DECKING OUT THE DESERTX…

Saying we’re keen to get our hands on the new DesertX is possibly the biggest understatement of 2022. Boasting 92N/m of Ducati torque, packed with cutting-edge tech to get the power down and keep you upright, hard-hitting Kayaba suspension, and big ground clearance, it ticks a lot of boxes out of the box (if you know what we mean). You’d have to say Ducati has done their homework in pulling together a solid new entry in the extremely competitive mid-weight ADV class. So, with the standard bike’s price tag at $24,200 when it lands next month and with only one colour option available, we can hear the collective question: what options are there to make it truly yours?

Worry no more; Ducati is offering a slew of upgrades and accessories to deck the DesertX out for your adventures – both on- and (especially) off-road. From crash protection, electronics, assorted seat and trim options, luggage and extra racks, Ducati has worked hard to offer everything you might need.

To top it off, they’ve bundled five solid packages together to make it easier to roll out of the showroom in the spec you want. Check them out…

TOURING PACKAGE

Feel the need to load up and just get outta town for a long time? This combo of aluminium side panniers, their subframes, a centre stand and heated grips ensures you’re packed and ready for the long haul, in comfort and style.

Add $4164

SPORT PACKAGE

It’s easy to forget that hiding under that satin white livery and 21-inch front wheel is a fire-breathing Ducati V-Twin. It’s on-road chops are built on decades of race wins, and the DesertX won’t disappoint with a deeper, throatier roar thanks to the very slick Termigoni Titanium outer sleeved silencer. Add a billet tank cap and number plate holder to the mix for some bling. I mean, it’s an Italian bike…

Add $3894

RALLY PACKAGE

While the 21-litre tank is already capable of around 400km between refills, the addition of the 8-litre auxiliary tank means the DesertX becomes a true expedition machine – Ducati is claiming close to 600km before you splutter to a stop! That white rear-end also looks damn good in our eyes. As does the moto-inspired Rally Seat. Of course, with the extra cockpit mobility the seat offers off-road, it adds a touch of height, coming in at 895mm (5mm up from the standard seat). Too tall? Ducati offers a lowering kit, although you’ll need to add that to the list. Additional protection in the way of an adhesive layer to that sparkling white tank is a smart idea, as is the tough-looking headlight protection grille. You don’t want to go busting those twin LED lights, whose replacement cost ain’t likely to be cheap!

Add $2614

OFF-ROAD PACKAGE

Now we’re talking real-world off-road use specs! If you’re planning on taking the DesertX to its rightful place, then protection is everything. An upgraded engine guard plate along with steel crash bars, water-pump protection and off-road worthy hand guards make up the bulk of this package. There’s also a protective mesh guard for that precious radiator. While not part of the package, Ducati has announced the Metzeler Karoo 3 as a homologated off-road option for the DesertX if the standard Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres aren’t beefy enough for your liking.

Add $2287

URBAN PACKAGE

Ducati knows full well not everyone jumping onboard a DesertX will be aiming it at the Simpson Desert’s endless sand dunes. And as a result, they have a suite of commuting options that they simplified in the Urban package. With the addition of a rear-mounted subframe, an aluminium top case (with cushion for your better half on weekend jaunts) takes care of lane-splitting luggage capacity alongside a handlebar bag to make the daily commute more than a little fun.

Add $2069

Of course, these bundled packages aren’t the be all and end all. You can always custom your bike utilising any of the near 50 accessories available. If you’re wondering just how crazy you can go, hit up the epic Ducati Bike Configurator to deck your DesertX out. Download it and drool, or send it to your dealer to have it ready for you once they land.