Desert X Rally, is that you? Latest news Ducati spied on!

Doubts have been around for some time, but this road-proven Ducati prototype seems to confirm it: among the new products coming from Bologna, there could be a more off-road version of the DesertX. Let’s try to understand more

September 15, 2023

theThese days, there is already a lot of movement around Borgo Panigale. After seeing the stolen images of the new single-cylinder Hypermotard and then making hypotheses about the model’s characteristics, we return to the realm of hypothesis (but not too much) with some shots circulating on social media. they are who They film a camouflaged DesertX in action And with some different details compared to the bike we know and on the market. This is enough to make us skeptical The imminent arrival of the “rally” setting.assuming it is actually called this way or this is already this setting.

There will be a DesertX Rally

to However, there is record documentation to support the hypothesis becauseThe DesertX Rally comes under the same certification that already includes the DesertX As standard and DesertX DP (Ducati Performance). As our colleagues in Bicycle world, the name appears in California Air Resources Board (CARB) documents for models that exceed California’s stricter emissions standards. From the documentation, among other things, it can be seen that the engine does not change and is always the 937 cc Testastretta 11° already common in the Hypermotard 950, Monster and Supersport 950 and also obviously in the DesertX.

DesertX Rally used by Méo — DesertX pool used by Méo

What are the differences?

toOther information that we can get from the same documents is that the weight will not even change. So what distinguishes it from the standard version? Before these pictures appeared on social media, we were not able to answer, but now we can guess something. First of all, two elements stand out: High mudguard Of enduro, so much so that it seems more aftermarket than something new and definitive, and Side shelves for bags With unloading barrier. However, upon closer inspection, one notices this as well The tank shapes are a little different They inspire greater power; Or maybe, it’s just a black plastic joke? the Rear subframebolted as is appropriate on racing motorcycles, and this is already in the standard version, in red while the fork has Bronze colored sheaths Instead of black. It immediately reminds us of a motorcycle Antoine Meo It led to victory at the Erzberg Rodeo. Changes to his bike included a larger 48mm diameter Kayaba fork, compared to the standard 46mm fork, and a new shock, with longer travel. Then there were narrower wheels – 21 inches up front, 18 inches at the rear with Metzeler Six Days Extreme tires – and a more aggressive skid plate for the engine as well as a Termignoni exhaust. What was also eye-catching was the special color of the Mio bike created directly by the Ducati Style Center… Who knows, maybe rallying won’t be quite like that.

And Will the DesertX Rally be the first new feature Ducati reveals in upcoming launch videos? The next appointment is scheduled for September 19, so the wait won’t be long. The next period will be October 3 and 19, and November 2 and 7.