many riders who loved the bike and the quality of it ,, they can't all be wrong and you are only right ,, it the same like the example you made for the wheel base with all other manufacturers,, I think each bike has its characteristics data and there is no perfect bike ( except the GS) :-) Anyway, it's a great review where we learned new things . Thank you
So i somehow stumbled on this video again. Iv since road the desertx in utah desert and in the mountains a few times as well some offroad in the east usa. Not just some dirt roads . This thing rips . I had no trouble whats so ever . Other then a gnarly rock garden .
I do not understand, what your talking about… The Desert X is the most agile and precise bike I ever owned - on and offroad! Needs a little more revs then the Africa twin 1100 I owned before but offers a much better standing geometry and is fast as hell
"Agile and precise" - It's not magic, it's a complex of different parameters. It just about your owned motorcycles. Africa Twin - jelly, it's not an indicator.
- There are many Windshields for this bike. Huge ones, small ones. Puig, wrs, etc etc etc. I dont see the reasoning for the complaint. - To claim the engine torque powerband curve and gearing as a negative compared to the competition, is really far fetched. Its like comparing two similar performing engines in a percentage bar graph that starts at 95% up to 100%, and then claiming "look how huge the gap is between 96 and 98. Unusable engine!". Also, the Enduro drive mode for the dirt and urban for cities changes the fueling and power delivery. This complain makes sense if you use sport for everything. - Making the best Asphalt performing ADV bike in the market into a negative, by complaining it does not turn as fast as a small wheeled yamaha tracer 9. Whats the reasoning here? - The Luggage complaints.... it does not have racks from factory, but every accessory is available for purchasing, for those who will use this TRAIL bike as an adv cruiser. You are given the option to use the bike as you wish. Can't see the reasoning for making this a negative. - Weight complaint. Finding ways to disqualify the factory crash bar as " poor" and choosing heavy aftermarket ones to bring the bike weight closer to the KTM. Charly Sinewan factory's crash bar was hit full force by a car at speed, and it only left a few scratches on the bars. The car front was wrecked. Not poor or weak at all. - Telling us we have to ride with a fuel bag because 350km is not the 400 of the KTM, to bring the weight up higher to justify the debate that it weighs the same as the ktm. - There is more to how a bike handles and turns than the trail degree number suggests on a paper. That is what the "other blind professional journalists" found and complimented. They aren't wrong just because some people cannot look past the trail number on the sheet. So the reasonable argument becomes this one: Did the bike lost as much as one would expect by looking at Ducati trail decision on paper? No. It became the best of two worlds, hence the rave positive reviews it gets from the press and seasoned riders, who are ditching their previous adv bikes for this one.
Sorry, but the majority of your complaints seems overrated. And the positives, underrated. Without knowing what kind of bike you personlly have I would bet my right arm, its a Toureg or a KTM. And maybe, just maybe, you are a bit jealous of the guys who has a DX. Sorry but it shines thru. Other than that, excellent photographing and good review sequence👍
I am so glad I came across your review, I live in Ireland , but intend to move to Spain in a couple of years , I was looking at the x but I may look elsewhere.
I’m moving to the south of France from the US in a couple of weeks. Been wanting the ATAS but something tells me I’ll get bored of it. I like riding fast dirt roads like you mentioned, where this bike excels. I used to ride enduro but I’m over the technical slow stuff. I do not want to do that again now that I’m in my 30s. I understand what you said, but it makes me want it even more! Thanks for the review, negatives and all.
Its a great looking thing. Looks like it may be a bit top heavy, especially with a full tank. Genuine off road riders have criticised the silly air filter arrangement and something about the wheel nut torque settings. Could also be pricey to own and run. Still, if you live in an urban sprawl, can afford it and can touch the ground, why not?
Great review. I got the Ducati Supersport with the same engine as the Desert X. I cannot understand why Ducati put that engine in an offroad bike. The engine is great on the open roads but riding slowly is actually something this engine struggles with. Chugging a lot below 3000 rpm will make riding technical trails problematic.
Honestly this review is sort of ridiculous. The stability part is what makes this bike really unique. It will handle sand better than anything in the class because of this. And a 21 x 18 makes a huge difference offroad for any rider of any skill. The 890 feels tiny compared to this bike. And not it a good way. I feel like the X is much more like the Aprilia or a KTM 1190 or 1290 for standing or sitting. To me the 890 R puts everything is sort of a weird position for standing. At least in stock form. And I am only like 5'9". For a lot of stand up riding the X is almost perfect body position. Ducati made this to be a rally type bike. And with that comes compromises that are not ideal for beginner riders. I am actually really tired of manufactures making compromises for beginners. This is why I think the Chinese will make the first big twin Unicorn ADV bike that is in the mid 400lb range. Much like the Kove 450. They will out KTM KTM. These are the bikes experienced riders have been asking for. Nothing since the KTM 640 adventure has been available since 2007. And whoever makes it will sell a lot of motorcycles. Right now we have a lot of big heavy bikes that have too many electronics and not enough suspension or fuel. Top that with mild mannered engines and you just do not have the best bikes for offroad. What kills me about the X is the metal fuel tank. WTH. Ducati superbikes have plastic tanks. Why would a dirtbike have a metal tank?
I really appreciate this perspective. Right now I'm debating replacing my Africa Twin with a DesertX. I'm fairly new to off-road, definitely not a Rally racer. I'll do a lot of street during the day and then fire roads and BCDR trails when I can. I took a DesertX on a long demo ride and thought it was much more comfortable than the AT and the windscreen was perfect; no noise or buffeting, unlike the AT. I need to do some real thinking about what sort of off-roading I'll be doing and whether this fits. The other main contender is one of the Husky/KTM/Gas Gas 701/690/700. Those are definitely more off-road, so I couldn't take them on long freeway rides. Hmmm
The desert ask, is a great bike you won’t regret it. Obviously not as twitchy as a KTM but very stable. Easier to ride in a bigger bike, and it handles like a large dirtbike.
Better check out some more Desert X reviews from riders who have longer experience with it. To me - after a lot of different bikes - this is a dream and I will never give it away again.
I made the switch and regret it. I have owned many Ducatis and replaced both my Multistrada and Africa Twin with the Desert-X. The build quality and reliablility have been sub par. Warranty issues and a failed rear wheel ( no warranty and very expensive). Keep your Africa Twin and upgrade the suspension IMO.
While it is detailed and might be true, however is it based on math and some else’s riding . Or you actually have or had the bike. Can you show it in particular instances
Very well worthwhile listening. I already walked into the trap of the MS 1200 Enduro. Won't do that again. King of the road on the tarmac. A wash out on the pebbles and stones and sand.
I am not a Ducati fan, I love all the adv bikes but I own a DDX. I own a ddx because the t7 felt to tall, hated the Africa Twin dct, did not trust the Aprilia engine, no Tiger 900 to test, no 901 to test and Not buying another booring V-strom ever (loved my 650 vstrom xt becauae the reliability). Don't really agree with you, this bike handles like a sports bike on the road and it feels good on trails. It's not perfect and can be improved (as any bik can) and I know the KTM is better on trails. Think any one can agree that usually the standard suspension usually suck, except for KTM and the Touareg now. I enjoyed testing the DDX more than the Touareg660 (originally wanted to get the Touareg). The desert x is not the only one that has the air filter under the tank, my V-strom also had it under the tank and I did not complain (and there are a lot more plastics to dismantle). Again, the DDX is not the best and can be improved, but I feel you do a lot of complaining but the only thing I agree is that it's a thirsty bike so when I want to ride slow and take in the sights I switch to 70hp and consumption goes down. As for the quick shifter felt better than the on on 901 and the build quality beats most of the other bikes. Talked with some mechanics about the heat and it's not a necessarily a Ducati issue, it also has to do with pollution norms, the 901 got hot a bit harder but it retained the blheat more because of the tanks, on the DDX it dissipated realy fast when moving. With all that being said, I would buy them all if I could afford. As for riding them hard look at Nick the Slick. Enjoy your bikes, be proud of them and ride safe people!
Thanks for the review, be right back, gonna go place my order cuz it’s cool… Seriously, took you 41 min and 15 sec to realize that the Ducati isn’t trying to be the best, it’s trying to be the coolest… and it is. Bla bla bla specs this and specs that. My friend has had all the KTMs. The 690, 790, 890r, 1290R and only with the 1290 has he not complained about high speed capability. Ducati has finally made a motorcycle that rookies can take off road and feel comfortable with. I had a 1987 Honda Transalp and part of what made those bikes amazing was exactly the longer wheelbase and trail. They’re so stable. Yes they won’t crawl rocks well but who does that on a liter bike? Get a 350 enduro bike for that. Either you ride to your destination and then also go off road - which is what adventure bikes are about - or you might as well throw your 350 enduro bike on the back of your mobile home and drive the mobile home to the destination and then have fun in the rocks! Would be interesting to hear your opinion on the new upgraded suspension on the DesertX Rally version.
Excelentes reviews. Si me permites te hago una consulta en español. Qué moto crees que puede ser equivalente a la polivalencia y calidad de la Tuareg 660, pero para un uso exclusivamente asfáltico y viajero? Y qué te parece la Huqsvarna Norden 901 Expedition? Gracias.
If you don't have off-road priority, the Norden 901 is not what you need. It is not super comfortable on roads. There are many bikes for this price that are better for asphalt. Yamaha Tracer 9 is a lot of fun and quite comfortable, but it's not ideal for tall people, and it's not suitable for bad pavement. Tiger 900 GT Pro - if you need more versatility. The suspension is great for both twisty roads and moderate off-road. In fact, for the price of the Norden 901, there are quite a few good asphalt-oriented touring bikes.
DesertX seat is not good at all. It has a potential to be comfortable, but it's too short and too narrow. Windscreen is pathetic, the worst in any 900cc adventure bike. It creates so much buffeting that it's unbearable. These two things together takes away ability of touring. Aftermarket is also not strong for this. Plus the design of bike makes it hard to do conventional windscreens. Outside those two things, it's a really great bike. It's so much fun, and it makes you to want to have fun. It makes you to ride aggressively.
How wrong can one be? Can you review a bike without riding it? Can you make wrong claims without correcting them? Going through CZcams reviews on this bike, you are pretty much alone with your opinion here. Riding the bike pretty much contradicts all negativity you express in your video. Handling is hard to find better in ANY other bike with dual purposes. This bike outperforms all other real adventure bikes on tarmac while bettering most on dirt. This bike have participatet rather succesfull in official dirt races competing against 130-150kg true competition dirt bikes. The fuel consumption in reality is always beyond 20km/l (47mpg). I could go on and on correcting this long and tirering and misinforming video. But who'd read it? Go try it yourselves. You will see.
The torque at your rear wheel is selected with your gear box. Don't believe me? Put the bike in first, let out the clutch. Bike putters away from stop practically at idle rpm. Now, put bike in 6th gear and repeat. Your bike died huh? Where did that "torque" go? In rotational machines, power = torque * rpm. Think of it as your engine burns fuel at some rate creating power. It creates power at every rpm and it's always power. Your gear box converts that power to some ratio of torque and rpm. Same way as if you eat your Wheaties, you have power. Even w/ all you muscles, no one calls you "torquey." Now you need to break a bolt free, but can't do it with the small wrench. So you grab the longer wrench and it comes free easily. Did you gain power by the force of the long wrench? Not exactly. You traded more torque for less rpm. Think if you had to turn the handle of the longer wrench with a force fighting you back around an entire revolution. Where you and the short wrench stall, the long wrench gives you the leverage, but it will take you longer to go around the circle than it would if you could do it with the short wrench. So, say Peak Power = 10. You could get that with 1 unit of tq at 10 rpm, or 2 units of tq @ 5 rpm, or 5 units of tq @ 2 rpm, and so on. You gear selection picks this ratio for you. Your engine does not make torque for a while then switch to horsiepowers. This is the most misunderstood thing perpetuated by gear heads.
You are right, plus this beauty, has more torque than one will ever need, as I can tell from 500h offroad experience with it. In fact you can hardly handle it without the electronics....
@@Birdfeeder795 Not true, she has been on all kinds of motorcycles, including almost every Ducati, it’s just a matter of getting used to it. Not many people go out on a new motorcycle the first time and go directly on to an insane enduro track, that’s why she struggled a bit with the brakes.
I wrote a long reply to this video just to delete it as found myself whining about your negative, long winded whining review. No bike is perfect but we should celebrate manufacturers that give it an honest go and think outside of the box.
Haaaaaa. So wrong. Sounds like the Ducati Stealer-ship ripped you a new one. First service with accessories turn on caused you to cough or shit your riding pants, then you complained. Now, you have been excommunicated, they forgot your name and will not return your calls and texts. So you trash the great bike, that you researched, studied, compared, then bought the best bike for the money. Now you’re stuck, you’re pissed off. Haaaaaa. It’s a Ducati so all you have to do is….$$$$$$. Then everybody will be happy and finally you will be too.
Something similar happened to me so I took my bike to another Ducati dealer now the first dealership wants me back bad because they know I’m gonna buy another one.
So it's a chopper dressed up in desert gear. Nice try Ducati but you have achieved almost the impossible by making something that is worse in technical terrain than a Pan America. Like Harley-Davidson stick with what you know and are good at.
My honest review of this review:
Confusing to false.
100%!
I agree. I couldn’t figure out what the hell he was saying. Is it good or bad?
This is a super theoretical review. A lot of stats and specs, but Not much mention of the actual feel of the bike.
You’re like the only person I’ve heard who has said the Desert X doesn’t turn 🤷🏼♂
Mate great video, The DDX is not for everyone. I came off a R1250 with its numb front end and grandad power. The DDX has impressed me from the start and was easy for me to get acclimated too. I have no problems with weight and turn in, it is not as twitchy as a KTM. It is a do it all, I ride mine in some of the hardest situations, and not to Starbucks. I do get that less than 10% will ride this lovely machine off road. However, I love my DDX and ride it like it needs to be ridden. The OEM crash protection is made by Touratech BTW. I must say keep up the awesome videos.
100%, beside my DX I also own the KTM 890 Rally. The video was entertaining to watch but I could not disagree more with the maker. Now I have added the Tractive suspension to mine so my DX is robust to say the least. I also own a Beta 390 and yes, the DX is a heavy machine like all adventure bikes but it is amazing off road, stable, less twitchy as you say, and tons of torque. Where the maker gets the idea that the DX does not have torque is beyond me. When you reduce the HP to 75HP in enduro mode it increases torque. Virtually everything this guys says is just not accurate. The DX is THE best handling adventure bike on road, equal to and better in some areas that my 890 rally off road. I just sold my 2021 GS so I have compared extensively. In fact, I sold my GS because my DX is simply better at everything. The ONLY thing I agree with is the hassle of changing the air filter. For those interested in a DX this video is so off the mark it is crazy. The DX is also unbelievably well balanced and easy to move in tight tracks. Lastly, find a vid where people are actually riding and pushing the DX.....he obviously has a beef with Ducati.
I love my desertx on road its awsome and off road with the knobbies its a blast. I disagree with alot of this review. Its not perfect but is a very capable bike.
It’s not perfect because it’s not a dirt bike it’s versatile machine and I love it
what about the buffeting on road? How did you solve that? For me it's unbearable (i'm 183cm/6feet).
I really tried to give him credit, but a longer wheel base has been amazing. lol. This bike is not for tight wood trails. But I wouldn’t ride any of the ADV bikes in those situations for my comfort levels.
For a 21in tire. It turns tight. lol.
@PovilasPanavas it's not a problem for me 5,10. You can get longer windshields
I’ve been watching bike reviews for years and this channel is next level. Couldn’t hit subscribe fast enough 😂
Did you put it in urban mode when you rode it in the city?? Something tells me you didn't because it's actually very easy to ride in the proper mode.
Exactly. Super smooth, no issues in Bangkok traffic which is super stop and go and lots of slow riding.
Throw numbers out the window. The Desert X is absolutely wonderful on and off road. Some people can’t stand that great bikes don’t fit the mold of what they are used too. The Diavel I had is still the best “cruiser” I’ve ever owned and it’s not even close. So many reviewers couldn’t stand the Diavel because they couldn’t put it into a category.
Most people buying the Desert X aren’t traversing Africa. Ducati has made a really good off road bike that still kicks ass on the street.
Nope, it's too long and too lazy for narrow trails.
Amazing review. What writes the bike off for me is having to take half the bike apart to clean or replace the air filter, that is just insane on a bike with a name like Desert x, in my considerable experience of desert riding it requires a air filter clean every single day. Of course you wouldn't be riding it in sand all the time when using it off-road but any off-roading requires constant air filter maintenance.
DO NOT let this dude spin you off of the DX, it is absolutely the best adventure bike out there. I have owned or currently own them all. This guy is full of sh%t!
I got A LOT of helmet buffeting with the OEM windscreen. Took it off and am much happier. 5'10" Scorpion EXO-AT 960 and Arai Corsair X helmets.
Yes the stock wind screen sucks.
Sorry to say bro, but this is a monster pile of excellent theoretical crap. I've been riding MX and enduro bikes for 30+ years and the Desert X is simply the most capable adventure bike I have ever owned. Plus it is a real mean machine on-road 😜 Mind-blowing.
As you quite obviously are one of these honest experts, who use four fingers on the clutch 😅: Watch the verdict of some handsome and most trusted dirt buddies at 20:10 czcams.com/video/iDtu6J6g718/video.html
Wheelbase too long 🤣🤣🤣
Yep, everything you said is 100%....this guy has no business reviewing any bike because he can't ride. The DX is the best I have ever ridden.
Great review , very detailed , actually too much details ,, but the efforts you put in this review is amazing. On the other hand , I believe that there are so many riders who loved the bike and the quality of it ,, they can't all be wrong and you are only right ,, it the same like the example you made for the wheel base with all other manufacturers,, I think each bike has its characteristics data and there is no perfect bike ( except the GS) :-)
Anyway, it's a great review where we learned new things . Thank you
This is an insanelly good review ... Thank you for bringing this over! Wish your channel gets the traction to reflect the quality of your content! 🎉❤
But its not an enduro bike. Why are you trying to compare
I never noticed the DX fork trail until this video.
Please review the T7
So i somehow stumbled on this video again. Iv since road the desertx in utah desert and in the mountains a few times as well some offroad in the east usa. Not just some dirt roads . This thing rips . I had no trouble whats so ever . Other then a gnarly rock garden .
I do not understand, what your talking about… The Desert X is the most agile and precise bike I ever owned - on and offroad! Needs a little more revs then the Africa twin 1100 I owned before but offers a much better standing geometry and is fast as hell
"Agile and precise" - It's not magic, it's a complex of different parameters. It just about your owned motorcycles. Africa Twin - jelly, it's not an indicator.
@@adv-moto Nevertheless your theoretical considerations don’t meet my personal experience. Guckst du Ryan F9 ;-)
- There are many Windshields for this bike. Huge ones, small ones. Puig, wrs, etc etc etc. I dont see the reasoning for the complaint.
- To claim the engine torque powerband curve and gearing as a negative compared to the competition, is really far fetched. Its like comparing two similar performing engines in a percentage bar graph that starts at 95% up to 100%, and then claiming "look how huge the gap is between 96 and 98. Unusable engine!".
Also, the Enduro drive mode for the dirt and urban for cities changes the fueling and power delivery. This complain makes sense if you use sport for everything.
- Making the best Asphalt performing ADV bike in the market into a negative, by complaining it does not turn as fast as a small wheeled yamaha tracer 9. Whats the reasoning here?
- The Luggage complaints.... it does not have racks from factory, but every accessory is available for purchasing, for those who will use this TRAIL bike as an adv cruiser. You are given the option to use the bike as you wish. Can't see the reasoning for making this a negative.
- Weight complaint. Finding ways to disqualify the factory crash bar as " poor" and choosing heavy aftermarket ones to bring the bike weight closer to the KTM. Charly Sinewan factory's crash bar was hit full force by a car at speed, and it only left a few scratches on the bars. The car front was wrecked. Not poor or weak at all.
- Telling us we have to ride with a fuel bag because 350km is not the 400 of the KTM, to bring the weight up higher to justify the debate that it weighs the same as the ktm.
- There is more to how a bike handles and turns than the trail degree number suggests on a paper. That is what the "other blind professional journalists" found and complimented. They aren't wrong just because some people cannot look past the trail number on the sheet. So the reasonable argument becomes this one: Did the bike lost as much as one would expect by looking at Ducati trail decision on paper? No. It became the best of two worlds, hence the rave positive reviews it gets from the press and seasoned riders, who are ditching their previous adv bikes for this one.
I couldn't agree more. Very happy to read your precise comments. As I'm not English spoken, I couldn't have pointed it out that way.
Best luggage for DX from MOSKO Moto IMO
Sorry, but the majority of your complaints seems overrated. And the positives, underrated. Without knowing what kind of bike you personlly have I would bet my right arm, its a Toureg or a KTM. And maybe, just maybe, you are a bit jealous of the guys who has a DX. Sorry but it shines thru. Other than that, excellent photographing and good review sequence👍
“You can try to open the throttle and use the clutch to control torque…but no one rides like that”
Yes, we do.
I am so glad I came across your review, I live in Ireland , but intend to move to Spain in a couple of years , I was looking at the x but I may look elsewhere.
I’m moving to the south of France from the US in a couple of weeks. Been wanting the ATAS but something tells me I’ll get bored of it. I like riding fast dirt roads like you mentioned, where this bike excels. I used to ride enduro but I’m over the technical slow stuff. I do not want to do that again now that I’m in my 30s. I understand what you said, but it makes me want it even more! Thanks for the review, negatives and all.
Of course, I used all modes. Fuel maps didn't change the geometry of the engine. :)
Wow, that is a deep dive! Great job!
Great review and awesome views you have youre vids are one of the best on youtube keep up the god work
Its a great looking thing. Looks like it may be a bit top heavy, especially with a full tank. Genuine off road riders have criticised the silly air filter arrangement and something about the wheel nut torque settings. Could also be pricey to own and run. Still, if you live in an urban sprawl, can afford it and can touch the ground, why not?
would love to see you review the norden 901 expedition
Great review. I got the Ducati Supersport with the same engine as the Desert X. I cannot understand why Ducati put that engine in an offroad bike. The engine is great on the open roads but riding slowly is actually something this engine struggles with. Chugging a lot below 3000 rpm will make riding technical trails problematic.
Honestly this review is sort of ridiculous. The stability part is what makes this bike really unique. It will handle sand better than anything in the class because of this. And a 21 x 18 makes a huge difference offroad for any rider of any skill. The 890 feels tiny compared to this bike. And not it a good way. I feel like the X is much more like the Aprilia or a KTM 1190 or 1290 for standing or sitting. To me the 890 R puts everything is sort of a weird position for standing. At least in stock form. And I am only like 5'9". For a lot of stand up riding the X is almost perfect body position. Ducati made this to be a rally type bike. And with that comes compromises that are not ideal for beginner riders. I am actually really tired of manufactures making compromises for beginners. This is why I think the Chinese will make the first big twin Unicorn ADV bike that is in the mid 400lb range. Much like the Kove 450. They will out KTM KTM. These are the bikes experienced riders have been asking for. Nothing since the KTM 640 adventure has been available since 2007. And whoever makes it will sell a lot of motorcycles. Right now we have a lot of big heavy bikes that have too many electronics and not enough suspension or fuel. Top that with mild mannered engines and you just do not have the best bikes for offroad. What kills me about the X is the metal fuel tank. WTH. Ducati superbikes have plastic tanks. Why would a dirtbike have a metal tank?
I really appreciate this perspective. Right now I'm debating replacing my Africa Twin with a DesertX. I'm fairly new to off-road, definitely not a Rally racer. I'll do a lot of street during the day and then fire roads and BCDR trails when I can. I took a DesertX on a long demo ride and thought it was much more comfortable than the AT and the windscreen was perfect; no noise or buffeting, unlike the AT. I need to do some real thinking about what sort of off-roading I'll be doing and whether this fits. The other main contender is one of the Husky/KTM/Gas Gas 701/690/700. Those are definitely more off-road, so I couldn't take them on long freeway rides. Hmmm
The desert ask, is a great bike you won’t regret it. Obviously not as twitchy as a KTM but very stable. Easier to ride in a bigger bike, and it handles like a large dirtbike.
@@mason6315fully agree. The Enduro Mode makes it really easy also for beginners.
Better check out some more Desert X reviews from riders who have longer experience with it. To me - after a lot of different bikes - this is a dream and I will never give it away again.
I made the switch and regret it. I have owned many Ducatis and replaced both my Multistrada and Africa Twin with the Desert-X. The build quality and reliablility have been sub par. Warranty issues and a failed rear wheel ( no warranty and very expensive). Keep your Africa Twin and upgrade the suspension IMO.
Great video! Just subscribed!
I have to disagree with sooo much of what you 'think' you know about DDX ownership. This is my #4 Duck and my favourite so far 👌
I see you are near Alicante. Would you mind sharing the track? The off-road part looks great, thanks
Hola, me queda claro que no te gusto la Desert x, pero no entiendo tanto prtotagonismo de la Ktm
Definetly the best DesertX review in CZcams. Just top notch, this is a great masterpiece review.
While it is detailed and might be true, however is it based on math and some else’s riding . Or you actually have or had the bike. Can you show it in particular instances
I’ve done tail of the dragon and Smokey 500 and part of Smokey’s 1000 and that’s mix of dirt and tarmac twisty haven. And she’s superb.
Very well worthwhile listening. I already walked into the trap of the MS 1200 Enduro. Won't do that again. King of the road on the tarmac. A wash out on the pebbles and stones and sand.
Its all about the rider not the bike ...this is rally bike not trail bike...
It's not meant for hard-enduro but it still does very well in harsh terrain I can tell you😎
I am not a Ducati fan, I love all the adv bikes but I own a DDX.
I own a ddx because the t7 felt to tall, hated the Africa Twin dct, did not trust the Aprilia engine, no Tiger 900 to test, no 901 to test and Not buying another booring V-strom ever (loved my 650 vstrom xt becauae the reliability).
Don't really agree with you, this bike handles like a sports bike on the road and it feels good on trails.
It's not perfect and can be improved (as any bik can) and I know the KTM is better on trails.
Think any one can agree that usually the standard suspension usually suck, except for KTM and the Touareg now.
I enjoyed testing the DDX more than the Touareg660 (originally wanted to get the Touareg).
The desert x is not the only one that has the air filter under the tank, my V-strom also had it under the tank and I did not complain (and there are a lot more plastics to dismantle).
Again, the DDX is not the best and can be improved, but I feel you do a lot of complaining but the only thing I agree is that it's a thirsty bike so when I want to ride slow and take in the sights I switch to 70hp and consumption goes down.
As for the quick shifter felt better than the on on 901 and the build quality beats most of the other bikes.
Talked with some mechanics about the heat and it's not a necessarily a Ducati issue, it also has to do with pollution norms, the 901 got hot a bit harder but it retained the blheat more because of the tanks, on the DDX it dissipated realy fast when moving.
With all that being said, I would buy them all if I could afford.
As for riding them hard look at Nick the Slick.
Enjoy your bikes, be proud of them and ride safe people!
The 1090 is the off road weapon
Thanks for the review, be right back, gonna go place my order cuz it’s cool…
Seriously, took you 41 min and 15 sec to realize that the Ducati isn’t trying to be the best, it’s trying to be the coolest… and it is. Bla bla bla specs this and specs that. My friend has had all the KTMs. The 690, 790, 890r, 1290R and only with the 1290 has he not complained about high speed capability. Ducati has finally made a motorcycle that rookies can take off road and feel comfortable with. I had a 1987 Honda Transalp and part of what made those bikes amazing was exactly the longer wheelbase and trail. They’re so stable. Yes they won’t crawl rocks well but who does that on a liter bike? Get a 350 enduro bike for that. Either you ride to your destination and then also go off road - which is what adventure bikes are about - or you might as well throw your 350 enduro bike on the back of your mobile home and drive the mobile home to the destination and then have fun in the rocks! Would be interesting to hear your opinion on the new upgraded suspension on the DesertX Rally version.
I don't find that my range is that good on the Tuareg. It's much closer to the DX, really.
Excelentes reviews. Si me permites te hago una consulta en español. Qué moto crees que puede ser equivalente a la polivalencia y calidad de la Tuareg 660, pero para un uso exclusivamente asfáltico y viajero? Y qué te parece la Huqsvarna Norden 901 Expedition? Gracias.
If you don't have off-road priority, the Norden 901 is not what you need. It is not super comfortable on roads. There are many bikes for this price that are better for asphalt.
Yamaha Tracer 9 is a lot of fun and quite comfortable, but it's not ideal for tall people, and it's not suitable for bad pavement.
Tiger 900 GT Pro - if you need more versatility. The suspension is great for both twisty roads and moderate off-road.
In fact, for the price of the Norden 901, there are quite a few good asphalt-oriented touring bikes.
@@adv-moto ok, thanks. I'm 1.84 m tall and normally road bikes do small that's why I look at the trail ones.
DesertX seat is not good at all. It has a potential to be comfortable, but it's too short and too narrow. Windscreen is pathetic, the worst in any 900cc adventure bike. It creates so much buffeting that it's unbearable. These two things together takes away ability of touring. Aftermarket is also not strong for this. Plus the design of bike makes it hard to do conventional windscreens.
Outside those two things, it's a really great bike. It's so much fun, and it makes you to want to have fun. It makes you to ride aggressively.
How wrong can one be?
Can you review a bike without riding it?
Can you make wrong claims without correcting them?
Going through CZcams reviews on this bike, you are pretty much alone with your opinion here.
Riding the bike pretty much contradicts all negativity you express in your video.
Handling is hard to find better in ANY other bike with dual purposes.
This bike outperforms all other real adventure bikes on tarmac while bettering most on dirt.
This bike have participatet rather succesfull in official dirt races competing against 130-150kg true competition dirt bikes.
The fuel consumption in reality is always beyond 20km/l (47mpg).
I could go on and on correcting this long and tirering and misinforming video.
But who'd read it?
Go try it yourselves.
You will see.
Why spray paint an X on the ground? Really?
The torque at your rear wheel is selected with your gear box. Don't believe me? Put the bike in first, let out the clutch. Bike putters away from stop practically at idle rpm. Now, put bike in 6th gear and repeat. Your bike died huh? Where did that "torque" go?
In rotational machines, power = torque * rpm. Think of it as your engine burns fuel at some rate creating power. It creates power at every rpm and it's always power. Your gear box converts that power to some ratio of torque and rpm. Same way as if you eat your Wheaties, you have power. Even w/ all you muscles, no one calls you "torquey." Now you need to break a bolt free, but can't do it with the small wrench. So you grab the longer wrench and it comes free easily.
Did you gain power by the force of the long wrench?
Not exactly. You traded more torque for less rpm. Think if you had to turn the handle of the longer wrench with a force fighting you back around an entire revolution. Where you and the short wrench stall, the long wrench gives you the leverage, but it will take you longer to go around the circle than it would if you could do it with the short wrench.
So, say Peak Power = 10. You could get that with 1 unit of tq at 10 rpm, or 2 units of tq @ 5 rpm, or 5 units of tq @ 2 rpm, and so on. You gear selection picks this ratio for you.
Your engine does not make torque for a while then switch to horsiepowers. This is the most misunderstood thing perpetuated by gear heads.
You are right, plus this beauty, has more torque than one will ever need, as I can tell from 500h offroad experience with it. In fact you can hardly handle it without the electronics....
Because you steer it with the back wheel….sideways braaaaap
Itchy boots rides a DesertX through Spain now, she doesn't like the brakes!
Most Ducatis have a specific brakes. You just need to get used to it.
Itchy boots isn’t used to really good brakes.
@@Birdfeeder795 Not true, she has been on all kinds of motorcycles, including almost every Ducati, it’s just a matter of getting used to it. Not many people go out on a new motorcycle the first time and go directly on to an insane enduro track, that’s why she struggled a bit with the brakes.
@@obud3777 Name another adventure bike that come with superbike brakes.
Itchy uses 4 fingers on the brakes, no kiddin' 😅 I use 2 onroad or 1 offroad when standing.
This is a high speed on/offroad bike. If you want to ride trails all day long then this is not the bike.
Yes, but a few people buy Ducati for high-speed off-road use. What I'm trying to explain is that this is a good bike, but not for everyone.
Let me guess? You hate it.
😊👍🙏
I wrote a long reply to this video just to delete it as found myself whining about your negative, long winded whining review. No bike is perfect but we should celebrate manufacturers that give it an honest go and think outside of the box.
Clearly you've never ridden one.
Does this bike have sharp geometry
Does this bike have no dips in dynamics?
Make africa twin
I'm waiting for some significant update from Honda. Now the Africa Twin or 850 GS... - like the motorcycles of the past gen.
@@adv-motoso what best 18-21 wheel adv 🤔
BMW R1200 really handles better than Dx anywhere NO sorry not so, l sold the big old BMW 1200 to heavy to big, no we’re near a Dx duck
Haaaaaa. So wrong. Sounds like the Ducati Stealer-ship ripped you a new one. First service with accessories turn on caused you to cough or shit your riding pants, then you complained. Now, you have been excommunicated, they forgot your name and will not return your calls and texts. So you trash the great bike, that you researched, studied, compared, then bought the best bike for the money. Now you’re stuck, you’re pissed off. Haaaaaa. It’s a Ducati so all you have to do is….$$$$$$. Then everybody will be happy and finally you will be too.
What? 😂
Something similar happened to me so I took my bike to another Ducati dealer now the first dealership wants me back bad because they know I’m gonna buy another one.
So it's a chopper dressed up in desert gear. Nice try Ducati but you have achieved almost the impossible by making something that is worse in technical terrain than a Pan America. Like Harley-Davidson stick with what you know and are good at.