DUCATI: 2024 OFF-ROAD MODELS INBOUND

With Ducati World Premieres scheduled for the coming weeks, we’re waiting with bated breath! Based on their teaser video’s hints, model releases for September and October could well be new or updated variants of two off-road-capable machines – namely, the DesertX and Multistrada. While we’ve already delved into how an updated (beast-mode) DesertX might be specced, what’s in store for Ducati’s flagship Multistrada V4 is another matter.

A BIG-WHEEL MULTI?

With its gutsy V4 powerplant and ludicrous tech, you’d wonder just how much more you could strap onto its already big bones. We’ll kick it off, though…

Adding more range again via a bigger tank (or even via an auxiliary, a la the DesertX) is a definite possibility and one that would somewhat alleviate its riders’ range anxiety. Add to the mix a 21-inch front wheel and 20mm or so extra travel and we’d have a true off-road warrior. Albeit a hefty one! While the 19-inch currently on the Multi keeps its sports-bike credentials intact, it’s at the expense of off-road chops, as it does have a tendency to plow through sand and bog, should you get off the throttle a touch. That additional wheel diameter (and subsequent expanded choice of dirt tyre) will add some serious off-road ability to the much-loved Multistrada and answer the prayers of the 1260 Enduro owners keen to update their pride and joy. We’d hazard a guess that the new off-road riding modes found on the DesertX may just find their way onto the MTS’s big TFT screen too. And while we’re talking wishlist bits, a one-piece seat option would make it truly dirt-worthy.

#SLEDLIFE

While we’re off in dreamland, it wouldn’t surprise us to see an updated Desert Sled come to fruition. Its current iteration (if you can get your hands on one) is overdue to come into line with the reworked Scrambler models that were released earlier this year. Again, add a 21-inch hoop up front, DesertX electronics, plus longer-travel tunable suspension, and it would be a very versatile rig with all the style you could ever ask for.

Whatever pops its head up, come September 19 and October 3, we are sure Ducati has done their homework. Then again, maybe we’re way off the mark and there’s 250 and 450 MX platforms about to be unleashed…