2026 Ducati DesertX

New 890 V2, monocoque frame, revised KYB suspension

Ducati has unveiled the second-generation DesertX as part of its Ducati World Première 2026 program, with the adventure model comprehensively redesigned around the brand’s new 890 cc V2 engine and an aluminium monocoque chassis.

2026 Ducati DesertX adventure bike in Matt Star White Silk livery — 2026 Ducati DesertX in Matt Star White Silk – the second-generation model is built around Ducati’s new 890 V2 and monocoque frame.

The updated DesertX keeps the 21-inch front / 18-inch rear wheel combination and tubeless cross-spoke rims, but gains revised suspension hardware and linkages, a slimmer polymer fuel tank, expanded off-road electronics and a new 5-inch TFT dash.

Side view of 2026 Ducati DesertX showing slim 18-litre fuel tank — DesertX retains 21/18 tubeless spoked wheels, but gains revised KYB suspension and progressive rear linkage for 2026.

New 890 cc Ducati V2 with IVT, 110 hp

Powering the MY26 DesertX is Ducati’s new 890 cc V2 (90-degree twin, four valves per cylinder), featuring a variable valve-timing (IVT) system on the intake. Ducati claims 110 hp at 9000 rpm and 92 Nm at 7000 rpm, with a strong spread of torque lower in the rev range.

70% of the maximum 92 Nm torque value is already available at 3,000 rpm

DesertX-specific gearing is aimed at both technical riding and transport stages, with shorter lower ratios and a taller sixth for cruising. Ducati also highlights long service intervals: oil changes every 15,000 km (or 24 months) and valve clearance checks at 45,000 km.

Aluminium monocoque frame, trellis subframe, progressive rear linkage

A key change is the monocoque aluminium frame (with the engine as a stressed member), which also functions as an airbox, with Ducati saying the layout improves compactness and rigidity while making air filter access easier for off-road use.

The rear subframe is a trellis design, paired with a dedicated aluminium swingarm and a “full-floater” progressive rear linkage intended to improve comfort early in the stroke and increase support under bigger hits.

Suspension is Kayaba at both ends

46 mm KYB USD fork, fully adjustable, with independent hydraulic adjustments on each leg.

At the rear, a KYB shock is fully adjustable with remote preload adjustment, working through the progressive linkage

Travel is a generous 230 mm at the front and 220 mm at the rear.

Brembo brakes and tubeless 21/18 wheels

The DesertX runs Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers with dual 305 mm front discs and a 265 mm rear disc, with Ducati also noting improved lever feel and modulation aimed at dirt riding.

Wheels are tubeless cross-spoke units (2.15 x 21 front, 4.5 x 18 rear). Tyres listed are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR in 90/90-21 and 150/70-18.

Revised ergonomics and 18-litre polymer tank

Ducati says the riding position has been reworked by shifting the footpegs rearward and moving the seat and handlebars forward to reduce the “seated” feel and improve control when standing off-road.

Off-road action shot of Ducati DesertX riding on dirt road — Updated ergonomics aim to improve standing control on dirt while remaining comfortable for longer road transfers.

The 18-litre polymer fuel tank is slimmer and lighter, with protective crash pads, and is designed to carry fuel mass lower to help manoeuvrability at low speeds.

Slim 18-litre fuel tank — The new 18-litre polymer tank is slimmer and designed to carry fuel mass lower for improved manoeuvrability off-road.

Seat height is 880 mm as standard, with options to tailor it:

900 mm with high seat
860 mm with low seat
840 mm with low seat + low suspension kit

6-axis IMU electronics, Enduro and Rally modes, updated TFT

The electronics suite is based around a 6-axis IMU, feeding Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control, with six riding modes including Enduro and Rally.

DesertX cockpit with 5-inch TFT dash and left-hand joystick controls — Ducati’s off-road-focused electronics include Enduro and Rally riding modes with IMU-based rider aids.

Cornering ABS offers four levels, including off-road focused settings (levels 1 and 2) and road-oriented levels (3 and 4), with ABS able to be disabled in Enduro and Rally modes.

A 5-inch TFT (800 x 480) with multiple display layouts is fitted, along with two USB ports and a new “petal” joystick on the left switchblock. Ducati Quick Shift up/down DQS 2.0 is standard.

Accessories and luggage options

Ducati Performance accessories include an 8-litre rear auxiliary tank option to extend range, plus protection items such as radiator guards and a bull bar. Luggage options include aluminium panniers with frames, or soft bags developed with Mosko Moto.

Availability and colour

The 2026 Ducati DesertX is due in Australia from June onwards from $28,100 Ride Away. The listed livery is Matt Star White Silk.

2026 Ducati DesertX: key numbers

Engine: 890 cc Ducati V2 with IVT, ride-by-wire
Output: 110.3 hp @ 9000 rpm / 92 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Wet weight (no fuel): 209 kg
Fuel capacity: 18 L
Wheels: tubeless cross-spoke 21/18
Suspension travel: 230 mm front / 220 mm rear
Brakes: Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers, dual 305 mm front discs
Dash: 5” TFT, 800 x 480, two USB ports
Service intervals: oil 15,000 km (or 24 months), valves 45,000 km

2026 Ducati DesertX Images

2026 Ducati DesertX Specifications

Specifications
Type	Ducati V2 engine: 90° V2, 4 valves per cylinder, intake variable valves timing system, liquid cooled
Displacement	890 cc (54.3 cu in)
Bore x stroke	96 mm x 61.5 mm (3.8 in x 2.4 in)
Compression ratio	13.1:1
Power	110.3 hp (81.1 kW) @ 9,000 rpm
Torque	92 Nm (9.4 kgm, 68 lb ft) @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection system, Ø 52 mm throttle body with Ride-by-wire
Exhaust	Stainless steel muffler, single catalytic converter and lambda probes
Gearbox	6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0
Primary drive	Straight cut gears: Ratio 1.84:1
Ratio	1=13/38 2=17/35 3=20/32 4=22/29 5=24/27 6=26/25
Final drive	Chain 520: Front sprocket Z=15: Rear sprocket Z=46
Clutch	Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Frame	Monocoque Aluminium
Front suspension	KYB 46 mm upside-down fork, fully adjustable
Front wheel	Cross-spoked, tubeless, 2.15″ x 21″
Front tyre	Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 – 21 M/C 54V M+S TL (A)
Rear suspension	KYB shock absorber, fully adjustable, remote preload adjustment, full floater progressive link
Rear wheel	Cross-spoked, tubeless, 4.5″ x 18″
Rear tyre	Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R18 M/C 70V M+S TL
Wheel travel (front/rear)	230 mm / 220 mm (9.1 in / 8.7 in)
Front brake	2 x Ø 305 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston 2-pad calipers, radial master cylinder, Cornering ABS
Rear brake	Ø 265 mm disc, Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, Cornering ABS
Instrumentation	Digital unit with 5″ TFT colour Display, 800 x 480 px Resolution
Wet weight no fuel	209 kg (461 lb)
Seat height	880 mm (34.6 in) 900 mm (35.4 in) with high seat 860 mm (33.9 in) with low seat 840 mm (33.1 in) with low seat and low suspension kit
Wheelbase	1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Rake	27°
Trail	114 mm (4.5 in)
Fuel tank capacity	18 l (4.8 US gal)
Number of seats	2
Safety equipment	Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Brake Light (DBL) EVO
Standard equipment	Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0, Lithium-ion battery, Quick adjustment buttons, Coming Home, Cruise control, TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system, Daytime Running Light (DRL), Dynamic turn indicators, Self cancelling turn indicators, Two USB ports
Ready for	Anti-Theft, Additional LED lights, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Heated grips, Turn-by-Turn navigation system
Warranty	24 months, unlimited mileage
Annual service	12 months
Oil service	15,000 km (9,000 mi) / 24 months
Valve clearance adjustment km	45,000 km (28,000 mi)