A camouflaged Ducati DesertX V2 has been spotted testing with what looks like the new 890cc V2 engine, meaning a lighter, more powerful evolution of Ducati’s mid-weight adventure bike range.
What’s new in brief
- Test mule swaps the 937cc Testastretta for the 890cc V2 engine, just like recent platform updates.
- Revised tail and swingarm suggest weight savings and agility gains.
- Early prototype means it’s far from production, with launch likely to be late 2025 or beyond.
Engine and performance
Spy shots show the DesertX V2 is getting the 890cc V2 engine, which is already seen in the Multistrada V2 family and produces around 115.6 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92.1 Nm at 8,250 rpm in that tune. Compared to the current DesertX’s ~110 hp and 92 Nm from the 937cc Testastretta, this is a small power bump with similar torque.
Weight-saving changes
Reports say the new V2 engine is 5.8 kg lighter than the outgoing one, and with a revised chassis that’s a lot more. Ducati’s Multistrada V2 update shed as much as 18 kg through engine and frame changes, and the DesertX V2 is following that direction.
Visual clues from spy shots
The prototype retains the DesertX shape up front, including the twin-pod headlamp area, but the rear is more compact with a new tail and swingarm. These mean improved mass centralization and off-road agility while keeping the bike’s stance.
Development timeline
Given the heavy camouflage and early test state, it’s not production-ready yet, so an immediate launch is unlikely. Coverage suggests a reveal around EICMA 2025, with broader market launches to follow.
Platform and filings context
VIN decoding and regulatory breadcrumbs earlier showed a DesertX variant with the 890cc V2 and model-specific gearbox mapping, which matches the platform update. This is part of Ducati’s V2 strategy and helps to simplify the mid-weight range across multiple models.
Expert take
More conventional valvetrain and lower engine mass means maintenance should be simpler with the 890cc V2. With the chassis changes too, this should be more agile off-road and lighter at the kerb without losing real world performance.
DesertX vs DesertX V2 (expected)
| Aspect | Current DesertX (937cc) | DesertX V2 (890cc, expected) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 937cc Testastretta L-twin, ~110 hp/92 Nm. | 890cc V2; ~115.6 hp/92.1 Nm in Multistrada tune. | Slightly higher peak power at higher rpm with similar torque. |
| Engine weight | Heavier Testastretta unit. | ~5.8 kg lighter V2. | Noticeable mass reduction improves handling. |
| Total weight | ~223 kg kerb weight. | Potential double-digit kg drop (Multistrada V2 cut 18 kg). | More agile, easier off-road maneuvering. |
| Chassis/body | Trellis frame, full tail section. | Revised chassis, compact tail, new swingarm spotted. | Better mass centralization and agility. |
Market context
The DesertX V2 appears aimed at sharpening Ducati’s hand in the premium ADV middleweight class where weight, manageability, and serviceability are crucial differentiators. With expected power parity or gains and conspicuous weight trimming, Ducati seems poised to strengthen competitiveness against similarly sized adventure bikes.
Closing note
If these early cues hold, the Ducati DesertX V2 appears to bring a lighter, cleaner, and slightly stronger package to the off-road adventure space, with a design that stays true to the DesertX identity while evolving key hardware.
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