Zu extrem? Ducati DesertX Rally im Test – Wofür braucht man die Dakar-Duc?

Subscribe to the magazine: www.motorrad-magazin.at/abo Read the magazine online: http://digitalstore.motorrad-magazin.at In the middle of the 2022 season, Ducati really surprised us – with an adventure bike that, for the first time in the brand's history, was equipped with a 21-inch wheel at the front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear. This symbolized that the Reds are serious about adventure. And now, about a year and a half later, Ducati is upping the ante. The new DesertX Rally is designed to even better meet the demands of all those who expect some tough adventures on their journeys. Before we get into the differences from the standard DesertX, a quick word about the parts that remain unchanged: The Testastretta with 937 cc and 110 hp remained untouched, as did the upright TFT instrument cluster. The 21-liter tank, windshield, seat, and headlight were also retained unchanged. Visually, the difference is immediately apparent in the high-set front fender – and, of course, in the new graphics. The most important innovations, however, come from the chassis area. The front now features a KYB suspension fork with closed-cartridge technology, which is fully adjustable like the base model – but with a stanchion diameter increased from 46 to 48 millimeters. Thanks to the closed-cartridge technology and special coatings, the fork is not only more responsive, but also delivers consistent performance under continuous, heavy loads. Additionally, the front suspension travel has increased by 20 millimeters to a whopping 250 millimeters. The rear suspension travel has also increased by the same amount, to 240 millimeters. The rear shock absorber is also new, features a larger piston, is fully adjustable, and also allows separate adjustment of high- and low-speed damping. The extension of the suspension travel has two consequences: Ground clearance increases from 250 to 280 millimeters, but the seat height also rises – by 35 millimeters to 910 millimeters. An optionally available lower seat brings the height down to 885 millimeters, almost back to the standard DesertX. Further enhancement to the chassis: a standard Öhlins steering damper, adjustable and with mounts machined from solid metal.