By all accounts, the Ducati DesertX is selling like hotcakes. And why wouldn’t it? It’s a modern classic that’s also a capable adventure bike and a Ducati. So it scores high on looks, ability and Italian exoticness.
Its liquid-cooled 937 cc Testastretta engine makes 110 hp and 92 Nm, and its 21F/18R wheel combo and long-travel suspension keep it planted when the going gets rough. But while all reports point to the DesertX sporting an impressive level of off-road capability, its looks are arguably its biggest selling point.
It’s a delightfully minimalistic motorcycle, with numerous design touches that recall the big Dakar race bikes of old. From its tall front end to its generous camel tank and vintage enduro-style fender, every detail is pitch-perfect.
Add to that the twin headlights, and the simple white livery that it debuted in, and it’s one ‘Lucky Adventurer’ decal away from being a modern-day Cagiva Elefant. (In fact, I’d bet good money that Ducati would have named it the Elefant if they owned the rights to the name.)
The question is whether the DesertX would look as good in any other colour. And the answer is heck yeah.
Ducati has just thrown the wraps off a second look for the DesertX. Dubbed ‘RR22,’ it’s a predominantly black scheme with frenetic grey and red graphics, and a matching hit of red on the seat. And although inspiration came from a strange source, it looks wild—with a modern vibe that counterbalances the white scheme’s classic roots.
The RR22 livery will feel familiar to anyone that follows the Dakar Rally. It’s the same look that the Audi RS Q e-Tron wore in last year’s running of the iconic rally raid. And it’s the same design as the DesertX that Danilo Petrucci rode at the bike’s original unveiling (so even if you can’t ride like Petrux, at least you can cop his style).
Why is a factory issue Ducati motorcycle wearing the same paint as a hybrid rally race car? It could be because both have their roots in desert racing, or because Ducati is owned by Lamborghini, who, in turn, is owned by Audi. It’s a stretch, no doubt… but either way, there’s no denying the DesertX looks good in the RS Q e-Tron’s clothes.
The RR22 option is only coming to European dealerships for now—but with any luck, it’ll reach our shores eventually. If it does, would you take the DesertX in black or white… or hold out for Ducati to release it in red?
