Launched in India- Ducati DesertX Rally

Ducati India has added another variant of the DesertX, called the DesertX Rally. The former is already a capable off-roader, but the ‘Rally’ version is more of a hardcore off-roader. 

The India-bound Ducati DesertX Rally is priced at Rs 23.7 lakh, ex-showroom. It is Rs 5.40 lakh more expensive than the standard DesertX. The standard version is priced at Rs 18.33 lakh, ex-showroom. These prices are as of May 2024. 

So, let’s see what offerings you get if you shell out more for this newly added version. Let’s read on.

Ducati DesertX Rally: Visual Changes 

The Ducati DesertX Rally is significantly upgraded from the standard DesertX, as far as the appearance is concerned. The Italian bike manufacturer has used a new mass-coloured paint technique, especially for plastic components. 

This will ensure less visibility of scratches that can be caught during off-roading or in any other situation. Even the decals/graphics on the DesertX Rally which are made of PVC adhesive can give some protection to the bike’s surface.  

Apart from that, this Ducati ADV has a high-mount front mudguard and a 910mm rally seat. Along with that, the red and white dual-tone colour scheme, complemented with a ‘Ducati’ sticker in black makes the bike a head-turner. 

Ducati DesertX Rally: Mechanical Setup

This off-road-centric Italian bike has a dedicated suspension setup, developed by KYB. At the front, the Ducati DesertX Rally has a 48mm USD fork suspension coupled with a mono-shock at the rear. The most significant upgrade is the additional 20mm of travel. 

All-in-all, this bike has 250mm suspension travel and 240mm wheel travel at the front and rear, respectively. This will significantly improve the rideability of this bike, during off-roading, and will have the enhanced ability to handle the jumps. 

Further, for enhanced off-roading capability, Ducati has provided Excel-sourced Takasago wire-spoke rims with billet aluminium hubs. Plus, this bike has tube-type tyres instead of tubeless tyres. Speaking of tyres, the Ducati’s Rally variant of the DesertX stands on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tyres. Last, but not least, this iteration has factory-fitted tyres of Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR and optional Scorpion Trail II.  

Ducati DesertX Rally: Powertrain 

It is worth mentioning that Ducati has retained the core of this bike, which also powers the standard Ducati DesertX. Yes, it’s in the same state of tune. Powering this bike is a 937cc, L-twin unit that pumps out 108bhp at 9250rpm and 92Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a six-speed gearbox. 

For a better riding experience, this bike benefits from ride modes, multi-level traction control, ABS modes and so on.