It seems everyone is making an adventure bike these days. However, their sizeable dimensions and heavy weight mean that, while they can handle some rough stuff, they’re challenging to ride in difficult conditions. This is why the majority of today’s larger-displacement adventure bikes (over 800 cc with multi cylinders) spend most of their time on pavement. Sure, some riders might wander regularly onto gravel roads, but let’s face it: even a Gold Wing can do that.
There are, however, a few bigger bikes designed to handle more serious off-roading, bikes like the Honda Africa Twin, the Husqvarna Norden 901, and its cousin, the KTM 890 Adventure R. But the manufacturers of those machines have histories steeped in off-roading; all of them have competed successfully in motocross, enduro and rally competition, and all have produced serious dual-sport machines. It’s therefore not surprising that their adventure bikes are entirely competent off-roaders.
What is surprising is when an Italian company that specializes in naked bikes, sport bikes and supersport machines produces a motorcycle that has a heavy penchant for dirt. That company is Ducati and the bike is the new DesertX. We recently got a chance to ride it at its North American launch, held near Aspen, Co.