Dave I think your estimate of 5.3/100 is pretty accurate. I find myself getting between 42-45 MPG when on the dirt with sand, hills, and mud going at a fair clip. Easy riding in the dirt puts me over 50 MPG, and slower technical also yields decent MPG close to 50. Looking forward to what's next.
I love my 890 Adventure S, the Desert X seems like a very capable bike from the videos that I've seen. Kyle mentioned that Ducati was working with current owners for those first year issues and I say good on them for that. I had a Pan America and it had constant gremlins that H-D couldn't sort out. Harley bought it back from me for a good price, I was happy with that but I'd have preferred to get it sorted out. I really loved the bike except for those technological gremlins that your average rider/owner can't sort out on their own, or in the field. The 890 has a few lil niggles but it hasn't left me stranded and it fits my 5'8", 30.5" inseam.
There's not technical gremlins with the Desert X, it's more about knowing for example, the size and shape of the rear tyre to fit so that it doesn't scrape.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Hey, thanks for the awesome video about the Ducati Desert X! I really enjoyed watching it. Yeah, Just wanted to mention those couple of things that some riders have pointed out. Apparently, replacing the air filter on this bike can be a bit of a challenge. There is one vid on youtube and it still takes around 20 minutes first time we tried to do it, it took close to an hour and involved removing the tank, which can be a hassle. Also, the manual suggests going to a dealer for maintenance for everything, which might be a bummer for those who like tinkering with their own bikes or find themselves in remote areas without a dealer nearby. But hey, overall, it seems like a fantastic ride! Just thought it's worth considering these points. Thanks again for the great review!
Great to see yet another adventure - this is a great way to promote new bike offerings while everyone - manufacturer, film maker and viewers - has lots of fun...
Looks like a phenom of a bike. Love all the innovations in this booming market. Curious how the Norden Expedition Edition stacks up against the Desert X.
I've just got an RSV4 factory & have a GSXS1000 & i'm looking for another (possibly swap the suzuki) bike ; The Desert X ticks all the boxes , its damn Ugly but I can live with that as the Norden is the other competitor which is equally as gross - Good video
Hey Dave, how does the bike "crash"? Reason I ask, is an owner I know had his bike dropped during an attempted theft (thieves ran off and threw the bike to the ground). As a result of that drop his frame is bent and the bike is in the shop awaiting a repair or replacement frame. Not great of you plan to ride the bike hard! Interested to hear what Ducati have to say, or if there are other instances. Keep up the good work!
The only vulnerability I know are the tanks if you don't have crash bars. Bending the frame description is a huge call and I'd like a heap more detail about that to make any comment. It doesn't make sense. I've just been jumping one repeatedly over 800 kms, it's as solid as a rock.
Would this bike be ok for a first bike ? I’m 53 years old live in northern Michigan and just want to cruise on gravel roads and logging roads I just love the way this bike looks thanks
I agree that it's a hassle and I don't know when I'll do it by myself to my DDX. But, and that's a big but... When I bought my v-strom 650 xt I found no complaints about the air filter being under the tank. People are getting spoiled by easi to reach air filters. :))
@@brucekendall52 I'm sure once people learn how to do it they will do it faster, I remember the plastics on de v-strom took the longest to remove. Or maybe they will make it easier on future bikes.
@@brucekendall52 takes me less than 10 minutes to do on my Panigale R. Desert X is just as quick and easy to remove the tank. Quick disconnect fuel line, unplug vent hoses and fuel pump wiring. Don’t let intimidation scare you away.
Great bike, awesome clip and review, but I have a question about the Kriega fork seal covers: i've also bought those for my 2016 CRF1000L, but haven't installed them because someone's told me that dirt gets under it and it scratches the...shiny part of the fork (don't know the english term) and you can get oil leaks because of that. Is that true? Are they good if you get it through mud with those on it or...? Should i install them after all? TIA! Cheers from Romania, guys! Keep on keeping on!
Hey, just curious. I recently rode one and there was a LOT of free-play in the throttle (Something that was mentioned in a couple of the reviews I've seen too). Are they all like this, or just some? Is it something that can just easily be tuned out/adjusted?
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Cheers, let me know if you do encounter it. I'd be interested to know if it is a straight out of crate issue, or whether it develops with use. Maybe it was a production run issue, or possibly a quality control problem.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV ok I guess I can try and go along with that story this Ducati has more to it, but from my experience on ADV bikes they all tend to be top heavy. And KTMs Idea to put that gorgeous compact parallel twin low down in the frame as a stressed member plus the low slang fuel tanks make for a very unique experience in the adventure, dual sport bike world. There’s naturally more to the balance of a bike but keeping the center of gravity low is the most important factor. This the reason BMW boxer twins are among the best riding bikes out there. Plus I am just not a fan of Italian bikes in general nor cars for that matter. But Testa stretta has never been my first choice. I just prefer boxer or parallel twins and German and Austrian technology and quality, design also.
"feel at home and bike has a stability to it" - sums my experience up perfectly.
Yes, I love the handling on this bike. Reminds me of the old 990 with better suspension.
"Out of the blue, a Desert X lands in my garage." I need a garage like that!! Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Dave I think your estimate of 5.3/100 is pretty accurate. I find myself getting between 42-45 MPG when on the dirt with sand, hills, and mud going at a fair clip. Easy riding in the dirt puts me over 50 MPG, and slower technical also yields decent MPG close to 50. Looking forward to what's next.
Thanks Matt. Really appreciate this information
I love my 890 Adventure S, the Desert X seems like a very capable bike from the videos that I've seen. Kyle mentioned that Ducati was working with current owners for those first year issues and I say good on them for that. I had a Pan America and it had constant gremlins that H-D couldn't sort out. Harley bought it back from me for a good price, I was happy with that but I'd have preferred to get it sorted out. I really loved the bike except for those technological gremlins that your average rider/owner can't sort out on their own, or in the field.
The 890 has a few lil niggles but it hasn't left me stranded and it fits my 5'8", 30.5" inseam.
There's not technical gremlins with the Desert X, it's more about knowing for example, the size and shape of the rear tyre to fit so that it doesn't scrape.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV That’s good, a totally manageable type of quirk. 👍
That air filter location is the only thing that makes me think twice
Yeah, I’m not gonna take to a dealer to have it cleaned / replaced!
Or watch a video as to how to change it your self. Or, keep away from others dust and move back a bit.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Hey, thanks for the awesome video about the Ducati Desert X! I really enjoyed watching it. Yeah, Just wanted to mention those couple of things that some riders have pointed out. Apparently, replacing the air filter on this bike can be a bit of a challenge. There is one vid on youtube and it still takes around 20 minutes first time we tried to do it, it took close to an hour and involved removing the tank, which can be a hassle. Also, the manual suggests going to a dealer for maintenance for everything, which might be a bummer for those who like tinkering with their own bikes or find themselves in remote areas without a dealer nearby. But hey, overall, it seems like a fantastic ride! Just thought it's worth considering these points. Thanks again for the great review!
@@adrianpeds I have talked about these issues at length. Have a look at my test, just click the link in the top right hand corner
It's just a 30 minute job if you know how to do it ! Peace of cake 😊
This is actually a very tempting option now.
Great to see yet another adventure - this is a great way to promote new bike offerings while everyone - manufacturer, film maker and viewers - has lots of fun...
I agree. You'll notice recent tests of bikes on this channel are more about adventures and fun rather than pixel peeping and spec sheets
I do like the look of that red seat!
Ha ha :)
Those rear tanks would provide the perfect opportunity to run the main tank dry to see accurate distance to empty or fuel gauge accuracy 👍
Yes I agree.
I thought I saw you on the ferry. To say I was a little envious would be an understatement
Lovely day for riding.
I like the exhaust tucked away nicely on this one.
Yeah pretty out of the way.
Looks like a phenom of a bike. Love all the innovations in this booming market. Curious how the Norden Expedition Edition stacks up against the Desert X.
I believe it’s even better still
We get access to a Norden Expedition very soon.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Well I can’t wait to watch that review then. But haven’t you already made a video about the Expedition model also?
@@roverroko306 Nope, I haven't ridden it.
I'd say I get just a little over 19 l in the (supposedly) 21 l tank. This is from running it to a full stop (out of fuel).
i like the old scholl style bike 👌👌
Yeah it does look nice and traditional
Out of the blue a Desert X lands in my garage. I have that problem all the time, so frustrating, I’ve run out of space 🤦♂️
ha ha :)
Hi Dave, just flicked on the tv and beach cops was on…who’s cleaning up the drunken party on the beach? Constable Dave! Hahah nice work mate
There you go, from a past life.
I've just got an RSV4 factory & have a GSXS1000 & i'm looking for another (possibly swap the suzuki) bike ; The Desert X ticks all the boxes , its damn Ugly but I can live with that as the Norden is the other competitor which is equally as gross - Good video
Both good bikes though.
It’s no longer Flash Harry, it’s now Flash Kyle 😎🏍️
Yeah I agree :)
Hey Dave, how does the bike "crash"? Reason I ask, is an owner I know had his bike dropped during an attempted theft (thieves ran off and threw the bike to the ground). As a result of that drop his frame is bent and the bike is in the shop awaiting a repair or replacement frame. Not great of you plan to ride the bike hard! Interested to hear what Ducati have to say, or if there are other instances. Keep up the good work!
The only vulnerability I know are the tanks if you don't have crash bars. Bending the frame description is a huge call and I'd like a heap more detail about that to make any comment. It doesn't make sense. I've just been jumping one repeatedly over 800 kms, it's as solid as a rock.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV that's fair comment and I completely undertand that POV. It sounds like you're giving it a proper test as well!
Love this channel. Yip that's all I wanted to say.
Thanks
I’m just peeved that they still use the Desmodromic valve train and timing belt. Massive failure points for adventure riding!
Would this bike be ok for a first bike ? I’m 53 years old live in northern Michigan and just want to cruise on gravel roads and logging roads I just love the way this bike looks thanks
It's a lovely bike to ride on the dirt with relatively long seat height.
Can I ask where you are at around 5:27 on? As a Sydneysider on a Desert X myself, I'm keen to check out that trail.
Hunter
A fantastic bike by all acounts but the access to the airfilter prevents a person from wanting to own one.Cheers.
Until they learn how to do it :)
I agree that it's a hassle and I don't know when I'll do it by myself to my DDX.
But, and that's a big but... When I bought my v-strom 650 xt I found no complaints about the air filter being under the tank.
People are getting spoiled by easi to reach air filters. :))
@@ciocanelwar When one bike takes 5 min to do versus an hour there is a big difference.
@@brucekendall52 I'm sure once people learn how to do it they will do it faster, I remember the plastics on de v-strom took the longest to remove.
Or maybe they will make it easier on future bikes.
@@brucekendall52 takes me less than 10 minutes to do on my Panigale R. Desert X is just as quick and easy to remove the tank. Quick disconnect fuel line, unplug vent hoses and fuel pump wiring. Don’t let intimidation scare you away.
Hi and many thanks for this Video, are you changing tire pressure and suspension setting, if you are going off road like you do?
Nope.
Bit of a sidenote, what ate them small mirrors that he has on his DDX? They look ideal for getting the dinner plates gone!
Yeah, I thought they were a bit metrosexual.
What about bags slung either side of the tank???
Would that work??
Yes, thinking of that.
On Kyle’s bike, can you provide more information on the dust seal extensions?
I'll ask him to post something.
Kriega sell them, they are a neoprene sleeve and you attach it with a zip tie.
Great bike, awesome clip and review, but I have a question about the Kriega fork seal covers: i've also bought those for my 2016 CRF1000L, but haven't installed them because someone's told me that dirt gets under it and it scratches the...shiny part of the fork (don't know the english term) and you can get oil leaks because of that. Is that true? Are they good if you get it through mud with those on it or...? Should i install them after all? TIA! Cheers from Romania, guys! Keep on keeping on!
I have no knowledge about those protectors.
They were on kyles bike, the guy who was interviewed.
Hey, just curious. I recently rode one and there was a LOT of free-play in the throttle (Something that was mentioned in a couple of the reviews I've seen too). Are they all like this, or just some? Is it something that can just easily be tuned out/adjusted?
I haven't experienced that when I've ridden them
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Cheers, let me know if you do encounter it. I'd be interested to know if it is a straight out of crate issue, or whether it develops with use. Maybe it was a production run issue, or possibly a quality control problem.
Fuel transfer being electronic instead of by vacuum seems odd.
👍🍻
Thanks
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV any comment is a good comment 🍻
Actually looks like a ripper bike!
Handles really well.
Isn’t this bike top heavy compared to something like Husky Norden or KTM 890 ADV?
From what I have seen, it feels a bit heavier to pick up. But is still easier than a T7.
Easier than a T7. It's an L twin so engine mass is low and centralised.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Ok I believe it’s not as top heavy as T7 but it’s for sure less balanced than the Norden, right?
@@roverroko306 less balanced? The lower the fuel weight the better, but that's only one part of the equation to how a bike feels.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV ok I guess I can try and go along with that story this Ducati has more to it, but from my experience on ADV bikes they all tend to be top heavy. And KTMs Idea to put that gorgeous compact parallel twin low down in the frame as a stressed member plus the low slang fuel tanks make for a very unique experience in the adventure, dual sport bike world. There’s naturally more to the balance of a bike but keeping the center of gravity low is the most important factor. This the reason BMW boxer twins are among the best riding bikes out there. Plus I am just not a fan of Italian bikes in general nor cars for that matter. But Testa stretta has never been my first choice. I just prefer boxer or parallel twins and German and Austrian technology and quality, design also.
one year on and no trip?
You haven't caught up. We were crossing the Simpson Desert and Eyre Creek remained flooded for months and stopped the trip. Very disappointing.
Looks like Cagiva elephant😊
yep