For those who can manage to match the capabilities, the price point, and are tall enough, the Ducati DesertX Rally is probably the most nimble and fun adventure motorcycle in India currently. We’re saying this even before we delve into the details of how it actually behaves and how much bang for your buck does it return, it is absolutely a charmer. It takes the adventure motorcycle category to new heights with its enhanced off-road capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and rugged design.
Building on the strong foundation of the already capable standard DesertX, the Rally variant pushes boundaries with its professional-grade components like the KYB Pro grade suspension matching race levels, and extremely detailed engineering in terms of electronics. Tested across challenging terrains already, this motorcycle is designed for riders who demand the best in performance, durability, and versatility. And pushing it across the unpredictability of India is a joy and exercise combined.
Looks Ready For The Roughest Rides
We know it is a Ducati and commands a certain degree of reverence in design, but dear God this Rally spec looks gorgeous in the flesh. It has the ruggedness of character and the petite composure reminiscent of a large trail motorcycle. Its high mudguard, unpainted mass-coloured plastics, and thick PVC adhesive graphics ensure durability while maintaining a distinctive aesthetic. This is probably the closest you will get to own a Dakar machine for regular use. The dedicated rally seat features a special texture to support the rider’s movements during those off-road movements.
We do not get the cool forged carbon sump guard, but this steel guard gets the job done as good. Forged carbon will look fantastic, and will take some weight off, so poke your dealer to ship it for you. Rally gets a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel setup optimised for enduro riding. The Takasago Excel rims with carbon steel spokes on the other hand are absolutely brilliant to look at, they enhance strength while reducing weight by 0.5 kg compared to the standard DesertX. Nope, nobody gets close to the wild yet sedate design of the DesertX Rally yet.
Built To Dominate Off-Road
At the heart of the DesertX Rally sits a characterful 937cc Ducati Testastretta 11° L-Twin engine that puts out 108.6 bhp of maximum power at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. Of course, it has a battery of electronic aids to keep everything smooth and stable for the rider, or extremely unchecked for Pro riders. But the effect of these changes as you explore through the riding maps is profound.
Especially off the road, for example, Enduro is your go- to mode when you run out of tarmac as it lessens the power output and rearranges the ABS and TCS for off-road use. It allows you to slip and slide whilst the IMU constantly judges your lean angles throughout to stabilise. It is easy and very manageable on trails. But for the Pro riders there is a Rally mode which gives you all the power and disables the ABS on the rear wheel allowing ridiculous wheelies off the road! It transforms into a fast-paced rally machine built for extreme riders. We were able to push it across a specialised patrol trail for the Forest Department of Rishikesh, and it just went through with so much ease that it was hilarious.
This is all down to the 48mm KYB closed-cartridge fork with Kashima coating and a 46mm KYB monoshock which offers 250mm of front and 240mm of rear travel. This setup is further complemented by an adjustable Ohlins steering damper, ensuring precision handling and stability even on rough trails. And with that six-speed gearbox and Ducati Quick Shift, the DesertX Rally ensures smooth transitions and optimal control which is near flawless. And yes, the little pops you get in Sport mode running through the quickshifter are absolutely addictive. The generous ground clearance of 280mm enhances its ability to tackle obstacles, and is a pain if you get stuck in traffic so plan ahead.
Designed For Long-Distance Exploration
When it comes to the ergonomics of the DesertX Rally, everything from the seat, handlebars, and footpegs are positioned perfectly for transitions between seated and standing riding positions. Heat management is optimised with well-positioned airflows, but who are they kidding, it is a Ducati and it does not like going too slow or stop-go traffic, so it will roast you. We were trundling behind one of the patrol vehicles, but eventually had to blast past it because of the heat and disapproval from the Rally. With a 21-litre fuel tank and the option for an additional 8-litre auxiliary tank, the motorcycle is well-equipped for extended journeys. And it needs that because the DesertX Rally will return 14kmpl when you ride it like a Ducati, else may hypermile it to 18kmpl. But the roar from the L-twin is addictive enough for you to push hard. As a side note that roar can be further improved with a cracking Termignoni pipe.
A vertically oriented 5-inch TFT display ensures visibility during both seated and standing rides. And the Rally and Enduro modes offer a professional Rally display, making you feel extremely cool. The display integrates seamlessly with Ducati Multimedia System enabling smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Full LED lighting with poly-ellipsoidal modules is great as well for unlit trails, or even highways in our case. You get a load capacity of 120 litres across aluminium panniers and a top case ensures sufficient storage for multi-day trips.
Braking Confidence On Any Terrain
The DesertX Rally’s braking system is equipped with Brembo components for superior performance. Twin 320mm discs at the front with monobloc radial callipers and a 265mm rear disc provide excellent feedback and stopping power. Bosch Cornering ABS ensures optimal braking control on both road and off-road surfaces. Additional note on those Pirelli Scorpion Rally M+S (Mud + Snow) tyres are not built for fast highway use. Yes the grip is phenomenal, but they are designed to chug off the road and using them at high speeds on the tarmac will wear them out quickly, so use them wisely. Safety features such as Ducati Brake Light, which signals emergency braking to vehicles behind, and self-cancelling turn indicators are welcome additions as well.
The Ducati DesertX Rally brings its advanced off-road capabilities, robust build quality, and cutting-edge tech to make trail riding easy and manageable. While its premium price, which is ahem INR 23.7 lakh ex-showroom, positions it as an exclusive offering, the value it delivers in terms of performance, durability, and versatility is undeniable.
For riders seeking a motorcycle that can handle the toughest terrains with ease and the safety net of electronics, and handle on-road use as well, DesertX Rally is a formidable machine. There are very few motorcycles that can handle fast corners this easily with a 21-inch wheel, and then keep going when the tarmac ends. If you are tallish, and have the money to pay for it, one test ride will iron out your doubts. Happy trails!
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