Ducati Desert X versus BMW F 850 GS

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Ducati

Ducati Desert X

Adventure
BMW

BMW F 850 GS

Adventure
What can the Ducati Desert X do better than Multistrada - and what not?
Next taboo break at Ducati: The Desert X is the first Ducati in many years with a 21-inch front wheel. It thus underlines its claim to a serious off-road suitability and wants... weiter
Ducati Desert X im Test
Gallery
Much more grown-up and not far from the big boxer sister.
The manufacturer BMW is obviously convinced of its F 850 GS and recommends the machine... "... People for whom no destination is too far and no distance too remote. Experience the world with a companion that is so reliable, robust and powerful that it can even work with your... weiter
BMW F 850 GS
Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2022 bis 2024~
Built von 2018 bis 2023
RRP 16.790 €
RRP 13.000 €
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de
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Competitors

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
Pros:
  • raised seating position
  • good handling on and off-road
  • Wide range of extras and accessories
  • successful appearance
Cons:
  • Quickshifter smooth only at higher speeds
  • Accessories sometimes very expensive
  • Heated grips not standard
  • moderate wind protection
Cons:
  • Windscreen could be slightly larger
  • Price skyrockets with extras
  • not quite as manoeuvrable

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.608 mm
Length : 2.390 mm Height : 1.425 mm
Seat : 875 mm
Weight : 223 kg
Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 937 ccm
Hub: 68 mm
Hole: 94 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

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
Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km

Chassis

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
Frame type:
 Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel)
Front suspension:
 Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
 Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17

Brakes

Front brake
 Double disc, Brembo monobloc calipers (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
 Single disc, Brembo two-piston caliper (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
 Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
 Disc (∅ 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