The Ducati DesertX weighs 223kg wet, has a seat height of 875mm and 250mm of ground clearance, and makes 110hp. Expect about 50 mpg, for a range of around 230 miles from its 21-litre tank.
6/10
Holloway Green Lane Score
Genuine Dakar looks backed by real off-road hardware, composed on gravel and rock, but heavy for technical single-track and pricier to maintain. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
3/5
Road usability
4/5
Technical off-road capability
3/5
Green-lane suitability
3/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£14,995
Engine937cc
Power110hp
Torque92Nm
Weight (wet)223kg
Seat height875mm
Fuel tank21L
Real-world range~230 mi
Economy~50 mpg
Wheels (f/r)21" / 18"
Ground clearance250mm
Suspension travel (f/r)230mm / 220mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval9,000 miles
Licence requiredA
Stock tyre sizes (f/r)90/90-21 / 150/70-18
Stock tyresPirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Where the Ducati DesertX sits
Wet weight against ground clearance for every bike in the finder that publishes both. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit. Tap a dot to open that bike.
Figures are manufacturer claims. Clearance is measured differently by different makers, so treat small gaps as a draw.
Will your feet reach?
The Ducati DesertX has a 875mm seat. Enter your inside leg for a rough idea of how much foot you'll get down when stopped.
A rough guide only. A wide seat needs more leg than a narrow one, the suspension settles 20 to 40mm under you, and boots add a little. Many bikes offer a low seat or lowering link. Sit on one before you buy.
Range against similar bikes
Real-world range from tank size and typical economy, against the bikes closest to it in weight and type. Out on the lanes, fuel stops are often further apart than on a road ride.
Range only. Hard off-road riding and headwinds use more fuel, so plan fuel stops with margin.
Tyres that fit the Ducati DesertX
It runs a 90/90-21 front and a 150/70-18 rear, on Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR from the factory. 44 tyres in our Tyre Finder are made in at least one of those sizes, ranked by green lane score.
Sizes are for the standard UK model and can change between model years. Check the size on your own tyre sidewall, and ask your dealer before fitting a different size. Our size lists come from maker and retailer listings and can miss sizes, so a tyre shown for one end may still be made in your other size. Check the maker's size chart.
Owners describe the DesertX as a thrilling blend of Dakar styling and genuine off-road capability. Riders praise the 937cc Testastretta V-twin for its punchy midrange, while the 21"/18" tubeless wheels and 230mm KYB suspension handle fast gravel tracks and rocky trails with composure. However, owners point out that high servicing costs and noticeable engine heat during slow technical crawling are real considerations.
Pros for green laning
Genuine rally chassis geometry: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels combined with 250mm ground clearance provide true off-road capability.
Fully adjustable 46mm KYB suspension: 230mm front and 220mm rear travel deliver plush, controlled damping over high-speed washouts and rocky ledges.
Dedicated Enduro and Rally ride modes: cuts power to manageable levels for tight tracks or unleashes full 110hp with tailored wheelie and slide control for open gravel.
Dakar-style standing cockpit: slim waist and high-mounted handlebars allow effortless standing transitions and balance control on steep descents.
Cons and limitations
223kg wet weight: heavy to pick up repeatedly on wet single-track, placing it firmly in the big-adventure category rather than a nimble dual-sport.
Radiated engine heat: the 937cc V-twin throws noticeable heat onto the rider's legs during slow, technical first-gear crawls.
High maintenance and repair costs: desmo valve service intervals and vulnerable fairing plastics make hard trail drops financially risky.
Wide radiator shroud profile: the broad front radiator fairing can snag on thick brambles and overgrown green lane brush.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
