Ducati DesertX 2023 vs. BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017

The Ducati DesertX 2023 and the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and specifications.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2023 is equipped with a V-type engine that has a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm. It delivers a power of 110 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. The starter is electric, and the transmission is a chain. On the other hand, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017 features a boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It also produces 110 HP of power and 116 Nm of torque. The starter is electric, and the transmission is a prop shaft.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm in the front. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220 mm. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017, on the other hand, has a telescopic fork with a diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 125 mm in the front. The rear suspension features a paralever system with a monoshock and a travel of 140 mm.

Ducati DesertX 2023

Both motorcycles have a steel frame with a tubular design. The Ducati DesertX 2023 has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122 mm, while the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017 has a rake of 61.5 degrees and a trail of 110.6 mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front. However, the Ducati DesertX 2023 offers advanced rider assistance systems such as riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, traction control, and anti-wheelie. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017, on the other hand, only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1608 mm and a seat height of 875 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 223 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1527 mm and a seat height of 850 mm. The kerb weight, including ABS, is 221 kg, and it has a fuel tank capacity of 17 liters.

BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2023 offers a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, and well thought-out detail solutions. It also comes with extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017 has a terrific, authentic G/S look, powerful brakes, a powerful engine, and is enduro-typical reduced to the bare essentials. It can also be customized as a bike ex works.

However, the Ducati DesertX 2023 has some weaknesses, such as a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, a suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high, non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for pillion riders. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017, on the other hand, has wire-spoke rims and ASC not standard, and dirt and trouser paint can be visible on the seat bench.

Overall, both motorcycles have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities when choosing between the Ducati DesertX 2023 and the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2017.