BMW R nineT versus Ducati Desert X
BMW R nineT
Ducati Desert X
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Competitors
- pretty to look at
- purist
- cool driving experience
- Numerous customizing options
- 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
- Price
- nothing for giants
- Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
- Accessories sometimes very expensive
- Heated grips not standard
- moderate wind protection
Dimensions & Weight
Length : 2.220 mm Height : 1.265 mm
Seat : 803 mm until : 805 mm
Weight : 222 (max: 430 ) kg
Length : 2.390 mm Height : 1.425 mm
Seat : 875 mm
Weight : 223 kg
Engine
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 937 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 94 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 340 km
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
Space tube, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-Down 45 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
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
Double disc (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc, Brembo monobloc calipers (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston caliper (∅ 265 mm)
Conclusion - what's stuck?
The R nineT is not only fun to drive, but also looks great! And it is probably this combination that makes the bike so desirable for motorcycle fans worldwide right from the start.
BMW describes it as follows: "Design your motorcycle, design your life." It also has a lot to do with lifestyle and so the nineT leaves hardly any customizer wishes unfulfilled in terms of diversity. It is the basis for deep individualizations, which sets the machine apart from the competition. In addition to the already diverse model and design variants, there are plenty of Customizing accessories, so everyone can make their own roadster dream come true. Even the on-board electronics are designed with numerous interfaces in such a way that changes do not represent a major hurdle.
Even if the NineT is purist in almost all respects, it does not do so in terms of price. Not at all when you make the most of the numerous possibilities for change to realize your own exclusive dream bike. But individuality always has your price. However, the success proves BMW right again in this case, because the BMW R NineT is so popular that one should expect extremely long delivery times.
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.
