The new Ducati DesertX Discovery wants you to take it off the beaten path
The Ducati DesertX now has a new variant known as the DesertX Discovery, which comes with a host of additional accessories to make it more rugged and robust compared to the base version.
That being said, it is not the most hardcore version in the DesertX lineup. That title is still held by the DesertX Rally, meaning the Discovery sits in between the base and Rally in its lineup.
First and foremost, the DesertX Discovery sets itself apart with the striking Thrilling Black/Ducati Red livery.
Now come the purposeful upgrades. Standard on the Discovery are handguards, engine guards, a radiator grill, water pump protection, and a thicker bash plate compared to the base Desert X.
The bike is also fitted with a centre stand to help make maintenance easier, while a taller windscreen and heated grips add comfort during cold weather excursions.
Other features include the Ducati multimedia system along with a turn-by-turn navigation system accessible through the Ducati Link app. Aluminium panniers with 76 litres of storage are available as an option.
No changes to the chassis, though. Similar to the base model, the Discovery is built around a tubular steel frame that is paired with a KYB suspension system and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.
The seat height is 875 mm in the standard configuration. However, customers can choose a high seat (890 mm), a low seat (865 mm), and a low seat with a low suspension kit (845 mm).
Braking power is provided by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers with dual 320 mm discs at the front, and two-piston calipers clamping a single 265 mm disc at the rear.
The engine remains untouched, meaning the 937cc twin-cylinder Testastretta 11° mill still produces 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
On the electronics front, the DesertX Discovery is equipped with a five-inch TFT-LCD screen, as well as various rider assistance systems like Traction Control, Wheelie Control, and Cornering ABS.
