Ducati’s Coolest Adventure Bike Just Got Lighter, Cheaper and Better

The lesser-known little brother of the Multistrada can take you farther off the beaten path than ever before.

Rear section of a black and white motorcycle showing the seat, exhaust pipe, and rear tire against a teal background.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published February 25, 2026

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Updated February 25, 2026

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Real gear nerds know that while the beta version of any product tends to be the buzziest, it is rarely the best.

Only after something spends time on the market can its creators gather feedback, process performance and retool.

White Ducati off-road motorcycle with knobby tires parked on rocky terrain under a blue sky. — Goes without saying because it’s a Ducati, but the tip-to-tail redesign looks bellissimo.

Case in point: Ducati’s DesertX, which launched with much fanfare, a big 21-inch front wheel and major off-road capability in 2021.

Five years later, a total overhaul of the travel enduro, the DesertX V2, promises to do even more while lowering both the upfront cost and long-term maintenance.

Little (new) engine that could

When we got the first glimpse of this bike at EICMA last fall, a major source of controversy was the switch from the beloved 937cc Testastretta to an 890cc V-Twin.

As tough as this transition might be to swallow for the superfans, the result is a lower-maintenance power plant that makes loads of sense for this ADV.

Dirt-covered white and red adventure motorcycle with rider in red and white gear kicking up dust on rocky trail. — The V2 may not have as much personality as the Testastretta, but its punch should leave that concern in the dust.

One of the lightest twin-cylinder engines Ducati has ever made, the V2 boasts a unique variable intake valve timing system that spreads power generously across the range, meaning a snappy response with every twist of the throttle.

Making 110 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, the engine offers a fuller acceleration curve complemented by a shorter first four gears to tackle tough obstacles and a longer sixth gear to boost fuel efficiency.

Two people wearing helmets and riding gear on a white Ducati DesertX motorcycle on a paved road. — While the bike is optimized for aggressive off-roading, it’s versatile enough for two-up tarm-action as well.

While the Testastretta demanded pricey valve clearance adjustments and regular cam-belt changes, the V2 is less of a drama queen, requiring valve clearance checks roughly every 28,000 miles and oil changes every 9,300 miles.

Though initial hype about the weight savings proved to be overblown, the new bike is ultimately lighter than its predecessor, but just by a couple of pounds (461 vs. 463).

Handling and tech level up

Nearly as noteworthy as the engine swap is the unique DesertX-specific monocoque frame, which turns that engine into a load-bearing member and serves as an airbox.

This approach not only increases rigidity for more intuitive, responsive handling but also makes the air filter easier to remove and clean after off-road escapades.

Motorcyclist in red and white gear riding a white and black Ducati off-road bike splashing muddy water. — Hey there hot shot, *probably* gonna want to clean the air filter after this ride.

The rear trellis frame pays tribute to classic Ducati style while offering quicker access to engine components, making maintenance both easier and cheaper — sensing a theme here?

Handling also gets a boost from upgraded Brembo brakes and a Kayaba fork that is better equipped to tackle rugged terrain, backed up by rear shocks with full-floater progressive linkages, which are softer early in the compression and more supportive as stress rises.

Helping to close the deal is Ducati’s latest electronics package, which boasts a 6-axis inertial platform and off-roading prowess thanks to feedback from Ducati riders and testers.

White and black Ducati adventure motorcycle parked on a rocky hill with rugged mountainous terrain and cloudy sky in the background. — The new DesertX aims to let you take your bike where no Ducati has gone before.

Highlights include a loaded 5-inch TFT dashboard, six ride modes, and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, plus generous helpings of alphabet soup including DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control) and EBC (Engine Brake Control).

In other words, if you run this Italian beauty into the ground, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Availability and pricing

The Ducati DesertX V2 hits European dealerships next month, followed by the US market in May, then Australia and Japan in June.

The base price is $16,995, $2,000 less than the original.

White Ducati DesertX adventure motorcycle with black seat, knobby tires, and tinted windshield on a white background.

Ducati DesertX V2

The big news with the revamped DesertX is the swapping out of the beloved but persnickety Testastretta engine in favor of Ducati’s new 890cc V2. This engine makes a claimed 110 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and max torque of 68 lb.-ft. at 7,000 rpm, numbers pretty similar to its predecessor, but it also helps the bike shed a couple of pounds while also easing and decreasing the cost of maintenance. Maybe even bigger news? The upfront price tag drops by two grand.

Starts at $16,995

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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