Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. KTM 790 Adventure 2023

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 are both enduro motorcycles designed for off-road adventures. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2022 is equipped with a V-twin engine with a displacement of 937cc. It delivers a powerful 110 HP and 92 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 features an in-line twin engine with a displacement of 799cc, producing 95 HP and 88 Nm of torque. Both motorcycles have electric starters and chain transmissions.

In terms of suspension, the Ducati DesertX 2022 comes with an upside-down telescopic fork from Kayaba at the front, with a diameter of 46mm and a travel of 230mm. The rear suspension features a swing arm with a monoshock from Kayaba, offering a travel of 220mm. The suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork from WP at the front, with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension features a swing arm with a monoshock from WP, offering a travel of 200mm. The rear suspension can be adjusted for preload.

Ducati DesertX 2022

In terms of chassis, the Ducati DesertX 2022 features a steel frame with a tubular structure. It has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 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 107.8mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front, providing effective stopping power. However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 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 KTM 790 Adventure 2023, on the other hand, offers ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX 2022 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase measures 1608mm, and the seat height is 875mm. It has a dry weight of 202kg (with ABS) and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. The combined fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100km, providing a range of 375km. The KTM 790 Adventure 2023 has the same front and rear tire dimensions, but with a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1509mm and a lower seat height of 840mm. It has a dry weight of 199kg (with ABS) and a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters. The combined fuel consumption is 4.2 l/100km, providing a range of 476km.

Both motorcycles come with modern equipment such as connectivity, LED headlights, and TFT displays. The Ducati DesertX 2022 also offers heated grips and LED daytime running lights, while the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 offers effective wind protection with a wide range of settings.

KTM 790 Adventure 2023

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 2022 stands out for its great chassis with fully adjustable suspension, sophisticated driving modes, powerful engine, powerful brakes, well-thought-out detail solutions, and extensive standard equipment. On the other hand, the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 excels in its rev-happy engine with impressive power, low fuel consumption, excellent traction control regulation, effective wind protection, logical controls, agile handling, precise ride, effective brakes, comfortable on-road ergonomics, and well-dosed clutch.

However, the Ducati DesertX 2022 does have some weaknesses, including a smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, slightly delayed suspension response, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and limited space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The KTM 790 Adventure 2023, on the other hand, has a few weaknesses such as the sporty Quickshifter+ only available at an extra cost, a chassis adjustment range that is not too wide, and a handlebar position that may be too low for off-road riding.

In conclusion, the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the KTM 790 Adventure 2023 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ducati offers a more powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the KTM provides a more fuel-efficient engine and effective wind protection. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.