2026 Ducati DesertX Preview
V2-powered adventure model to officially launch in February
Heading into EICMA, we were expecting Ducati to launch a new DesertX powered by its 890cc V2 engine. Instead, Ducati used EICMA to showcase that engine with a new Hypermotard V2 model. Still, the DesertX wasn’t completely absent from Milan, with Ducati presenting a pre-production version and the promise the new adventure bike will be revealed in February 2026.
Ducati provided several photos of the new 2026 DesertX, but only a few key specifications. The Italian brand confirmed the new DesertX will be powered by the V2 engine with Intake Variable Timing (IVT), while claiming a peak output of 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 67.9 lb-ft. at 7,000 rpm. That’s about 1 hp less and 0.7 lb-ft. more than the Monster, but about 10 hp down from the Hypermotard V2, Streetfighter V2, and Panigale V2.
Ducati also confirmed the 2026 DesertX will adopt a new suspension system with progressive rear linkage, and have a curb weight (without fuel) of 454 pounds. That’s about 9 pounds lighter than the current DesertX, with the new V2 engine making a significant contribution to the weight difference. We also previously reported that the new DesertX will have a dedicated transmission, which makes sense for its off-riding aspirations.
With the understanding it is a photo of a pre-production model, we superimposed the 2026 DesertX with an image of the current generation model from a similar angle, and right away, we can spot some differences beyond the engine.
Starting at the front, the windscreen looks to be a new design, with more of a forward tilt at the top. The bodywork is new, with an opening at the front right behind the lower fork clamp, and a repositioned rear facing vent on the sides.
The new DesertX will likely use a monocoque aluminum front frame like the other V2 models, and we can visually confirm the current model’s trellis frame is not present. We can still see a trellis subframe with different geometry from the current piece. The 2026 DesertX has a new one-piece seat with substantially more padding at the base of the tank.
Below the engine, we see a new skid plate protecting the forward cylinder’s exhaust header. The entire exhaust system looks new, though the Termignoni silencer may not be the final stock muffler.
Behind the exhaust, we spot a swingarm that differs not just from the current DesertX, but also from the other V2 models. The new rear suspension linkage is visible, with the monoshock now angled closer to vertical than before. Apart from the gold colored tubes, we can’t tell if anything has changed with the front suspension.
The rear brake looks unchanged from the current model, but the new DesertX uses different Brembo calipers for the front wheel.
For more specific details, we'll have to wait for Ducati to officially launch the 2026 DesertX in February. Deliveries are set to begin in May for Europe, and in June for the North American market.
2026 Ducati DesertX Preview Gallery
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Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Curb weight without fuel is not curb weight.
Annual and mileage based required dealer maintenance ( the warning light reset is still not hacked as far as I know), will keep you poor. Don't be fooled by the shell game that is longer valve adjustment intervals than Ducatis of old. They have just gotten more crafty at screwing their customers (former Desert-X owner here).