Ducati has introduced a new DesertX Rally for 2027, shifting the motorcycle more decisively towards demanding off-road riding. It is expected to reach dealers from April 2027. The Rally develops the standard DesertX introduced at the beginning of 2026, retaining its core engine while revising the suspension, wheels, protection and riding position. Ducati also says a restricted version compatible with the A2 licence category will be offered.

890 cc V2 and electronic equipment

The powerplant is the standard DesertX’s 890 cc V2 twin. Ducati quotes 108.5 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 67.9 lb.ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine weighs 54.9 kg in this application, while the motorcycle’s stated weight is 209 kg without its 18 litres of fuel. An eight-litre auxiliary tank is optional, as is a Termignoni exhaust that promises a further 5.9 bhp. Lean-sensitive riding aids are managed through a raised five-inch colour TFT display, with three preset layouts for different riding situations.</text>,

At the front, fully adjustable 48 mm KYB closed-cartridge forks use Kashima-coated stanchions and provide 250 mm of travel. The rear carries a fully adjustable monoshock with progressive linkages and a remote preload adjuster. Rear travel grows by 20 mm to 240 mm, while ground clearance is 256 mm. Ducati also fits an adjustable Öhlins steering damper to the off-road-focused chassis.</text>,

21/18-inch wheels and a revised riding position

The DesertX Rally uses tubeless spoked Takasago Excel wheels, measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. They carry Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, while the rear wheel now has 36 spokes instead of the previous Rally’s 32. Front braking comes from radial Brembo M4.32 calipers working with 305 mm discs. Seat height is 900 mm, 10 mm below the previous Rally’s 910 mm, and an optional kit lowers it to 880 mm.</text>,

The rear skid plate is now 4 mm thick, compared with 2.5 mm before. Ducati has moved the rider’s position forward and shaped the fuel tank to make body movement easier. Replaceable external protective panels help shield the tank during hard use. Two USB ports are standard, while the three TFT layouts allow the displayed information to be adapted to different riding scenarios.</text>,