The Desert X is a dream adventure bike... | Ducati Desert X Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2023
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Clips Used | This video also features some clips from other videos. Thanks to Isaac Johnston, Honda UK and Eurosport for the use of their clips to tell my story.
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Ducati. I have an interesting relationship with Ducati. I loved the Multi Enduro. It was big, but it was fun. It was flawed but fun.
Outside of that however, I've not been too jazzed on their street bikes. They often felt quirky, awkward to ride and required you to be in charge. They required input.
The Ducati Desert X is not like that. It doesn't ask much of you. It's solid, steady, quick, exciting. it feels reliable, consistent and easy to live with. It still has some quirks but it is right there with the competitors. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![จังหวะนี้ - เม้ก อภิสิทธิ์ [ Official MV ] จอนนี่มิวสิค](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4gQRZCkRyiU/mqdefault.jpg)
I love my 2023 desert x RR22, this review is spot on, wind buffeting and wind noise is annoying, the suspension if you a bigger rider is soft,air filter swap is about 25 mins the first time you do it, the stock seat after about 4-5 hours is a monkey butt maker, fit a terminogi race exhaust and the evo remap from ducati and it gives you big grins on your face and torque and bhp gains every where.. issues with mine after 3500 Mile's, front forks making a knocking/clunk noise when front wheel lifts up sharply, oil leak from the timing belt shaft under the plastic cover, rear brake pads were nearly dead after 2500 miles... parts from ducati are very slow to turn up !!! Been waiting 5 months for my crash bars and a sticker that decided to lift off soon as I left the show room, the hand grips are rock hard as are the heated ones, mods you need, bash plate crash bars and bark busters and head light protector as the headlights are silly money, lose the rubber dampers off the foot pegs, check the spindles and any moving parts been lubed properly. Keep a eye on the spoke tension , the stock chain is not good quality as is the brake pads not the best so swap them out for proper brembo sintered brake pads,gear lever at highest postion still not high enough for tech 7 boots 😂😂
Pinned 📌
That sounds horrible 😢
But it looks nice and it has Ducati written over it, right?
Thanks for that real-world experience. People knock KTM for their reliability but at least the parts are reasonably priced and easy and quick to get hold of. My 890AR has 5000 miles on it, the display has played up twice but it clears itself and an indicator has moisture inside.
@@JCBigCat it's awesome bike , even with these little issues it all be sorted with its 4 year warranty
The biggest problem aren't the air filter access or the suspension or the rear axle.
It's the WHEELS ! The rims itself. They will eventually crack if you really offroad that thing.
Be prepared to spend 2k into aftermarket wheels !!!
If you have time, Read below for my full take on the bike.
DDX Owner since Sept 22. 5500km mainly offroad. She's allready dented and scratched, as proper offroader will be very quickly.
My take as an average level offroad rider : The bike is amazing for it's engine, chassis and electronics. And I mean AMAZING !
To cover the things you said :
Rear axle ? Not a problem at all. Eastbound kit is there for you. Yep, it's 100bucks. Yep that sucks. But it's quickly forgotten.
Air filter access ? Fitting a UNIfilter only requires to clean it every now and then. Remember, it's shit to access, but it's at a very clean area on the bike, unlike 890's or t7's.
Now Aurora rally kit in Greece is coming up with a carbon tank with direct access to the filter. Yep that will be expensive.
Suspensions ? Not a problem at all for me, I'm 80kg all geared up. Actually LOVE the suspensions.
Balance ? Perfect. FREAKING perfect coming from a KTM 990 adventure. The chassis on this bike is amazing.
Engine ? Like you said. Nothing more to add. It has what all the inline 2 have, plus so much more.
Electronics ? Magic. that's it. Magic.
Buffeting ? Buy a GS or a Multistrada if you want a commuter.
Protection ? NEEDED! A Skidplate that protects the side stand pivot is mandatory. Good crashbars are, also, to save your tank.
Riding the bike ? It's a therapy.
Main issues with the bike : The wheels !!! If you ride soft offroad and mostly on road that will be OK. If you really offroad the bike, you'll quickly bend them then end up craking them. Yep. You have read that right. You'll crack them. BART tubeless now make great after maket wheels but... about 2k€. Antoine Meo has those in his videos... That's for a good reason.
All in all, I freaking love this bike. It has flaws... But the moment you ride it, you forget. The pleasure of riding this beast is out of this world.
You just have to know is not perfect out of the box.
In other words, it's expensive to buy and expensive to own. Just like any Ducati ? I don't know. It's my first one.
Me ? Not rich at all. Do I regret ? Not at all. It's my passion, and I'm ready to spend money on my passion. Are you ? If not, just buy a tenere and be happy.
How does it compare with the 990? I had mine since new from 2009 (the tallest R model with 265mm of suspension travel) until 110K kms after and it was an amazing bike with shitty access for regular maintenance, like oil changes. That was my major complain with that bike. How's the DX in comparison?
gads
@@C_R_O_M________ Sorry I did not see that message before. It's easier to make the oil change, it just has one "can" style oill filter. Cleaning the air filter though, is really not fun. The 990 I would do it in 15min... Here it's a 1h job but like I said aurora will come in 2024 with a solution. And I'm quite sure that cheaper solutions will come, I'm actually surpsied acerbis hasn't come with a plastic tank just yet.
About riding the bike, the main differences to me are : Much better riding position. Much smoother engine, with power that can be controled = more grip offroad. Talking personnality of the bike, I'll admit the 990 is hard to beat. The 990 is a freak. I will buy a 990 again in my life at some point....
I echo your sentiment on the wheels. I cracked mine hitting a pothole on the way home from purchasing the bike. Ducati wanted $2971 CAN for a new wheel. No help or acknowledgement of any issues, even though they are covering them in Spain. As a multi-time Ducati owner, their response to this issue and another failure to run issue, I am probably done with them. Their quality has gone down in the last 10 years, not gotten better. But its their treatment of customers by Ducati North America that has really soured them for me.
I echo your sentiment on the wheels. I cracked mine hitting a pothole on the way home from purchasing the bike. Ducati wanted $2971 CAN for a new wheel. No help or acknowledgement of any issues, even though they are covering them in Spain. As a multi-time Ducati owner, their response to this issue and another failure to run issue, I am probably done with them. Their quality has gone down in the last 10 years, not gotten better. But its their treatment of customers by Ducati North America that has really soured them for me.
Easily one of the best (maybe THE best) motorbike review channels available. Bravo Llew!
Wow, thanks!
Awesome video and review! I got a chance to take the Desert X on a short ride a while back and was really impressed with how it felt.
Great review, I bought one about 2 months ago and when I was trying to decide between the DX vs the others every single conclusion you have come to were the very same as mine all the way down to the clutch. Things that made this bike pop above the 890R were the path of upgrades such as the extra fuel tank, seat options, road performance, balance and just plane Ducati cool factor. No bike is perfect which is why I have several for their respective tasks but this one for a whole lot of challenges does it very well. I love my KTMs and have had many but this bike is a different vibe all the way around. I would have been happy with the 890R but I don't think as happy as I am with the DX. Great review!
I test rode both the KTM 890 Adv R and the DDX. The KTM was great, but the DDX just felt more right for me from the very start! So obviously, I bought the Ducati and haven't regret it till today.
That was nice Lell. The stuff dreams are made off😄👍🏻
Thank you! 😁
Thank you. You've articulated all the reasons I love my bike.
What a beautiful review of this bike. Love to listen to your calming and chilled voice. And of course your knowledge in adv stuff. I'm just asking myself if the mosko moto bag will fit on my "X" with the additional fuel tank attached on it 😅
Thanks for this video.
Fantastic video! Loved this, edited cleanly and genuine advice.
Great video. I've had mine for 8 weeks and already have 2k miles on it. I have it fitted with the full race Termignoni titanium race exhaust system and 120hp EVO tune. The bike sounds absolutely awesome.
Fantastic video with valuable insights! I appreciate your meticulous attention to detail, particularly the information concerning static balance and the suspension limit. The comparison with Dessert X and its competitors was also enlightening. Keep up the excellent work!💥
Hi, awesome content. I'm at the point of getting navigation.
What made you choose TrailTech over others? Having an older style bike (G650XChallenge) I could do with features offered on the model.
What software do you use to plan adventures like the one in the video? I'm on paper, Basecamp and when in the desert, my absolute fav thing is Beeline.
Superb.
This channel has some of the best reviews in YT Land.
Are you reviewing this bike? more like a soothe to my ears with the right combination of Soundtrack inspired me to do better! Thanks brother! and i'm getting this bike this weekend lol
That road looked like the road that took us from Spain into France
Really great review. Thanks. Answered every question I’ve had about this beast.
👌 So glad!
You only own an Italian motorcycle once in your life. I had mine, loved it. Only have the t-shirt now. But much happier.
I’ve had seven, 4 Aprilias and 3 Ducatis. Only one had been problematic, a 2010 RSV4.
Great video. That's the best way to get to know a motorcycle. Ride safe Amigo
I live in Cancun Mexico. I am so in love with it. Just drove it few kms but close to buy it. This video is so great. Thank´s for share it.
Thx for the review, it was very entertaining to watch and gave me a lot to think about. Cheers!
Great review- properly ridden and tested. The DX initially tempted me away from the new ktm 890AR but in the end the air filter access, rear axle nut, and foot/peg/lever protection offered by ktms fuel tank, pulled me back to the 890. Prefilter on 890 just sealed the deal for AUS riding.
You know, KTM are really market leading with that stuff. Working on their bikes is often a joy.
@@BrakeMagazinere: "often a joy", I don't disagree. Very easy to work on. Which is good because I'm ALWAYS working on mine 😂
Great scenery and filming. I am an intermediate adventure rider at best and find many of the attributes you mention about the DesertX even apply to a rider of my limited skills. Thanks for an insightful review and wonderful trails and roads of Spain👍
Was looking at the GS, KTM and after viewing Ryan F9’s review, i added the DDX to my list. Settled for the DDX as my bike of choice. Over 4000km ridden so far with it, i can say that the review here is spot on. Suspension is a bit soft. Original scorpions are not the best for off-road use. Am now changing them for Trailmax Raid. Wind buffering is not an issue for me. Air filter access is a bit difficult. All in all, a great bike. 50/50 use here north of Montréal.
Excellent content as always, thanks!
I see so many reviews these days with something to the effect of "road handling is superb despite 21 wheel"...are we ready to admit that it's a solved problem at this point? It sure seems that way to me. Then again I ride an Africa Twin, which is reputed to have somewhat marginal handling on the road, and it suits me just fine. I'm likely just not a fast enough rider to know the difference-and I'd wager I'm hardly alone. What I'm trying to say is, don't let this idea that "21-inch front = crappy road handling" influence you. I LOVE the way ADV bikes handle, along with their ergonomics, and have never found them to be a compromise whatsoever, for my riding style. Lots of people with ADV bikes never even intend to go off-pavement and that's perfectly fine. Hell, even if you just want the 21" spoked front for style...I say go for it!
Wow, wonderful review Lel. Better then that is the ride, absolutely beautiful. Spain WOW.
AWESOME!!! I enjoyed a lot watching this video, very good job.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Any comments regarding the weight of the Desertx compared to the 890 Adventure R. It's not a massively heavier in stock trim (about 9-10kg) but then you also have to add crash bars due to the tank being so vulnerable (as we saw from the Aussie press launch), plus a rack, which although rubbish on the KTM is included int he weight figure, so now you're getting closer to 15-16kg. The Desertx also has a lithium battery. Put a lithium in the 890 and now you're at more like 18kg difference in weight which isn't insignificant.
Great review Llel, see your bringing your KTM 450 to the Beacons Rally, would of been nice to see you haul that thing round some super nice Welsh trails next weekend! I think as ever with bikes too many get lost in the specs and forget what bikes are for - riding. Gotta go and do some riding in Spain, that looks awesome, maybe if I can find you I'll come and have a chat at the Beacons, maybe a late September trip is just what I need. Thanks, Mike
I think it won't be ready in time. It's been rebuilt but I've got some work to do to finish it and only a few nights 😅
Feel free to come say Hi!
Thanks!
Your Buddy Bret loves the Desert-X too. I think you need to be pretty experienced to handle such a heavy buke off road. I'd love to see you review the Tuareg 660, much lighter in weight maybe better for those of us less experienced.
I'd say that's true of most ADV Bikes really but that's always the trade off you've got to have.
Excited to test the tuareg. We have it in September with review a month or so after.
What an impressive review! I really liked your honesty in describing what you liked and did not like. But, my favorite part was your description of what an adventure bike is capable of when riding it in more off road conditions 👍🏻
@@BrakeMagazine oh you gonna have a blast with the Tuareg
@@SuperCheesyMan excited to ride it!
@@advmotoskillz That's what we do here. 😁
Amazing review and video , subscribed and excited.
Thanks for all the great reviews! I am wondering if you consider the hydraulic clutch to be an advantage over the cometition?
Do you like light clutch pull? If so, yeah. It is even lighter than on my Husky 701sm. The feel was good too. Not grabby.
Yes, but not a deal breaker either way. I like them.
i paid to upgrade the cable clutch on my husky901 to the hydro clutch all the ktm's ive owned prior came with (even my crusty old 380exc) for the lighter more precise feel i think it has
Great video L. I have one of these..bought it on the spot. I come from a KTM 990 background and feel like this is very similar in many ways, but with 10 years of tech and innovation to show for it. Agree with all your niggles..but it’s worth it for what the bike does well..which is a lot. Top notch review.
Right on. Thanks for your input too!
1990 and 1994 dakar was won on the ducati powered cagiva elefant in lucky strike livery…so they kind of do have the heritage, considering they were owned by cagiva.
Awesome review 👌👌👌Aesthetically the bike is sensational and brings ideas of historical Dakar (even though it has no right to).
There’s a guy here in Australia who rode on from east coast to west coast on as many dirt roads as possible. It performed great I hear but what scares me is the servicing costs, parts replacement cost and a break down in the middle of the bush.
It would be a cafe bike for me I think…😂
Thank you for the excellent video, have you spent time on the Norden yet?
Yes I have. Video is in the edit suite atm.
"Grab some biscuits"
Thats so British 🤣😂👍🏻
Love your videos. This one is no exception. Objective and to the point. Great scenery as well. That bike is awesome!
👌 Thanks for the kind words and watching!
Chain make those clunky noises on low rpm forces high 1 and 2 gear change is there a way to fix that ?
Great review, who would have though the Italiens could do it. One thing - the 360 cam, just forget about it when disorted ;-)
So glad you mention the air filter hardly anyone does when it matters for these bikes
That stuff bugs the heck out of me. Just changed a tyre on a Tiger 1200 and it's a fricken mission. Would be a nightmare on the trail.
Great video! Did you notice any engine heat? Best!
Yes. In summer it'll be warm. It's a v-twin.
Thar Ryan F9 bit always gets me 😂
Biscuits and Tee are on the table
Would like to hear your thoughts on the Husky Norden, and a comparison with this bike. Enjoy your channel, thank you!
Awesome review as usual. Pointing out the positive and negatives. Well done.
Thanks! Always trying 👌
Excellent review mate
Thank you kindly
Great review of a great bike. I dont expect many of these £15000 bikes will see much dirt though. Would compliment my t7 nicely.
excellent review as always - thanks. I have the 821version of this engine (and have to keep it above 3k or...), it's a wonderful engine. Have I learned my lesson owning a 10 year old Ducati... a cry for help? dunno
How does it compare to the Norden 901 Expedition? Its not the same as the ktm 890R
Nick from maschine did the fink track stock. He says the suspension is on the soft side. Your points are valid, but i dont think most of us adv riders are even close to the level where we could pick holes in the desert x.
As a 500k + road rider who switched to adv. The desert x is amazing on road, with the scorpions, I can smoke most R1 and s1000 riders who dont have a clue how to ride their shoe ponies. Off road, I have been smoked by a Himalaya because I don’t know how to ride my show pony😂
Thanks man Im weighing I just missed the KTM 890 Rally... Im really sad about that but there is a 901 expedition in the garage. I need one for me They dont make a 750 and its my favorite size. I have had several 650's Have one now but little extra in the 750 does it... then 900 is too big 1250 and 1300 are too big Now I want a big street bike 1300 is fine but If Yamaha would just put a decent suspension on the Tenere or the Transalp was actually something good. I appreciate you guys all doin the reviews saves me a ton and points more closer to true north.
Great review, and very fair. Love mine, and good to satisfy my neediness for positive affirmation. I'm going to have mine professionally set up, which I suspect will include respringing as I'm no featherweight, and will be doing a trip this summer with my 14 year old son who is already 6'3", plus luggage. Was in the Picos on it last summer - amazing, although increasingly difficult to find legal off-road routes.
Yeah, you're gonna need it unless that 6'3 son of yours is made of wafer 😅
I was all set to buy a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, but then I test rode the Desert X and now I'm really not sure! The Tiger 900 was more comfortable, better equipped and created less turbulence around my helmet, but the Desert X offered a better riding position and felt a lot more fun. I've only ridden the Tiger 900 RP in the wet and the Desert X in the dry, so that could well be something to do with it, so I need to try them both back to back on a nice dry day.
Also, if you put a tiny bit of work in you can rotate the bar clamps on the T900 and it'll be nearly the same position I reckon. 😊
That's Italian for you. They invoke the spirit and impassions you to make the decision with your heart instead of your head.
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks, I remember watching your video of the Tiger 900 RP when it was released and you had a few complaints about the bar position at the time. I'll have to revisit that video. I think the Tiger 900 would definitely be the better bike for 2 up road riding, but the Desert X felt more alive and the looks.. I know they can be subjective, but the Ducati looks so damn cool.
800 tigers also have a proven track record of being fairly reliable. I prefer the better street manners of the 900rp.
You won't go wrong either way. The Tiger 900 is also a great bike.
No mention of the F650GS DAKAR in the intro. I feel it has become the forgotten ADV bike. There is still a massive following for them too!
Watch. This. Space.
@@BrakeMagazine I'm looking forward to seeing this!!!
Are those the mosko 40's or the 80's ?
Thanks. You're one of the few people I trust to give an honest review. Do I need to chop my KTM 890R for one of these? The suspension is far too hard on the 890 - it's not just my opinion; the sag figures prove it. I'm 87kg with kit.
I've spent 43 years developing my riding skills; so simply don't get traction control (or cruise control).
I would probably just get my suspension revalved over buying a new bike.
Awesome video! But it leads me to ask a question that perhaps you can answer since you have experience on this AND the T7.
I bought a T7 recently and starting to think I should have bought a DDX. I ride primarily road here in Germany but bought the T7 for trips to Portugal and Spain {TET}
The T7 isn't really exciting but I have a S1000rr for that. However I'd still like to have a bit more performance.
Does the weight of the DDX feel close to the T7?
Before I invest a couple grand in suspension on the T7 (I'm big and tall) maybe I should sell it and get a DDX. Opinions?
Hi,
The weight does not feel close. It is a much bigger bike. Not taller, but for sure more substantial. I think for what you are doing, it will be good, but the suspension is only a bit better than a standard T7. My suggestion would be, if you have a T7, to modify it a bit. it can be a really different feeling bike with some changes. It will not work like a DX, but it is still pretty special to ride and will give you a lot of fun.
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks for taking time to reply! We (and I kinda mean me) often get seduced into bigger, better and faster however I need to stay practical and your advice is golden! 👍
Would you consider a review about the AJP PR7? Thanks in advance.
Yes, for sure. Getting one isn't so easy but I'll try. I think it'll be later in the year now as I'm fully booked up with videos until October.
@@BrakeMagazine Thanks. I really appreciate your pratical no bs reviews.
best adventure bike reviews on the internet
Llel, your work has really gone up a few more notches with this one! I learned a lot more about this moto than I read a year ago even. Right up there in the league of a certain slow-talking Aussie 😂. My only concern is Ducati reliability. While they’ve likely exceeded KTM already there, my first (and last) test ride ended with the dealer demo having a broken clutch. Still very compelling though. Well done.
I was liking everything about it until hearing how convoluted the process is to clean the air filter…
@@advmotoskillzthat does suck but familiar to all recent KTM big bike owners
And Apparently Africa Twin Owners.
@@BrakeMagazine I do wish the engineers would be a little more considerate to the end user at times. 😅 To change the air filter in my GS, I need to use 2 different torx wrenches. T25 for 8 bolts and T30 for 1. No need for that… just make them all T25🤔
@@advmotoskillz Amen. That's one thing I like about Japanese bikes - you can almost disassemble them with one wrench. They think about this stuff carefully.
I'm currently at five months of ownership, doing a 6k mile oil and filter change today.
The DesertX has performed flawlessly. Most of the miles have been in the brutal Texas heat, around 20% of the miles off-road.
BACKGROUND MUSIC PLEASE..... LADY VOCALS
PLEASE GIVE LINK OR NAME??
That is how you do a review! Insightful, informed and wide reaching. Top draw and reinforces my own thoughts. Will I part with my Africa Twin….?
I would wait a little to see about some of the problems mentioned in the comments. 😊
As a DX owner, I know I’m biased, but IMO this is best DX review to date, second only of course to Ryan F9’s masterpiece! 😂 I will say though, you gave a very accurate description of what the bike feels like to ride and what it’s shortcomings are (The suspension especially. Mine is in getting stiffer springs as we speak.) Anyway, fantastic review! Well done.
I've got a long way to go to match that F9 video. One of the best product reviews I've ever watched, anywhere. 🤣
@@BrakeMagazine Well now I'm going to have to go and watch Ryan's offering after that kind of praise.
@@AJSpinDrift It's hilarious
@@BrakeMagazine Turns out I had watched it 7 months ago but I did just watch it again. Incredibly well produced and the ending was genius.
Excellent. Ha ha 😅 you're making me feel like I need a Ducati and a lonerider tent now 🤦🏼♂️
I like the detail of your reviews - honest, unbiased and specific. Good job Mr. P
Thanks!
After 150,000kms on current Africa Twins, and also our 901, our latest addition of the DesertX is by far the best tour bike out of the box we've had. Upgrade the springs and it's handling exceeds expectations.
Which springs did you use?
Same engine in my road biased Multi V2S, very underrated bike. Perfect balance of handling, grunt and comfort, sadly the Desert X is too tall for me but I do like the looks.
Thanks for sharing
they make a black version.Fantastic review.I want it more now
Yes. It's nice.
How do you know when to get the front wheel over unseen obstacles? This guy must be good.....maybe....even the best.
Welcome to one of my favourite parts of Spain. However, a word of caution: Picos de Europa is a national park, and offroading or free camping can get you heavily fined. Legislation has become draconian regarding off-road in general, it's mostly forbidden, and even more in protected areas. However, roads are wonderful and if you avoid national parks there's plenty of off-road where you have low risk of a bad encounter.
Very tempted by one of these now my GSA has gone. Just not sure if I can get approval from my wife for bike number three!! 🤣
You are going to a 1 week adventure riding vacation (bike included in trip). Do you pick Desert X or the T 7(00)?. Assume both bikes are properly set up for you, your favorite mods but still stock suspension etc.
Only one possible answer: The tuareg xD
I won't test the tueareg till late summer but currently if the suspension is done and I'm not paying the DX. Its just a little bit more refined but the gap is small and 6k is a lot of money.
Did you Test the Tuareg by now? I dont like the looks of the tuareg. But wondering if i have to Test it before buying the desert x. The desert x looks wonderfull. Would only Go for the tuareg if there were worlds in between by handling or Performance.
I think in Future i will be 70:30 Road/ offroad.
Would really be great if you could now get on a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure and compare.
Let me help you out. The DX gunna kick the shit out of the DE everywhere but durability and cost of ownership. You’re welcome.
Great 👍 review, and I honestly like Ducatis - have owned one ☝️, and most European bikes . BUT for a European bike to have soft suspension ( for the more experienced rider ) and in Australia, is-unexceptionable ! AND at the price tag . Plus the air filter access and rear wheel ( in the Middle of the Australian desert- your not going to be carrying a toque wrench 🔧. I would take the T7 - spend the extra coin 🪙 on the suspension- which you expect from a Japanese bike . OR a 660 Aprilla- no problems their with air filter or suspension. Disappointing for a Ducati ( even through other stuff is very good 👍)
I’m an older rider. I’m 6’3” tall and around 225Kg, so no lightweight. I test rode a Desert X today but it wasn’t for me. Firstly, Ducati Glasgow were really helpful and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. They made me feel like I wanted to buy a bike from them, no BS, just constructive information. I found the Desert X way too soft on the front and disconcertingly unstable at speeds above about 85mph on the road (which I never do of course). I can’t imagine the bike with a top box as tank slappers could be a risk, something I’ve not said about a bike since my RD350 in 1976. The seat was uncomfortable and the riding position odd for me. The bike was fast and turned in like a bloodhound. There was a lot of valve gear noise that came up through the fairing and dominated the sound of the full Termi system to the extent that I wondered why anyone would pay the premium for it. The front brake is ferocious and requires a one finger pull in anything but emergencies. That, compared with the ‘dive to the centre of the earth’ sensation from the soft front end, makes riding in traffic a challenge. My conclusion was that the Desert X might be a weapon in the hands of the best riders but isn’t remotely suitable for me with my mainly road use and occasional green lane expeditions. The final zero for the Desert X was the fuel consumption. It reported a range when completely full of 147 miles and I used 3.5 litres to do about 30 miles. I bought a Triumph 900 Rally this afternoon. Similar power to the Ducati but in a different league in terms of usability for me. For the same test circuit the Triumph used 2.2 litres of fuel. You can have an auxiliary tank at huge cost to give the Desert X a similar range to the Triumph however it is then not possible to fit any luggage other than a sailing bag over the pillion seat. Specified to my fairly basic needs the Desert X came in at just shy of £20k. I paid less than £15k for the fully loaded Triumph.
Am I correct that you are 225kg? Do you mean 125kg?
Honestly I think almost all of the handling problems you experienced are a result of the springs being way to soft front and rear for your weight. All good reasons to buy the Tiger, but I'd still recommend stiffer springs on that too. It'll night and day the riding experience. :)
@@BrakeMagazineOops, 225llb of course. I agree that the front suspension is too soft however I think the bike is likely perfect for some applications but there are so many limitations in terms of luggage and fuel consumption that it is no tourer. I ride occasionally with a Ducati Hypermoto owner which is somewhat similar in that the route priority is fuel stations every 100milez.
you add the cost of the tech to bring the ktm up to or a little above the desert x you're looking at nearly the same price
No doubt.
Great technical, but practical, commentary. Great to hear knowledgable advice/insight from a competent and experienced rider, rather than, what is so often, 'all the gear and no idea' TH-camrs.
Thanks 😁
I haven't ever tried another brands quickshifter, but I do think that the DDXs quickshifter does "stutter" sometimes, where I takes away too much throttle, or doesn't shift at all. Is it just me, or is this sth. more ppl have expierienced?
Depends on the bike. Generally they need relatively positive throttle.
Some are super slick, some not so much.
Great video. Thank you
Glad you liked it!
High praise
Apparently Ducati are about to enter the Motocross world, next year, with a new 250 four stroke, along with triumph, that will be interesting 🤔🤔🏍️
I was sold when the Scrambler 1100 concept bike was presented at EICMA, 2 years later it dropped in my trailer and I am astonished that Bologna's 1st attempt is so fricken good. Suspension - concur, a little soft for 90kg riders. Quick shifter in 1st 2nd can be snatchy but they are almost crawler gears so - duurr ! Not fussed by the buffeting of the screen ( shows how many owners are tarmac riders ). Just a De Cat and crash protection and . . Go! That engine and mapping is spot on for it's task. I am flabbergasted that it is as good as is - it shouldn't be so stable as it's top heavy on paper.. As always good unbiased in depth review with Ace production values - excellent to watch. Thank you !
As someone who is in the market for a mid size adv bike, this bike, the 890 Adv and the Suzuki 800DE looks the most intriguing, will you be testing the 800DE anytime soon?
Yes. Picking it up at the end of the month.
@@BrakeMagazine awesome, can't wait.
Pausing now at 1:27 to go get a hot drink and a biscuit! 🤩
👌👌👌
A very competent review 👏
Glad you think so!
I am agree with him. bcz I have one of these. beautiful bike ❤
It’s come down to this or the KTM 890-R for me.
0:34 The Cagiva Elefant 900 has a Ducati engine… MV Agusta (Cagiva brand owner) and Ducati are both using the color scheme from Dakar winning bikes to make their way into the adv bike market
I think both have bragging rights…
nice ride out. what are the tyres like over 85/90mph on the tar roads. as a 908 front get a bit wobbly after them speeds. would be nice if manufactures would have a adventure bike you could ride off road with proper tyres on not the stock str tyres on. demo bike, as a lot of riders do use these types of bikes off road more. and on you tube look at all adventure bikes and they are all the best. but like you no every one rides different and you have to have a ride on a bike before you put your money down on one.
I have found them great tbh, but the pressure needs to be high and the wear is quick. It's really a desert race tyre and not designed to do 5000km.
At lower pressures its awful on the road. Gotta be around 32PSI.
@@BrakeMagazine thanks .
Tiger 900 RP is an excellent road bike and competent off road
Great, great vid - thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Abs on rear brake on road is intrusive on corners
I just wish they hadn't missed the mark with the maintenance. Chain adjustments by the dealer? Have to take the tank off to service the air filter? Really?
Indeed. I mean, dealer for chain is wild 🤣🤣
It’s fairly easy to work on yourself and service. I was originally pissed about the air filter too when I learned you need to take the tank off, however because of it’s location it’s not susceptible to as much clogging / cleaning needs. It’s also very high up, giving more margin for error in water. So while it’s a PITA to get to and takes 20-45 minutes, you’re not going to need to get to it as much. There’s a really good video and information from Aussie backcountry riders who have reported back after thousands of KMs through dusty and rough conditions.
Btw, @brakemagazine mentioned the buffeting problem - I suffer from that on mine and am trying to isolate the issue. I put together some prototypes and think I’ve got a good blueprint of the problem. It seems to only affect people in the range of 175-183cm (5’9” to 6’0”)… I’m 178 cm (5’10”) and it’s horrendous over 70 mph, esp. on roads with dirty, turbulent air.
@@sheelkapur have you tried different mirrors? I really think that'll help.
@@sheelkapur180cm here, I use the WRS tall windshield and the side deflectors.
It's definitely better for my chest area, the jacket is clean of bugs but the helmet noise is still bad.
no - just adjust your chain.
Question, is anyone else experiencing this? When standing you sort of resting with your hill on the kick stand ?
Yup. This happens on most ADV Bikes.
Stunning looking bike-they got it right! However I do not mind one bit my KTM getting bashed and bruised.This bike looks like an expensive drop!
Agreed. Big metal tank...
@@BrakeMagazine dents look cool...repeat
@@anxiousappliance dents look cool if the bikes isn't financed 🤣🤣
The airfilter change on the Desert X is a bit ridiculous. That would put off especially in heavy bulldust conditions.
I think it would me too. I'd be pre-filter, filter skin, wraping it in cling film to go ride in the bull dust. 🤣
it blows through the shock because of bad design. The shock does not follow the arc of the swingarm, deviations from which must be compensated for by heavier springs.
And the spring is soft. It didn't blow through with just me.
If you really want to see a crappy air filter design, check out the Arica Twin. People seems to be afraid of lifting the tank in the Desert X, in reality an air filter change shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to half hour - I have helped a friend changing the filter on his Desert X.
On the Africa Twin you have to remove the top trim and right fairing which include unclipping and popping out a dozen plastic clips (eventually they will break or wear out earlier or later...just a matter of time), then the airbox access itself is a bit problematic. I hated working on that bike.
The Tiger 800 is the same, remove tank, fairings and beak. I need to see how its done on the DDX