Ducati DesertX 2023 best review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
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In this episode Paul and I review the new Ducati DesertX, we talk about it's faults as well as how it stands out above it's competition like the KTM 890, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally & Yamaha Tenere 700
To train with us check us out at www.BretTkacs.com
This is your best video yet! And I've watched them all, so that's a big word! :)
I 'v been riding this beauty for a year now off road on technical, muddy, chalky, sandy lanes. Its overall an amazing bike to ride. The issues I have are: if you ride ruts and drop it, you are likely to bend the foot brake as its too wide or even bend the gear shifter, which may stick to the side of the bike and wont shift. Also, the front fender is too short at the back side as mentioned and fills up the radiator with mud in the middle that will make the bike overheat and go from 75-85C to 100-120C if left unattended. The quick shifters often loses upshifts too and if you try to break on a really slippery surface the front brake ABS engages too soon and the bike keeps sliding forward, which makes it unsafe. What is more, both the normal and off road handlebar guards are all show but no go. They move out of position easily and you can end up snapping your hand brake or clutch lever or even braking up a small part in the base of the clutch, which is a 3 hour fix for Ducati and will cost you a small fortune. For an off - roader this amazing italian bike is by no means the german tank the GS is. Having said that, the more you ride it the more you fall for it as it can really adapt to your skills through its various setting options once you get the hang of them.
GS is boring compared
These two guys, you get me every time with the obvious friendship and fun you have together. Keep on riding brothers!
One of the guys I ride with sometimes bought this bike. He grew up racing bikes on tracks and he thinks this bike is perfect for him. Sporty enough to keep him interested on the street, and also fun enough offroad.
Thank you that’s so helpful 🫡
I was the first one to get one in San Diego, and I absolutely love it! I use it more like a dirt bike/enduro than a typical ADV. Such a capable bike!
Padu your videos are good!
Haha I was just browsing looking at bikes and saw your comment! Hope SOS is going well!
Great overview. The outtakes were at very least just as good as the actual bike content.
yeah great sense of humour!
Agree with the comment on handle protectors. I broke the original, then the offroad, then finally installed a barkbuster - then I had no problems anymore.
Keep adding in the outtakes, OMG they are great!
The white tank washes really well. I told myself that I would wrap it once the paint became bad, but after 9 months of heavy use, it still looks good.
I would buy this bike in a blink if I had a Ducati dealer within 500 miles of me. Sadly I don't. Learning to love my GSA instead. 😎
Love your channel and fun to see Paul in the mix.
I own a DX. Have also owned 1200gs’s and multiple KTMs. The desert x feels like a refined, lighter , more sophisticated 990. It wants you to stand on the pegs and ride it hard. It’s also a tremendous street bike for having a 21 inch front wheel, but like Bret said, it’s noisy, so it wouldn’t be my choice over a GS for long hauls on highway. I pushed mine all over moab in April and it performed awesome.
I want one but at the price point I’d rather buy a 1290
Ktm
@xbobby you're talking two entirely different spectrums of the adventure bike realm. For one you're comparing price points to two completely different bikes geared to do to entirely different things and a couple of the same things....
I just missed you out there , I was ther at the end of May! Going back next year. They just closed a large section west of moab unfortunately. Damn blm
I rented one for a day (town and mountain roads only) and found it was a nice bike easy and light, and i loved it's looks . however i found that it wasn't really happy at low revs , and also found that the engine was producing a surprising amount of heat . Here in Ireland it is also one of the most expensive mid sized trail bikes . I bought a Yamaha Tenere world raid instead.
I can get a 2022 dealer demo here for about 2k less than the World Raid. T700 probably less expensive in the long run I expect but the Ducati does give me the horn 😀
You made a mistake )
Those outtakes are the funniest things I've seen all week. Do more!
It's a beauty. The 18k maintenance on this engine has been since 2013 (821) - not bad. The thing about windshields - I'm thinking wind noise is more tiring than wind hitting your body. My naked is less tiring to ride than my semi adv with a windshield. Screens seem to funnel the wind into ahighspeed jets, or set up resonances. On a naked it is undisturbed air.
The intro alone deserves thumbs up
You have no idea how much I needed to see those outtakes ❤❤
I love mine so far. Definitely a keeper.
I got one and I’m very happy with it. I would say the fork protection is mandatory after 2 leaks. I bought it for offroad (coming from a GSA that I still love) but damn is this bike fun on road even with off-road tyres (I use Bridgestone AX41)
it has to be fun power to weight ratio is one of the best on the market second to be exact the only one that's better is the 890 Duke. but esthetically the Ducati just looks way better and it has much more including wind protection etc... congrats i will eventually get this bike myself.
I’ve also got this and a GSA..good bike combo honestly!
I also had leaks
Which protector are you using ? Thx
@@DRFOX55 Muller motor
I have owned a DesertX since August and agree with all of your observations. I don’t have the skills to ride it “stupid” but it has been the perfect upgrade from my 2012 R1200GS. More capable off-road and more sporty on the pavement. The motor is lively and overall it feels similar to the 2004 KTM 950 that started my adventure riding experience. Surprised you didn’t mention the air box access issue that everyone is whining about - not optimal but “well protected”😊
Paul brought it up but because we didn't access it first hand I wasn't ok talking about it. I often find I don't agree with common information that gets passed around.
@@BretTkacs I wish you had accessed it though and given your thoughts about doing so.
@@BretTkacs That's a pretty reasonable stance to take; although you did get into the nitty gritty of the side-stand discussions which was enlightening. I've a heavy Guzzi NTX that I've got to wondering how much weight it'll bear now that my mother at 76 years has garnered a taste for riding pillion. We've developed a pretty solid mounting technique with the stand down, akin to the swiftness with which your cap replaces your lid I might add! 😎
Being a casual observer of the current dualsport trend though and a fan of the Italians I noticed that the Australian TH-cam crew MADtv made a very big deal about the air filtering system with a chap with a prominent name (which escapes me) in Ducati's design team. He assured the presenters on that channel that considerations would be made for their concerns of accessibility and foams for the Ozzy dust. Just FYI.
Great content otherwise! 👏👍
I'm getting the "bulletins" done soonly. The kickstand, and rear flap for protecting the rear suspension. (one is too tall, the other isn't there.)
The local library 3D printed fork guards for a dollar a piece. 1000 miles on them so far.
I have the ducati rear cargo rack, and there is a perfect handle on it. I use it to lever the bike onto the side stand and pivot it 180 in the garage. It's easier to do than my klr250..
Have the same
It seems a little odd that you two did such a good job of reviewing the bike but also completely skipped past one of the largest issues for many of us. And that is access to clean and replace the air cleaner. Dust is a reality for many of us, especially those who ride with friends. I have a pre-filter on my Tiger and Filter skins for my KTM. On long multiday trips, keeping the air filter clear of dust and sand is just a mandatory bit of maintenance. Many of the other shortfalls can be addressed. Installing a smaller front sprocket will help with the low-speed torque and maneuvers. Nylon straps are a quick and easy fix to the lack of rear handles. The other solutions to address the shortfalls have been covered in the video. However, access to the air cleaner really limits the real-life functionality of this bike to the point of making it not competitive for off-road use.
Bret said they didn't talk about the air filter change because he didn't have to do it so he had no first hand knowledge. There is already a video out that goes into detail about replacing the air filter in about 20 minutes, FYI.
I bought a DDX based on riding this EXACT bike when Bret had it on loan from Ducati. The bike is absolutely awesome to ride and I was not going to let the air filter situation ruin it for me.
What Greg said... I don't report on hearsay 😁👍
@@BretTkacs TH-cam is full of bike reviews by reviewers who are too timid to offend the manufacturer and limit access to press bikes.
While I will always respect anyone who does not report on hearsay, there is also great value in directly addressing well-known and documented issues, either by doing the work to confirm the issue or doing the homework to learn how to mitigate the problem. For example, FortNine Rayn has a significant following and a top-rated review of this bike as he was very open and honest with the issues and then bought one with complete transparency of all the problems. Ian at Big Rock Moto also comes to mind as being as straightforward as possible to note any issue(s) a future owner would likely need to be aware of.
It's your channel, and you can do what you like. I have been a follower for many years as I have learned from your videos and enjoyed the fun production. However, why create videos that do not add value to the discussion and address the very issues that many potential owners would like to understand before dropping down their hard-earned cash?
Great point on the air filter...
The air filter is pretty well protected from dirty air, and there's a couple videos showing it's a 20 minute job.
No helmet to cap transition? C'mon Bret.
Best part? The outtakes on the end 😂
But the Desert X is high on my list to test out.
Fantastic review and the outtakes are amazing! Thanks guys
Great video! I have a Multistrada 950S and the DesertX is definitely a contender for next bike. It's just so cool!
Great! You two are too funny. I hope someone gives you a Tuareg 660 to test out.
I said it before, I say it again. You really need to try the Tuareg 660 :)
I second this!
Thanks guys for the great review, oh yes, love the out takes!
Hello Bret,
Did you try the Aprilia Tuareg?
Thanks :)
Love u guys! loved the outtakes. Hope to see you in Israel sometime...
I made 2500 kms road trip. And I learned that I need a new windshield and a new seat. The fork needs protection cause I had already two leaks.
It's a heavy bike and it's really hard to pick up. But I love it off-road. The enduro mode it's fun enough. I have not felt that I need to change it to rally mode yet.
And I thought I was gonna say goodbye to the twisties since I came from a R NineT. But let me tell you this bike loves the twisties. And I love the punch of the engine.
The cruise control it's easy to use. I just wish changing between modes was easier. I really need to focus on the buttons and the TFT to change riding modes. I find it so much easier in a GS.
I had installed the termignoni full system because the default sound was not enough for me.
It's a hot bike. But it's something you need to live with once you switch to Ducati. Since I ride with full gear protection I don't care too much about the temperature. Definitely not a city bike.
Nice overview
loooove it , from first to last couple of minutes, cheers V!
Nice overview, and the outtakes were great, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Now I know why the difficulty pick the thumbnail..hahah!!!!.....you guys are perfect....great stuff!!!!
Looking forward to testing this bike at the UK Adventure bike festival. A good review Bret. It’s certainly whet my appetite!
Outtakes… perhaps I’m getting old….!
I am hoping to attend the 2024 Adventure Bike Festival to offer some free talks/presentations
Now I feel like taking bretts class more for the good time than the training.
Looks like a solid contender. One thing I would have liked to hear about it is the air filter servicing, I've heard its a drag. Have a lot of dust already near me and its may, been swapping my filter every few rides.
Now that I have decided to buy one for myself I will include some DIY videos this winter
you're a magician that happens to love and make motorcycle videos
Putting the dad humor in the adv dad stereotype lol. Great video!
Steve Irwin reference 😂❤ Ducati has done a great job for a company that makes awesome sport bikes
Great job guys that was terrific!!
Any plans to review the Aprilia Tuareg 660 please?
T7
Although it's not turning wheel locked and a top heavy gig
3k rpm is enough to cruise or 3rd gear for everything.
Great review, and great outtakes.
The bloopers at the end cracked me up 😅 💀
I like this outtakes version of you. Lol. Good for a laugh or two. Oh, cool bike.
show us the seamless transition from helmet to your hat again please
Great review chaps…..when Ducati named it ‘Desert X’ do you think they had mud in mind….
nice details pointed.
Funny and cool review. I will be seeing the both of you at the end of June in CA, on my X 😛
We need reviews with Paul series
Wherte the hell is the center stand that was part of the Off road package. The recalled it and haven't brought it back yet.
Your opening music sounds like it’s from a 1980’s workspace safety VHS tape.
Always fun and informative 👍
One of the best reviews I’ve seen, the out takes we’re gold
Hopefully you can review a Tuareg soon Bret, its so good, like really good, its stupid how good the Tuareg is.
Handguards is a little of a weird topic I think. You could say this is not robust enough if you smack it down on some rocks. On the other hand, if you do have really sturdy ones, you might end up bending your handlebars. So I think with hand guard protection, it's a little more personal choice of what you want.
Great stand up comedian introduction of that bike guys…😂😄👍🏻🙌✌️ couldn’t stop laughing 👍🏻😂😂
What a time to buy an ADV.
A skid plate for your skid plate🤔
I compared the Aprilia Taureg 660 to this. I found the Aprilia was even easier to pick up, the seat height was perfect for me, the body positioning was better than any other m/c I've ridden (I'm 5'8") and the engine on the Aprilia has great low rpm performance. The Desert X does have more hp, but no one can put 100 hp to the ground in the dirt; even the pro riders who demo'ed it said so in their reviews and interviews. I bought the Aprilia. The $4000 USD I saved are for crash bars, skid plate and professional suspension tuning for my weight. That still leaves me $2000 left compared to buying the Desert X and leaving it stock and bare.
You can't put more than one bikes worth of power down at any given time but it doesn't stop us owning multiple bikes..
Dualsport means those hundred horses aren't reserved for dirt only; just dirt focused enough to not warrant a shaft drive.
The Desert X will always be the stormtrooper's choice, but with 'ride like you stole mode' it's even accessible for Ewoks.
@@CavalierNTX I know what dual sport means, for us in Arizona, dual sport means just legal enough to get from trail A to trail B. I pointed out, as other riders have said, you can't put down that much power into dirt. I did find the Aprilia power band more conducive to the task off road. Also, the longer wheel base of the Desert X will make it less nimble in the tight sections. Personally, I think the Scrambler Desert Sled would make a much better dual sport and light weight ADV bike. The Desert X is not a dual sport, it is and ADV and is a great alternative BMW and the MultiStrada for someone who doesn't want to spend $25000 USD, but as far as single track type trails, it will require a very gifted rider to handle it well in real off road (not gravel/ jeep trails) environments.
@@briangc1972 Yeah, just as I thought, you're not factoring in that not everyone who rides a dual sport wants to actually spend days in the mud.
Sometimes they want a tall gear with excessive horsepower so they don't have to listen to engine whine on the highway.
I get it, you don't wish to spend beyond your means, but that doesn't mean 100 horses are irrelevant for those WITH means. Just saying chief.. chill out.
@@CavalierNTX That was the funniest thing I read all day. I'm in the southwest desert in Arizona. We ride slow technical single track and high speed desert; we see mud maybe two times a year. Most of my m/c have a taller than stock ratio. "Spend beyond my means"? I just bought a 2023 Ducati SCRAMBLER Desert Sled and a 2022 Diavel 1260S since the first of this year........ I think I can afford both a MultiStrada AND a BMW GS.... if I wanted them; much less a Desert X. Never assume you know someone else's experience or financial situation; it makes you look foolish. BTW, I never said anything derogatory or disparaging about the Desert X. I just mentioned that I compared it to the Aprilia and thought the Aprilia was better suited for ME; not you.
Well maybe you should have started out by listing all your steeds first then 'short stuff'!? You know...so I didn't get all excited about your 'horsepower to the ground' fallacy. (as I saw it, foolish or otherwise- I've been called worse I'm sure.)
I'm a 6ft Brit, so I don't have a Napoleon complex although it does rain here rather a lot. Even as a jobless poorper though I wouldn't piss on a Diavel if it was on fire, and the less said about the Sled the better.. but that's just me. You cant buy class I guess ;)
I don't dislike the Aprilia at all (I own a Guzzi NTX for my sins), but up until the RS660, Piaggio group has been dropping the ball on quality control and there's a few electrical gremlins knocking around the forums. Maybe less of a problem in the desert granted...
Let's go Brandon! 👌
There's a spare 12v supply behind the screen for satnav etc, has my RR22 a couple months, you forgot to mention the rims get scratched up real easy when ridden off road lol
Very nice motorcycle. I have a Tenere 700 and I would be curious to compare them 😉
This made be go back to the times when the Duracell bunny won its first competition and became a rock drummer...
It's White & Xue for fluid dynamics.
Hmmm a two bike garage, I have an MT09SP, I think this would compliment it well!
The problem is the Ducati dealer network in the USA and I assume Canada revolves around major cities. Good luck if you break own in some place like Gillette, WY or Browning, MT.
A true concern
20 seconds in: You 2 are just something special...... ;)
Hey Paul, that's how I measure 8 inches too!
The video that made me re-subscribe. And not just because of the bike.
Amazing outtakes xD
Air Filter??? The elephant under the gas tank that the dealer needs to wash. Can't believe that was left our of this video, perhaps Ducati asked not to mention that?
what a great informative and funny video, very interesting
OMFG, best video so far!!! XD
So great it almost got me stabbed, for real. Couldn't contain bursts of laughter and woke up my pregnant wife who just finally fell asleep thru the minor contractions. Gotta go re-watch this outside while havin' a smoke, LMAO!
I'm not interested in this bike at all but it was an absolute blast to watch you! Please more!
Something you missed: Air filter access and the PIA it is to access. I believe you need to take the tank off to access it.
Same as the last gen KTM 1290, Tiger 1200, Africa Twin and many other bikes.... I don't see why Ducati is getting hammered for this when it's a common industry practice
What Bret said.
All the big ktm bikes from around 2014-2020 require tank removal to get to the air filter. The secret is to source an aftermarket solution, I chose Power Cell for my 1090r and if I run the pre filters I can go 5-8 k before having to clean the pod filters and that comes out to about once a year. I suspect someone will come up with something like that for this bike as well and besides,you might be surprised at how good you can get at it with repetition. My buddy rides a 2019 ATAS and it's no picnic either.
@@BretTkacs Not hammering it at all. Just stating that it is a PIA to remove a tank for an air filter (which it is on every bike like you mentioned) and also just something that was missed in the maintenance section of the video that may be important to someone.
You're the best .. love your review .. a friend of mine does own one of those .. but .. for offroad stuff He thinks this bike is way too heavy ... anyway it's a very good ride it works very well but i think He's going to replace it for something lighter .. Take care Bret and Paul .. Hi from Italy
It all depends on skills and the definition of "offroad"
Personally I found it one of the more capable ADV bikes for off-road.
@@BretTkacs Yessir .. you're highly skilled and i believe you.. am am beginner.. i travel around with my Vstrom 650xt with knobby tyres (routes: via del sale , colle dell'assietta , eroica , here in Italy)doing easy stuff.. but i find it heavy too.. or maybe it depends about the weight placement and the small travel that my suspension does have .. maybe because of that
Agree with Brett, this bike is a monster off road.
@@bikegiant1376 i did not used it yet .. 🙂 but i believe you Guys ..
I loved this episode
Hi! Please make a review about Aprilia Tuareg as well.
LOL, the best 60s ending ever
you didnt cover the self maintenance, heard its hard, even an oil change requires a visit
I just decided to buy one so I can do a long term on it.
How reliable is this engine ? Comparing to Honda ?
It's not, Honda is rated as #2 behind Yamaha.
Ducati is rated better than BMW but behind Triumph.
With that said the motor is a well proven motor with Ducati so only time will tell how it holds up in its new role.
So what is the quietest bike on the highway?
i rolled with a guy who had a brand new one of these still on the paper temp permit , he was awfully curious about my 901 esp the Tractive Extreme suspension ( side point but i went Tractive based on Brett Tkacs recommendation even bought from Ted Porter's Beemer shop as well and was very very happy with the service product and result even though thats more than id ever spent on aftermarket anything before and by a long shot ) i was praying he would want to ride it so i could throw a leg over that beautiful Duc but no such luck
I like that wrap design where do you get that?
What about the air filter issue??
Good Review
Cool looking bike, but it does exactly the same stuff as my 2017, 800GS. 👍
I own a 2016 F800GS... Very different bikes
Ghay intro had me laughing. 😁
Oh come on guys. Bikes don’t take naps. Just a moment I will be right back my Tiger wants another beer.
🤣
I would really appreciate a comparison video as to the differences between the Desert X and the Multistrada V4s and what they are best suited for. Maybe others would also benefit from a comparison video. I was considering the Multistrada V4s, but now I don't know which one would be better to get. What differences make getting the Multistrada V4s worth the difference in price.
Thanks for the reviews of both and confusing me as to which one to get. 🤣🤣🤣
I own a desertX and I did a tiny test ride of the v4. First thing I noticed was the suspension I found the V4 hard. But I wasn't able to play with it.
The desertX is really punchy... But V4 it's just another level I wouldn't ride it without traction control.
Since I do a lot of offroad. I wouldn't get the v4. But I'm pretty sure it has better wind protection and the seat it's more comfortable for road trips.
@@DavidDualSport Thanks for the feedback. I want to get all the info I can before spending the money on a Ducati!
I’ve owned a Multi V4S and now I own a Desert X. In my opinion, the choice between them depends entirely on what you want to ride. If you’re looking for a powerful touring machine that can go off road here and there, get the Mutli. It handles like a dream and it’s extremely comfortable. However, if you’re primarily looking to ride off-road while touring occasionally, get the DX. The DX is a phenomenal dirt bike and performs really well on the street. The Multi is phenomenal street bike that performs well on the dirt. Hope that helps!
@@bikegiant1376 Thank you. I was wondering about that.
Air cleaner and rear axle?
Paul is very funny. super video))
How ‘bout engine heat?
$28k out the door de including the essentials is stiff. Looks amazing though.
How much of a pain is the air filter to change? Super dusty in Australia.
Similar to the KTM 1290,,Africa Twin or Tiger 1200...
Not easy but not exceptionally difficult
You two dumbasses are a riot 😂 Love the outtakes!
You rode it gently...hmmm...why do I just doubt that? Anyways, great review.
Is there a Patreon tier where Paul has to stick with his Aussie accent for the whole video?
Why ignore filter cleaning?
Because we didn't do it first hand and don't want to report on hearsay. I hear it is 20-40min but I haven't done it to verify
Bret, do you prefer this Desert X to the old bmw k25 r1200gs?
Entirely different types of bikes