When Ducati debuted the highly anticipated DesertX back in 2022, it was clear the new Dakar-inspired middleweight adventure bike had some fans waiting in the wings, and after riding it, we had to give it some props as well, calling it a “real-deal off-road performer.” Last year’s DesertX Rally further beefed up the formula, adding longer-travel suspension and other revisions, and for 2025, we see yet another variant joining the DesertX series: the Discovery.
The DesertX Discovery appears to be a more adventure-ready version of the standard model thanks to the addition of extra bike protection and more comfort for the rider, but it’s a less hardcore machine than the Rally model. Of course Ducati is quick to emphasize the Discovery’s new red and black color scheme, but the new bike’s overall theme is the same as its stablemates.
To address rider comfort and make it more travel-ready, the new Discovery comes decked out with heated grips as well as a larger touring windshield (said to be more aerodynamic but which looks to be nonadjustable), both standard. Also included as standard equipment is a centerstand, which may add a few pounds but will make bike maintenance chores that much easier.
On the bike protection side, you’ll get reinforced hand guards, radiator protection, and engine guards with extra protection for the water pump, all standard. There’s a more robust skid plate included too with a subframe reinforcement, and it’s arranged to optimally redirect impacts.
Ducati also mentions the addition of aluminum side cases and a reinforced subframe designed for off-road use, but it doesn’t look like those items are included in the standard equipment list for US bikes; for some reason they appear to be extra-cost accessory bits. But new map features made the cut on the latest DesertX, with turn-by-turn navigation accessed via the Ducati Link app, which can then be displayed directly on the 5-inch TFT dash. That’s an improvement on the base model.
As for the rest of the core components, it’s business as usual with the Discovery getting the same 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° desmodromic engine as the rest of the family, unchanged for this variant and producing 110 hp at 9,250 rpm (claimed) and a maximum torque of 68 lb.-ft. at 6,500 rpm. Three riding modes on DesertX are dedicated to road use, while two are specifically designed for off-road riding. You’ll also see the same 34.4-inch seat height (which can be lowered or raised with accessory add-ons) as well as the healthy 5.5-gallon fuel capacity as the base model.
Related: How Much Power Does the 2023 Ducati DesertX Make?
The new Discovery slots in between the other bikes in the growing DesertX family, with a price reflecting its midrange position; the Discovery has an MSRP of $19,995, less than the more off road-capable DesertX Rally, at $22,995, and priced higher than the base DesertX, which has an MSRP of $17,995. The 2025 Ducati DesertX Discovery is expected to arrive to dealers in fall of 2024 with a new color scheme the company refers to as “Thrilling Black/Ducati Red.”
Related: Ducati DesertX Off-Road Review
2025 Ducati DesertX Discovery Specs
| MSRP: | $19,995 |
|---|---|
| Engine: | Liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl. |
| Displacement: | 937cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 94.0 x 67.5mm |
| Compression Ratio: | 13.3:1 |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Claimed Horsepower: | 110 hp @ 9,250 rpm |
| Claimed Torque: | 68 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm |
| Fuel System: | Bosch electronic fuel injection w/ 53mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate slipper w/ Ducati Quick Shift; hydraulic actuation |
| Frame: | Tubular steel trellis |
| Front Suspension: | 46mm KYB inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable; 9.1 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB monoshock, fully adjustable; 8.7 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Radial-mount 4-piston Brembo calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ Bosch cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston Brembo caliper, 265mm disc w/ Bosch cornering ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Wire-spoked; 21 x 2.15 in. / 18 x 4.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 90/90-21 / 150/70R-18 (tubeless) |
| Rake/Trail: | 27.6°/4.8 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 63.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 9.8 in. |
| Seat Height: | 34.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.5 gal. |
| Claimed Wet Weight (No Fuel): | 463 lb. |
| Contact: | ducati.com |
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