Ducati DesertX 2023 best review
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- Опубликовано: 23 май 2023
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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 
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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
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!
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.
Fantastic review and the outtakes are amazing! Thanks guys
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.
You have no idea how much I needed to see those outtakes ❤❤
Thanks guys for the great review, oh yes, love the out takes!
Those outtakes are the funniest things I've seen all week. Do more!
The outtakes were just wonderful. Bret is a normal guy after all!! Had a lot of fun watching that. 🤣👍
Great job guys that was terrific!!
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.
loooove it , from first to last couple of minutes, cheers V!
Nice overview, and the outtakes were great, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always fun and informative 👍
Great review, and great outtakes.
Great video! I have a Multistrada 950S and the DesertX is definitely a contender for next bike. It's just so cool!
Love u guys! loved the outtakes. Hope to see you in Israel sometime...
I love mine so far. Definitely a keeper.
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
Now I know why the difficulty pick the thumbnail..hahah!!!!.....you guys are perfect....great stuff!!!!
The intro alone deserves thumbs up
Funny and cool review. I will be seeing the both of you at the end of June in CA, on my X 😛
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
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
Hello Bret,
Did you try the Aprilia Tuareg?
Thanks :)
I like this outtakes version of you. Lol. Good for a laugh or two. Oh, cool bike.
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.
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 )
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
Best part? The outtakes on the end 😂
But the Desert X is high on my list to test out.
Hmmm a two bike garage, I have an MT09SP, I think this would compliment it well!
Putting the dad humor in the adv dad stereotype lol. Great video!
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 RUclips 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! 👏👍
what a great informative and funny video, very interesting
I loved this episode
Great! You two are too funny. I hope someone gives you a Tuareg 660 to test out.
Amazing outtakes xD
Any plans to review the Aprilia Tuareg 660 please?
We need reviews with Paul series
I like that wrap design where do you get that?
nice details pointed.
The bloopers at the end cracked me up 😅 💀
Hi! Please make a review about Aprilia Tuareg as well.
One of the best reviews I’ve seen, the out takes we’re gold
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
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
Good Review
you're a magician that happens to love and make motorcycle videos
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
Now I feel like taking bretts class more for the good time than the training.
Two days ago, I saw two identical ones with a special black-red-white camo graphic for the first time in my hometown. At first I thought of a heavier brother.., ha, ha. Nobby tires 50/50... or a little more dirt oriented with side trex panniers. Travel oriented for any situation.
I drooled BADLY and my fingers itched.... from the looks of it, it could be suitable even for me at a little over 6'. It's just a shame that I didn't have my phone to daydream while looking at the picture... In any case, something like that is in the plan...someday, but until then, something cheaper, more pocket-friendly.
By the way, a super interesting and very funny post.. keep up the 'homemade' style ;)
That’s a 2023 colour variant I believe. Seems based on the collaboration they did with Audi
riding this bike after my friend picked it up, i was surprised how much more top heavy it felt than my ATAS. the motor was a cherry for sure, though!
If you are strong enough to muscle the bike around a bit, top heavy is actually really good. Higher angular inertia gives better stability on rough terrain. That's part of the reason standing up on the footpegs makes the bike more stable.
*Higher moment of inertia, i am very stupid today
Fascinating take. I own a DX and my buddy owned (recently sold) an ATAS and I could not disagree with you more on the way it carries it’s weight. In my view, the DX and the AT are worlds apart. To each his own though!
more top heavy than a ATAS…c’mon Mate let’s be serious
Hopefully you can review a Tuareg soon Bret, its so good, like really good, its stupid how good the Tuareg is.
Fun Video! Great job as usual. Can you address the torque on the axel nut (or is that a liability)? Adjusting the chain tension in the field or on a trip seems impossible, if factory specs are to be believed. I would hope that one could simply get it "reasonably tight" or as "tight as possible" but it makes me nervous to run less than factory spec.
We didn't run across the axle nut torque issue until after we were done shooting. It is insanely tight for sure...
@@BretTkacs So did you tighten it to 150ft lbs (or whatever it is), or would you rather not say :)
@@BretTkacs @DansADV I can vouch for the axle nut torque being insanely high. With the Camel ADV specialty wrench. I could not budge it even standing on it to break it loose in the shop. Swapped to a 1/2" ratchet and true socket and I still couldn't budge it. Paul, with his fat ass, tried to break it loose and knocked the bike off the track stands we had it on. We finally put a 4' cheater bar on the ratchet and it broke loose. Needless to say, I put the axle nut back on with my Camel ADV wrench. I have discovered that Ducati loves locktite and factory tight bolts more than any bike I've ever had.
Now that the nut is on with a "normal" torque, I wouldn't worry about it.
What about the air filter issue??
Great stand up comedian introduction of that bike guys…😂😄👍🏻🙌✌️ couldn’t stop laughing 👍🏻😂😂
The tail end is more enduro like than ADV. Can you put rackless luggage on the bike as is? Plus the stock seat is just too hard for traveling I would guess.
Steve Irwin reference 😂❤ Ducati has done a great job for a company that makes awesome sport bikes
I said it before, I say it again. You really need to try the Tuareg 660 :)
I second this!
So what is the quietest bike on the highway?
Air cleaner and rear axle?
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.
T7
Although it's not turning wheel locked and a top heavy gig
3k rpm is enough to cruise or 3rd gear for everything.
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 ..
Your opening music sounds like it’s from a 1980’s workspace safety VHS tape.
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.
Love that review! Can you guys do one on a KTM890 AdventureR?
Which Revvit jacket is that?
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.
It's an Italian motorized vehicle...It could take a "nap" anywhere, at any time!
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!
20 seconds in: You 2 are just something special...... ;)
I LOVE THIS ❤😜☺️
Paul is very funny. super video))
Bret, do you prefer this Desert X to the old bmw k25 r1200gs?
Entirely different types of bikes
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 RUclips 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.
Is this bike not vibey on cruising speeds on the highway...
you guys are so funny 😂 !
show us the seamless transition from helmet to your hat again please
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
Hey Paul, that's how I measure 8 inches too!
Ghay intro had me laughing. 😁
As mentioned by others it takes a lot of effort to get to the air filter and the dealer has to sort it?This in itself will turn plenty riders away.Thanks.
What a time to buy an ADV.
The video that made me re-subscribe. And not just because of the bike.
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.
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.
How ‘bout engine heat?
A skid plate for your skid plate🤔
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
LOL, the best 60s ending ever
Is it true that cleaning the air filter is a 2-3 hour project?
No... It is also no worse than the Africa Twin, 1290, Tiger 1200 or a multitude of other bikes.
I didn't include anything on the air filter change because it's not ouside the industry norm
Really love this bike but it's quite expensive once you add some of the extras. Base model is $26400 in Australia. Plus $2400 for the protection package, plus $4600 for the Termi pipe (as seen on your loan bike) = $33,400 AUD (approx $22k USD). Cheers
Ridiculous price. I can buy a KTM 500 for offroad n a t7 for road light gravel for that price
Here in Reno Nevada it’s priced at $17,695. Seems like a good deal here
Would this be comparable to the KTM 1090 Adventure R?
Definitely
No helmet to cap transition? C'mon Bret.