Ducati DesertX 2023 best review 

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.

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.

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!

Great overview. The outtakes were at very least just as good as the actual bike content.

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.

Keep adding in the outtakes, OMG they are great!

Fantastic review and the outtakes are amazing! Thanks guys

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 ❤❤

Those outtakes are the funniest things I've seen all week. Do more!

Thanks guys for the great review, oh yes, love the out takes!

The outtakes were just wonderful. Bret is a normal guy after all!! Had a lot of fun watching that. 🤣👍

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.

Great video! I have a Multistrada 950S and the DesertX is definitely a contender for next bike. It's just so cool!

Great job guys that was terrific!!

Nice overview, and the outtakes were great, thanks!

Great review, and great outtakes.

loooove it , from first to last couple of minutes, cheers V!

Always fun and informative 👍

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.

Funny and cool review. I will be seeing the both of you at the end of June in CA, on my X 😛

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 love mine so far. Definitely a keeper.

Love u guys! loved the outtakes. Hope to see you in Israel sometime...

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.

The intro alone deserves thumbs up

Now I know why the difficulty pick the thumbnail..hahah!!!!.....you guys are perfect....great stuff!!!!

Hello Bret, Did you try the Aprilia Tuareg? Thanks :)

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 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.

Best part? The outtakes on the end 😂 But the Desert X is high on my list to test out.

I like this outtakes version of you. Lol. Good for a laugh or two. Oh, cool bike.

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..

Great! You two are too funny. I hope someone gives you a Tuareg 660 to test out.

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”😊

what a great informative and funny video, very interesting

I loved this episode

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)

Putting the dad humor in the adv dad stereotype lol. Great video!

Hmmm a two bike garage, I have an MT09SP, I think this would compliment it well!

The bloopers at the end cracked me up 😅 💀

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!

Amazing outtakes xD

Any plans to review the Aprilia Tuareg 660 please?

Now I feel like taking bretts class more for the good time than the training.

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.

I like that wrap design where do you get that?

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.

you're a magician that happens to love and make motorcycle videos

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 ;)

nice details pointed.

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

Hopefully you can review a Tuareg soon Bret, its so good, like really good, its stupid how good the Tuareg is.

One of the best reviews I’ve seen, the out takes we’re gold

What about the air filter issue??

I said it before, I say it again. You really need to try the Tuareg 660 :)

So what is the quietest bike on the highway?

Hi! Please make a review about Aprilia Tuareg as well.

Bret, do you prefer this Desert X to the old bmw k25 r1200gs?

We need reviews with Paul series

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.

Good Review

Air cleaner and rear axle?

Which Revvit jacket is that?

Great stand up comedian introduction of that bike guys…😂😄👍🏻🙌✌️ couldn’t stop laughing 👍🏻😂😂

T7 Although it's not turning wheel locked and a top heavy gig 3k rpm is enough to cruise or 3rd gear for everything.

How much of a pain is the air filter to change? Super dusty in Australia.

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

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.

Is this bike not vibey on cruising speeds on the highway...

Steve Irwin reference 😂❤ Ducati has done a great job for a company that makes awesome sport bikes

It's an Italian motorized vehicle...It could take a "nap" anywhere, at any time!

It's White & Xue for fluid dynamics.

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.

20 seconds in: You 2 are just something special...... ;)

Love that review! Can you guys do one on a KTM890 AdventureR?

Very nice motorcycle. I have a Tenere 700 and I would be curious to compare them 😉

Is it true that cleaning the air filter is a 2-3 hour project?

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.

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.

Your opening music sounds like it’s from a 1980’s workspace safety VHS tape.

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

Would this be comparable to the KTM 1090 Adventure R?

Paul is very funny. super video))

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!

I LOVE THIS ❤😜☺️

Hey Paul, that's how I measure 8 inches too!

The video that made me re-subscribe. And not just because of the bike.

you guys are so funny 😂 !

Ghay intro had me laughing. 😁

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. 🤣🤣🤣

What a time to buy an ADV.

How ‘bout engine heat?

show us the seamless transition from helmet to your hat again please

Why ignore filter cleaning?

i rolled with a guy who had a brand new one of these still on the paper temp permit , he was awfully curious about my 901 esp the Tractive Extreme suspension ( side point but i went Tractive based on Brett Tkacs recommendation even bought from Ted Porter's Beemer shop as well and was very very happy with the service product and result even though thats more than id ever spent on aftermarket anything before and by a long shot ) i was praying he would want to ride it so i could throw a leg over that beautiful Duc but no such luck

The problem is the Ducati dealer network in the USA and I assume Canada revolves around major cities. Good luck if you break own in some place like Gillette, WY or Browning, MT.

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.

LOL, the best 60s ending ever