Ducati has launched the 2024 DesertX Rally in India at Rs 23.7 lakh. The DesertX Rally is the hardcore off-road capable version of the already very impressive DesertX. There are quite a few differences between the standard Ducati DesertX and the Rally to achieve this higher level of ability.
The DesertX Rally gets new off-road suspension that’s developed by KYB. At the front there is an adjustable 48mm USD fork and a monoshock at the rear. However, what’s more important is that it gets 250mm suspension travel at the front and 240mm wheel travel at the rear. This will significantly improve the ability of the suspension to handle big jumps, as well as rocky and sandy terrain that one encounters off-road.
Ducati has also fitted it with lighter yet stronger Takasago Excel wire-spoke rims with billet aluminium hubs. These rims are shod with tube-type tyres instead of tubeless ones because the central spoked wheels are less exposed to stones and damage while riding hardcore trails.
Visually, the DesertX Rally looks markedly different from the DesertX. Ducati has used a new mass-coloured paint technique for plastics. This ensures that whatever little scratches the bike may pick up while being ridden off-road will be much less visible.
It also gets a high-mount front mudguard and the 910mm rally seat. Also, the red and white colour combination, including the red paint on the subframe makes the DesertX Rally quite striking to look at.
The DesertX Rally has a 937cc, L-twin engine that makes 108bhp at 9,250rpm and 92Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox. As is the case with most Ducatis, the bike is loaded with electronics including multi-level traction control, ride modes, ABS modes and more.
With all of these changes, the DesertX Rally costs Rs 5 lakh more than the Desert X. That said, it should appeal the off-road enthusiasts with deep pockets.