2027 Ducati DesertX Rally First Look: Higher-Spec Suspension And Rims

Earlier last month, we broke the story that the second-generation Ducati DesertX V2 was set to get a Rally variant, and we predicted Ducati would unveil it at EICMA 2026. Phew, good thing we nailed that one because Italian manufacturer unveiled the 2027 Ducati DesertX Rally at this year’s edition of EICMA in Milan, Italy. This adventure bike has an MSRP of $19,995, though the manufacturer hasn’t revealed when it will arrive at US dealers. Here’s what you need to know about this new off-road-ready Ducati.

The 2027 Ducati DesertX V2 Rally Is Serious About Off-Roading

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Ducati introduced the Gen 2 DesertX V2 at the start of 2026, built around the firm’s new 890cc V2 engine and monocoque frame. Compared with the 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11°-powered predecessor, the new 890cc V2 offers longer service intervals, and improved off-road capability, thanks to platform updates throughout the bike. With a $16,995 MSRP, the DesertX V2 is a highly capable ADV and the lightest high-spec, premium rally-inspired middleweight ADV.

Like the first generation, the standard DesertX V2 is joined by the DesertX Rally, an up-spec ADV that adds key off-road-focused hardware. The Bologna-based company claims the bike was developed with feedback and information gleaned while competing in various off-road events. Here are the changes the new DesertX Rally V2 brings over the base model.

What’s New: Higher-Spec Suspension And Takesago Excel Rims

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The biggest upgrade the DesertX V2 Rally offers over the standard model is its professional-grade KYB suspension. The fully adjustable front fork is 2mm larger at 48mm. It features a closed-cartridge design usually reserved for high-end MX and enduro bikes, plus Kashima and DLC coatings. Ducati says the new fork offers smoother operation and better impact resistance, while increasing front-wheel travel from 9.1 inches to 9.8 inches.

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The fork is complemented by a taller, fully adjustable rear monoshock, raising rear wheel travel from 8.7 inches to 9.4 inches. Like the base model, the competition-derived Full Floater system places the shock between two linkages for better comfort, traction, and shock absorption over challenging terrain. The taller suspension does raise seat height from 34.6 inches to 35.4 inches, though a lower seat option brings it back to 34.6 inches. A related upgrade is a new adjustable Ohlins steering damper. While the 3K uptick in price is a pretty penny, the competition-grade suspension would likely cost about the same were you to upgrade a standard V2 on your own.

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Ducati has also swapped the cross-spoke tubeless wheels for lighter Excel Takasago center-spoked tubeless rims. These wheels are said to offer greater strength off-road. While the wheel diameter remains the same, the rear 36-spoke rim is 0.5 inches narrower, at 4.0 inches, than the base model, which should make the bike more agile on trails. They are shod in the same Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires. Ducati will also offer two homologated options: off-road-ready Pirelli Scorpion Rally and road-oriented Pirelli Scorpion Trail II.

What’s Same: Engine, Frame, Brakes, Electronics

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Aside from the suspension and wheels, the Ducati DesertX V2 Rally carries over the rest of the hardware from the standard model. The same 890cc Ducati V2 engine produces 110.3 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 68 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, with a claimed generous torque curve. Even the 6-speed gearbox ratios are the same.

The Rally edition also retains the same monocoque platform, designed for better off-road control and precision. The upgrades don’t add any heft to the bike either; it still weighs 461 pounds wet without fuel. The braking system comprises dual radial-mount Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers with a radial master cylinder and 305 mm semi-floating discs up front, along with a single Brembo 2-piston caliper on a 265 mm disc out back.

The electronics are the same, too, including the 5-inch TFT display and cruise control. Rider aids include riding modes, power modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and engine brake control. There’s a bidirectional quickshifter to round out the electronics package.

2027 Ducati DesertX V2 Rally Price And Availability

Ducati

The 2027 Ducati DesertX V2 Rally comes in Rally livery and has an MSRP of $19,995, a $3,000 premium over the base model. There’s no denying that it is on the pricier end of spectrum, though the upgrades will exceed that amount should someone source those components individually. It’s scheduled to roll out to global markets, including the US, in 2027, though the exact timing is not yet revealed. We will update this story when Ducati reveals more details about the bike.

Stay tuned to TopSpeed for more details on the Ducati DesertX V2 Rally.

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Source: Ducati