Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 790 Adventure 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2022 features a V-type engine with a bore of 94 mm and a stroke of 67.5 mm. It has an impressive engine power of 110 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. The DesertX has an electric starter and a chain transmission. It has 2 cylinders and a displacement of 937 ccm. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has an in-line engine with a bore of 88 mm and a stroke of 65.7 mm. It has a slightly lower engine power of 95 HP and a torque of 88 Nm. Similar to the DesertX, it has an electric starter and a chain transmission. The KTM also has 2 cylinders but a slightly smaller displacement of 799 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a front suspension from Kayaba with a larger diameter of 46 mm and a travel of 230 mm. The rear suspension of the DesertX is a swing arm with a monoshock from Kayaba, offering a travel of 220 mm and adjustable compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 has a front suspension from WP with a smaller diameter of 43 mm and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension is also a swing arm with a monoshock from WP, offering a travel of 200 mm and adjustable preload.

In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a steel frame with a tubular design. It has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122 mm. The KTM 790 Adventure 2020, on the other hand, has a chromium-molybdenum frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design. It has a slightly steeper rake of 64.1 degrees and a shorter trail of 107.8 mm.

Ducati DesertX 2022

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing reliable stopping power. The Ducati DesertX 2022 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 2020 also has ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150 mm. The rear tire diameter is 18 inches for both as well. The Ducati DesertX 2022 has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1608 mm compared to the KTM's 1509 mm. The seat height of the DesertX is higher at 875 mm, while the KTM has a lower seat height of 830 mm. The dry weight of the DesertX with ABS is 202 kg, slightly heavier than the KTM's 189 kg. Both motorcycles have a fuel tank capacity of around 20-21 liters.

KTM 790 Adventure 2020

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 stands out with its great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, powerful engine, powerful brake, well thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 is praised for its engine with manners and character, enormously high chassis stability, brakes without reproach, tremendous off-road capabilities, and low average consumption.

However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 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 little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The KTM 790 Adventure 2020 is criticized for its unattractive surcharge policy and the original seat not being optimally shaped.

Overall, both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2020 offer impressive features and capabilities, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should consider based on their specific needs and preferences.