Any Desert X Owners?
Discussion
Hi All, I am mulling over swapping my RNineT for a Desert X as I fancy a bit of a change. Has anyone got one, or had any experience of them that they could pass on please? I know the answer is "go and ride one" which I will do, but as a desktop exercise, I thought I would see what others had experienced.
I've sat on a couple at the dealers and will do a test ride, but first concern is that I am short of leg and can only get my tiptoes down when I stop. I know they do lower seats and even lower suspension, but haven't found an example of either to try.
I also wondered what views were on going aftermarket for the crash bars, bash plates etc (as I want that look) or paying through the nose via Ducati?
Finally, I really want the underseat additional fuel tanks (because they are cool), but that rules out rigid panniers it seems and if there is another solution in the market, I have yet to find it.
Thanks!
I've sat on a couple at the dealers and will do a test ride, but first concern is that I am short of leg and can only get my tiptoes down when I stop. I know they do lower seats and even lower suspension, but haven't found an example of either to try.
I also wondered what views were on going aftermarket for the crash bars, bash plates etc (as I want that look) or paying through the nose via Ducati?
Finally, I really want the underseat additional fuel tanks (because they are cool), but that rules out rigid panniers it seems and if there is another solution in the market, I have yet to find it.
Thanks!
How do.
I work for a Ducati dealer so can help a little and I’ll try not to be bias.
Obviously riding one is key. They are tall, although as you say you can lower them. Without knowing your bike history, a 21” front wheel is going to feel VERY different to the 17” on your rNineT. They are slower to turn and require muscling about when you’re pressing on. Some people like it, others don’t. I personally didn’t with my Africa twin I had.
Fitting the extra tank does restrict options. However I believe Kriega have their soft bag kit available to work around the tank. Also Mosko we’re doing something too.
We’ve fitted a fair amount of Touratech kit onto these bikes so far. I can’t say for definite, but it looks very similar to the Ducati stuff we get. I know Touratech used to do all the aluminium luggage for Ducati before.
Have a look at Outback Motortek too. A couple of our customer use their kit and really rate it
Hope this helps.
I work for a Ducati dealer so can help a little and I’ll try not to be bias.
Obviously riding one is key. They are tall, although as you say you can lower them. Without knowing your bike history, a 21” front wheel is going to feel VERY different to the 17” on your rNineT. They are slower to turn and require muscling about when you’re pressing on. Some people like it, others don’t. I personally didn’t with my Africa twin I had.
Fitting the extra tank does restrict options. However I believe Kriega have their soft bag kit available to work around the tank. Also Mosko we’re doing something too.
We’ve fitted a fair amount of Touratech kit onto these bikes so far. I can’t say for definite, but it looks very similar to the Ducati stuff we get. I know Touratech used to do all the aluminium luggage for Ducati before.
Have a look at Outback Motortek too. A couple of our customer use their kit and really rate it
Hope this helps.
looksfast said:
I've sat on a couple at the dealers and will do a test ride, but first concern is that I am short of leg and can only get my tiptoes down when I stop. I know they do lower seats and even lower suspension, but haven't found an example of either to try.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm a 45-year old male who has the legs of an underdeveloped child (29" inseam) and I ride an Africa Twin. Furthermore, I ride it with the seat in its high position. I'm on tiptoes when I stop but you kinda just get used to it and it stops being an obstacle.Rene Souffle said:
How do.
I work for a Ducati dealer so can help a little and I’ll try not to be bias.
Obviously riding one is key. They are tall, although as you say you can lower them. Without knowing your bike history, a 21” front wheel is going to feel VERY different to the 17” on your rNineT. They are slower to turn and require muscling about when you’re pressing on. Some people like it, others don’t. I personally didn’t with my Africa twin I had.
Fitting the extra tank does restrict options. However I believe Kriega have their soft bag kit available to work around the tank. Also Mosko we’re doing something too.
We’ve fitted a fair amount of Touratech kit onto these bikes so far. I can’t say for definite, but it looks very similar to the Ducati stuff we get. I know Touratech used to do all the aluminium luggage for Ducati before.
Have a look at Outback Motortek too. A couple of our customer use their kit and really rate it
Hope this helps.
That's really useful thanks; the point on steering is something I hadn't considered. Previous bikes include Aprilia RSVR and R6, so completely different products. I like Kriega kit and that might work as a solution and I don't particularly want hard panniers either.I work for a Ducati dealer so can help a little and I’ll try not to be bias.
Obviously riding one is key. They are tall, although as you say you can lower them. Without knowing your bike history, a 21” front wheel is going to feel VERY different to the 17” on your rNineT. They are slower to turn and require muscling about when you’re pressing on. Some people like it, others don’t. I personally didn’t with my Africa twin I had.
Fitting the extra tank does restrict options. However I believe Kriega have their soft bag kit available to work around the tank. Also Mosko we’re doing something too.
We’ve fitted a fair amount of Touratech kit onto these bikes so far. I can’t say for definite, but it looks very similar to the Ducati stuff we get. I know Touratech used to do all the aluminium luggage for Ducati before.
Have a look at Outback Motortek too. A couple of our customer use their kit and really rate it
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Exasperated said:
I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm a 45-year old male who has the legs of an underdeveloped child (29" inseam) and I ride an Africa Twin. Furthermore, I ride it with the seat in its high position. I'm on tiptoes when I stop but you kinda just get used to it and it stops being an obstacle.
I think you are right, I'm overthinking it and it's a bike designed to be dropped right? I too have the same legs but your description made me laugh!smifffymoto said:
I can’t help with an opinion about the Desert X but I would like your opinion,OP about the RnineT.
It’s on my list of bikes to consider.
Ah well, I love it, but want to do some rufty tufty stuff and want a Ducati hence the thinking. It goes well, makes a nice sound with the standard akrapovic exhaust (a "brapp" sound when you open the throttle coming out of corners mainly). It's beautifully put together and I might still keep it, but shiny distractions happen and I am a magpie. It’s on my list of bikes to consider.
I kinda went the other way. I've always had adv bikes. My plan was to do the odd rough stuff but to be honest, for me it was like buying a mountain bike to cycle round roads. I never liked the sat on feel of most adv bikes.
I love my R1200R.
OP I'd really really try and get a long test ride first.
I love my R1200R.
OP I'd really really try and get a long test ride first.
There may be some threads worth checking out on the DesertX here:
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
I’ve got one, picked it up last year when I traded my Tiger 800 XC in for it. I may not be the best person to offer a comparison though as this is my first bike with any modern rider aids so it’s all a bit new to me, all my other bikes don’t even have abs and there is even one without fuel injection so you know where I’m coming from.
First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
Playsatan said:
I’ve got one, picked it up last year when I traded my Tiger 800 XC in for it. I may not be the best person to offer a comparison though as this is my first bike with any modern rider aids so it’s all a bit new to me, all my other bikes don’t even have abs and there is even one without fuel injection so you know where I’m coming from.
First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
Out of interest, what's the total range if you use the additional tank too?First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
Playsatan said:
I’ve got one, picked it up last year when I traded my Tiger 800 XC in for it. I may not be the best person to offer a comparison though as this is my first bike with any modern rider aids so it’s all a bit new to me, all my other bikes don’t even have abs and there is even one without fuel injection so you know where I’m coming from.
First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
That's really useful info thank you. I think a kreiga soft bag will do the job if I need luggage on the back tbf, so don't see that as an issue. The second tank is unnecessary, but how many bikes have that as an option? It has to be done. I'm intrigued it keeps up with a GS. A mate has a new 1300 and it did occur to me that I would be outgunned, so may be, but not by as much as I thought. 2 hours in the saddle is more than enough for me too. Any journey longer than that needs food and drink to be added to the agenda. I love the idea of the Termi/decat, but am tempted by the akrapovic end can to see if that makes it just slightly fruity without being obnoxious (from both a noise and price perspective). Now onto the classifieds and to book a test ride!First off I have to say I like the looks. I took it to a couple of local bike night meets and it’s a total man magnet if thats your thing. The motor is very smooth and the fuelling is very good although I do have the termi pipe/decat and map that goes with it. My friends tell me it smells rich when riding behind me. That takes me to the power, theres loads for what it is and on the road it can keep up with any other adv bike out there, flat out its on par with a GS1250 if that puts it into context.
Handling is better than my old tiger which I considered decent and the brakes are overkill especially if you opt for 50/50 tyres. I’ve not tried it off road yet but will be remedying that at the ABR festival in a couple of weeks time. It does feel heavy moving it around the garage but that disappears on the move, hopefully I dont have to pick it up too often. The controls are in a good position for me however the standard seat on mine is not great after a couple of hours. Wind noise is there with the standard screen but no vibration or buffeting that I feel on my 660 Tenere.
I do agree that the rear tank helps the looks a lot and find that it adds about 100 miles range when I transfer it to the front. It certainly does limit luggage options but many seem to get on ok with rackless options which I’ll be trying out. For the trip in 2 weeks I’m sure a roll top back on the back seat and a second smaller one on my rear rack will see me through. I also have bar bags on the front which will help, they are Heed ones paired with a standard sump guard, nowhere near as tough as some of the aftermarket options but I don’t intent to use this for log hopping or rock gardens so should be fine.
Overall I’m pleased with it and it’s performing in line with expectations.
Hugo Stiglitz said:
I kinda went the other way. I've always had adv bikes. My plan was to do the odd rough stuff but to be honest, for me it was like buying a mountain bike to cycle round roads. I never liked the sat on feel of most adv bikes.
I love my R1200R.
OP I'd really really try and get a long test ride first.
Ah, that's interesting. I am tempted to keep the R9T, but it won't get used if I do which is a waste. I can always get another if I make a mistake. This won't be the last bike I have as there is a need for another sports bike before I am done.I love my R1200R.
OP I'd really really try and get a long test ride first.
typeo said:
There may be some threads worth checking out on the DesertX here:
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
Thanks - I hadn't ventured from Pistonheads before posting, so perhaps I should look again. Slightly ominous tone of your post suggests that I won't find the affirmation I seek there..!https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
Exasperated said:
Out of interest, what's the total range if you use the additional tank too?
So far I seem to be averaging 58 mog with mixed riding although i can stretch that into the 60’s if cruising or into the high 40’s if I’m pushing on.A full tank at the front shows as 250 miles range on the dash and I do think that would be possible if I rode a bit slower but hey, it’d be a waste to ride like that all the time. The rear takes a surprisingly long time to move the fuel to the front, about 5 minutes, but when complete it typically adds about 100 miles to your range. There’s only one fuel gauge that works for the front and a simple fuel light for the rear to remind you if it’s empty. The transfer process is very easy and can be done on the move however the bike will not allow you to take the option until the front tank is pretty low, like 50 miles or so left, until then the option is visible but greyed out.
I’ve taken it to 300 with about 20 left in the tank but I’m confident 350 could be achieved if you were riding with range in mind.
One downside to the rear tank could be if you want to fit one of the hundreds of graphics kits to the bike, none of them seem to have a rear tank graphic available but its a pretty minor concern overall.
looksfast said:
typeo said:
There may be some threads worth checking out on the DesertX here:
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
Thanks - I hadn't ventured from Pistonheads before posting, so perhaps I should look again. Slightly ominous tone of your post suggests that I won't find the affirmation I seek there..!https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
We have to remind people of this on a weekly basis across the brands at work
.Rene Souffle said:
looksfast said:
typeo said:
There may be some threads worth checking out on the DesertX here:
https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
Thanks - I hadn't ventured from Pistonheads before posting, so perhaps I should look again. Slightly ominous tone of your post suggests that I won't find the affirmation I seek there..!https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/desert-x.158/
We have to remind people of this on a weekly basis across the brands at work
.Depends what you want it for, they're decent off-road, but if you're short of leg I suspect there's better options
As an off road and KTM fan, I watched this:
https://youtu.be/51YuNZjcr0E?si=Ch2hzh1DDCfK4TWR
If I was looking for a newer Adv I think I'd buy the Norden
As an off road and KTM fan, I watched this:
https://youtu.be/51YuNZjcr0E?si=Ch2hzh1DDCfK4TWR
If I was looking for a newer Adv I think I'd buy the Norden
KTMsm said:
Depends what you want it for, they're decent off-road, but if you're short of leg I suspect there's better options
As an off road and KTM fan, I watched this:
https://youtu.be/51YuNZjcr0E?si=Ch2hzh1DDCfK4TWR
If I was looking for a newer Adv I think I'd buy the Norden
I strongly considered an 890 R before I bought the DX, as an off-road package I agree its the best there is but I just can’t spend that sort of money on a bike with such a poor reputation for reliability. Lots of electrical gremlins, oil leaks, brake issues are bad enough but the cam wear issues are a deal breaker. I had my Tiger for about 10 years so I like a bike that lasts and doesn’t need new cams as a service item.As an off road and KTM fan, I watched this:
https://youtu.be/51YuNZjcr0E?si=Ch2hzh1DDCfK4TWR
If I was looking for a newer Adv I think I'd buy the Norden
I should also point out that I’m far from a KTM hater, I have a 950 SMR that I love but in a very different way to the DX.
I've got one earlier this year. Did a long-ish trip on it recently.
I'm enjoying it, looks great and is easy to ride. Am on my 4th aftermarket windscreen, trying to find one that doesn't give me vision blurring buffeting at motorway speeds.
Have OEM crash bars fitted, not got the secondary tank. Seeing over 200mls range on the primary tank, I need a stretch before it needs a drink.
At my rookie level, it's very fun as a road bike, just need to sort out windscreen for longer trips. Currently on 1600 miles, hope for many more.
I'm enjoying it, looks great and is easy to ride. Am on my 4th aftermarket windscreen, trying to find one that doesn't give me vision blurring buffeting at motorway speeds.
Have OEM crash bars fitted, not got the secondary tank. Seeing over 200mls range on the primary tank, I need a stretch before it needs a drink.
At my rookie level, it's very fun as a road bike, just need to sort out windscreen for longer trips. Currently on 1600 miles, hope for many more.
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