One of the Coolest Adventure Bikes Just Got a Game-Changing Upgrade

No, it did not involve Ozempic. Yes, it could have an outsized impact on the awesome off-roader’s handling and overall capability.

Close-up of a black and gray motorcycle engine with a "V2" label, yellow rear suspension spring, and patterned body panels.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published November 7, 2025

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Updated November 10, 2025

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While some believed we would get a full reveal of the next generation of Ducati’s snazzy, scrappy midsize adventure bike at the big EICMA trade show in Milan this week, we got slightly less.

Those last few words carry a double meaning. First, while Ducati did bring a bunch of stunners to the show, the new DesertX was limited to the presentation of a pre-production version, a bunch of photos and a few details.

Dual-sport motorcycle with black and white geometric camouflage pattern parked on a dirt road. — While the new DesertX retains much of its predecessor’s DNA, the engine swap is a big deal.

Second, a new V2 engine carries similar power and torque while helping the bike drop some decent poundage.

So while die-hard Ducatisti will pour a little motor oil out for the beloved Testastretta, the bike itself should see enough of a performance boost to speed away from dissension in the ranks.

Lighten up

Let’s zero in on this engine swap, which I’m sure a brand like Ducati, which is typically very aware and respectful of its own history, did not implement willy-nilly.

As the name suggests, the new liquid-cooled four-valve-per-cylinder engine is a V-twin, and it uses conventionally sprung valves rather than the tricky desmodromic system.

Adventure motorcycle with black and white geometric camo pattern, knobby tires, and gold front forks on a dirt path. — The new V2 will help the shed a respectable amount of weight without any real sacrifice of power or torque.

While the latter is thought of as the key to Ducati’s racing success, it also demands pricey valve clearance adjustments and regular cam-belt changes.

The new 890cc V2 features chain-driven camshafts and will not be relied upon for racing.

Adventure motorcycle with black and gray geometric camouflage pattern parked on a dirt road surrounded by trees. — Other changes include the gold forks, new skid plate and new exhaust system, though it remains to be seen what elements make it from pre-production to production.

While it is considerably smaller than the 937cc Testastretta, it employs variable intake valve timing to make a claimed 110 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and max torque of 68 lb.-ft. at 7,000 rpm, numbers pretty much on par with the bigger engine.

Another big advantage of the swap is the weight savings. The V2 is not only lighter than its predecessor but also designed to work as a stressed member, removing the need for a separate frame.

Spry guy

There are conflicting reports about how much weight is being shed, with some industry insiders reporting 9 pounds and others estimating nearly 30. Ducati itself says the dry weight will drop from 463 pounds to 454 pounds, indicating the lower number is more accurate.

That’s ultimately about 2 percent, which doesn’t seem like much, but the impact on handling and capability could still be meaningful, if most notably in the mind of the rider. (When you feel light and nimble, you ride light and nimble.)

That impact is complemented by the bike also getting a new suspension system with progressive rear linkage.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine and seat with a black and gray geometric patterned body and knobby tires. — The one-piece seat offers more padding closer to the tank, a welcome upgrade.

Other changes include a windscreen with more forward tilt at the top, some tweaks to the body work and most likely a monocoque aluminum front frame in place of the current model’s trellis frame.

The new DesertX also gets a more padded one-piece seat, a new skid plate and a new exhaust system.

Motorcyclist in red and white gear performing a wheelie on a black off-road motorcycle on a dirt path. — Dropping some pounds should make tricky maneuvers, including wheelies, that much easier to tackle.

While the rear brake looks the same, the new bike has different Brembo calipers up front, as well as a redesigned swingarm, visible rear suspension linkage and gold-colored forks that may or may not be functionally different.

We’ll learn a lot more in a few months, and while we bid the Testastretta a fond arrividerci, I for one am excited to see what this leaner, meaner machine can do far off the beaten path.

Availability and pricing

Ducati plans to officially launch the 2026 DesertX in February 2026, with bikes rolling into the European market in May and North America in June. No pricing has been announced, but considering the 2025 bike starts at $17,995, it should start well under $20,000.

Adventure motorcycle with black and white geometric camouflage pattern parked on a gravel road.

2026 Ducati DesertX V2

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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