Ducati DesertX 2023 vs. KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

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Overview - Ducati DesertX 2023 vs KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

The Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they have some similarities in terms of engine type, transmission, and suspension, they also have notable differences in terms of power, weight, and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2023 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc, producing 110 horsepower and 92 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 has an in-line twin engine with a displacement of 799cc, producing 95 horsepower and 88 Nm of torque. The Ducati DesertX has a slightly more powerful engine, which may provide better acceleration and top speed.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. However, the Ducati DesertX is equipped with Kayaba suspension components, while the KTM 790 Adventure R uses WP suspension components. The KTM has slightly larger diameter forks and offers more travel, providing better off-road performance and handling.

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

When it comes to chassis, the Ducati DesertX has a steel tubular frame, while the KTM 790 Adventure R features a chromium-molybdenum tubular frame that also serves as a load-bearing engine. Both frames are designed to provide stability and durability, but the KTM's frame may offer better rigidity and handling characteristics.

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles feature double disk brakes at the front. The Ducati DesertX comes with 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 KTM 790 Adventure R also has ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control, but lacks some of the advanced features found on the Ducati.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches, while the KTM 790 Adventure R has the same tire sizes. Both motorcycles have a wheelbase of around 1600mm and a seat height of around 875-880mm. The Ducati DesertX weighs 202kg (dry weight with ABS), while the KTM 790 Adventure R weighs 189kg (dry weight with ABS). The Ducati has a slightly larger fuel tank capacity of 21 liters, compared to the KTM's 20 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX offers a great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, a powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. The KTM 790 Adventure R has a high-quality chassis that allows for a wide range of use, an engine with great running culture and torque, an easy-to-read display, and a practical rally electronics package.

However, the Ducati DesertX also has some weaknesses, including a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, slightly slower suspension response compared to the fork, a very high and non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for pillion riders. The KTM 790 Adventure R has a few weaknesses as well, such as the quickshifter not being standard, a slightly fiddly indicator switch, and a seat that may be less comfortable on long tours compared to the standard model.

In conclusion, both the Ducati DesertX 2023 and the KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 are capable enduro motorcycles with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Ducati offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the KTM provides a high-quality chassis and practical features for off-road adventures. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Ducati DesertX 2023 compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

Ducati DesertX 2023
KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore94 mmBore88 mm
StrokeStroke67.5 mmStroke65.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power110 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque88 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio13.3 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, AntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDesmodromic, DOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement937 ccmDisplacement799 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandKayabaBrandWP
DiameterDiameter46 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel230 mmTravel240 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
BrandBrandKayabaBrandWP
TravelTravel220 mmTravel240 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameChromium-molybdenum
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake62.4 degreeRake63.7 degree
TrailTrail122 mmTrail110.4 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradial, MonoblockTechnologyradial

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsRiding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction control, Anti-wheelieAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Ride by Wire, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,608 mmWheelbase1,528 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height875 mmSeat Height880 mm
Dry Weight (with ABS)Dry Weight (with ABS)202 kgDry Weight (with ABS)189 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity21 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyA2, ALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Ducati DesertX 2023

Ducati DesertX 2023

The first real enduro of the modern era from Ducati has succeeded - and how! A heart-warming design in the look of the glorious 90s Dakar bikes but packed with noble components and state-of-the-art technology. The high-quality and stable chassis concept really comes into its own in both on- and off-road use. The DesertX immediately conveys an unbelievably confident and safe riding feeling. The straddle that Ducati has managed with the suspension elements is also admirable, whether on or off road, it simply feels good.

great chassis with fully adjustable suspension

sophisticated driving modes

powerful engine

powerful brake

well thought-out detail solutions

extensive standard equipment

Smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range

Suspension response slightly behind that of the fork

Very high, non-adjustable seat height

Little space and no handholds for pillion riders.

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

KTM 790 Adventure R 2019

The Adventure R goes one step further than the standard model. Here, the WP guys were finally able to draw on their full resources and show what they can do. The higher-quality chassis compensates for the disadvantages of the long suspension travel on the road, but scores points off-road with massive reserves. The surcharge is more than justified. The seat height will probably restrict the clientele somewhat.

High chassis quality ensures a wide range of use

Engine offers great running culture, rich torque and perfectly dimensioned power

Easy-to-read display

Practical rally electronics package

Despite radical chassis also stable, manoeuvrable and suitable for everyday use on the road

Quickshifter not standard

indicator switch a little fiddly

seat a little more uncomfortable on long tours than on standard model

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Ducati DesertX vs KTM 790 Adventure R

There are a few key differences between a Ducati DesertX 2023 and a KTM 790 Adventure R 2019. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Ducati DesertX 2023 is about 54% higher. Compared to KTM 790 Adventure R 2019 there are more Ducati DesertX 2023 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 47 compared to 8. It takes less time to sell a KTM 790 Adventure R with 73 days compared to 78 days for the Ducati DesertX. Since model year 2022 1000PS.de editors have written 21 reviews for the Ducati DesertX and 9 reviews for the KTM 790 Adventure R since model year 2019. The first review for the Ducati DesertX was published on 12/9/2021 and now has more than 71,700 views. This compares to more than 53,600 views for the first review on KTM 790 Adventure R published on 10/6/2018.

Price Ducati DesertX

Model year
Current average market prices

Price KTM 790 Adventure R

Model year
Current average market prices

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