A LONGER-HAUL DESERTX? ENTER THE ‘DISCOVERY’ MODEL

Adding to Ducati’s rapidly growing DesertX family is a new, travel-ready Discovery model. Put simply, it’s a DesertX decked for the long haul – all thanks to a well-thought-out set of accessories that complement the Erzbergrodeo-proven chassis and long-range 21-litre tank that fuels the brilliant 937cc twin.

Slotting in between the big-hitting, off-road-focused Rally model and the original/’standard’ DesertX (which ain’t no slouch off-road in stock trim), the Discovery model raids Ducati’s accessories catalogue to bring more comfort and long-distance touring ability to the forefront.

Up front, a larger touring windscreen brings more relief from highway-speed buffeting and big ol’ bugs. Plus, aluminium handguards come standard, as do heated grips – which, as of this July, are possibly the greatest piece of kit you can have on a moto.

Downstairs, a beefier engine guard – along with crash bars and a radiator grille – are in place to protect that precious Italian bodywork and components underneath. Plus, a much-needed centre stand comes stock. On the tech front, Turn-by-Turn Navigation is included with the Ducati Link App, and it comes with a five-year subscription – a nice touch in a world now full of so many subscription services dipping into your bank account every month or year.

To complete the package, a new Black/Ducati Red livery ensures it’ll be looking the goods wherever your roads take you. Ducati has set a $29,800 Ride Away price for the Discovery here in Australia, which represents great value if you were looking at the stock DesertX (a little over $24,000 Ride Away) and decking it out yourself.

As for when you can get your hands on one … well, Ducati Australia assures us it’ll be in showrooms come the fourth quarter of 2024. Those aluminium cases you see in the shots are available as an accessory upgrade too.

Want more? Take in Ducati’s launch video that dives deeper into what makes the DesertX Discovery tick.