BMW G 650 GS versus Ducati Desert X

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW G 650 GS

Adventure
Ducati

Ducati Desert X

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2011 bis 2016
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP
RRP 16.790 €
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Pros:
  • light and manoeuvrable
  • uncomplicated
  • favorable consumption
  • solid workmanship
  • enough space for passenger
Pros:
  • adult appearance
  • technically (almost) fully equipped
  • Engine with pressure and character
  • wonderful suction noise
  • drives equally well on road and off-road
  • Long warranty and service intervals
Cons:
  • radiates little emotion
Cons:
  • Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
  • Accessories sometimes very expensive
  • Heated grips not standard
  • moderate wind protection

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.477 mm
Length :
2.165 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
192 kg
Wheelbase: 1.608 mm
Length :
2.390 mm Height : 1.425 mm
Seat :
875 mm
Weight :
223 kg

Engine

Motor type unknown 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 652 ccm
Hub: 83 mm
Hole: 100 mm
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 5
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 937 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 94 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Performance: 48 HP at 6.500 U/Min
Torque: 60 NM bei 5.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Maximum speed: 240 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 9.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
375 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges (steel)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
KYB USD 46 mm, fully adjustable (travel 230 mm)
Rear suspension:
KYB Monoshock, fully adjustable (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90-21
Rear tyres: 150/70R18

Brakes

Rear brake
Disk
Front brake
Double disc, Brembo monobloc calipers ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston caliper ( 265 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

Ducati has achieved a great success with the Desert X. The machine can do a lot, but is not exactly a bargain. Whether so much technology has to be in an off-road travel enduro is certainly not without controversy. There will be both parties, namely those who say: "Too much stuff" and those who say: "Cool, finally modern technology on a real terrain machine".
 
The test bike was kindly provided by Ducati Hamburg . There is the Desert X as a demonstrator and may be very gladly driven by you. Or you just drop by Ducati Hamburg and enjoy the beguiling sight of Italian motorcycle building art. You will certainly stop in front of the Superleggera. Take coffee, enjoy it and check your account balance! And remember: We only live once and life is damn short.
 

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 15.990€
  • Availability: from 06/2022
  • Colours: white