2026 Ducati DesertX specs, details and features
The same engine that’s housed by the new Monster V2, four levels of Cornering ABS, and six riding modes only tell half the story of what the new Ducati DesertX can offer.
Ducati has revealed its all-new, second-generation DesertX, which is set to land in the UK with a special launch price of £14,995.
The new DesertX was first previewed at the 2025 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, last November. But after months of anticipation, the wait is now over, with the bike set to arrive in European dealerships in April. The above-mentioned UK launch price is available on orders made before 30 June.
At the heart of the 2026 DesertX is the same 890cc V-twin engine that’s housed by the new Monster V2. It produces 110 hp (108.4 bhp) at 9,000rpm and a maximum of 92 Nm (67.8 Ib-ft) of torque at 7,000rpm.
You might like to read our 2026 Ducati Monster V2 review.
Ducati says “the second generation of DesertX is the result of extensive feedback and experience gained over years of development and competition on the most challenging terrain, including the Erzbergrodeo, the Rally of Albania, the Transanatolia and the 1,500 kilometres of desert in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally.”
Arriving with a Matt Star White Silk colourway, the new DesertX benefits from Ducati’s quickshifter 2.0 system which is standard, while also gaining four levels of Cornering ABS.
Levels 1 and 2 are designed specifically for off-road use, says Ducati, with level 1 dedicated to “faster riders and level 2 allowing less experienced riders to become familiar with typical off-road manoeuvres”. Meanwhile, levels 3 and 4 are tailored towards riding on the road. The ABS can be disabled for off-road use, but only in Enduro and Rally riding modes.
That brings us on onto the different riding modes that are available, of which there are six. The Enduro and Rally options are joined by Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet modes.
All information is displayed on a new 5-inch TFT dashboard, while three display modes allow for automatic switching from day to night. These three modes are Road, Road Pro and Rally.
As well as Cornering ABS, the new DesertX features Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC). Each of these can be adjusted to multiple levels of intervention.
The 2026 DesertX also features a new 18-litre polymer fuel tank that is slimmer and lighter, which adds to its overall wet weight of 209 kg (that’s without fuel onboard).
The bike’s monocoque frame has been designed purely for the DesertX, and acts as an airbox. Ducati claims the “new position of the airbox also offers better access to the air filter”.
Stopping power is taken care of via Brembo, with M4.32 monobloc calipers working together with new 305mm discs up front. KYB handles suspension duties with fully adjustable 46mm front forks, which offer 230mm of travel. At the rear is a monoshock that is also fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment, and 220mm of rear wheel travel.
The bike rolls on Pirelli Scorpion Rally Street tyres, which surround a 21-inch wheel at the front, and an 18-inch at the rear.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
