Ducati DesertX 2022 vs. BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2021

The Ducati DesertX 2022 and the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2021 are both enduro motorcycles that offer a combination of on-road and off-road capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the Ducati DesertX 2022 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 BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2021 features a boxer engine with a displacement of 1170cc, delivering 109 horsepower and 116 Nm of torque. Both bikes have electric starters and offer chain and prop shaft transmissions respectively.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Ducati DesertX has a fork diameter of 46mm and offers a travel of 230mm, while the BMW R nineT Urban G/S has a fork diameter of 43mm and a travel of 125mm. The rear suspension of the Ducati DesertX is a swing arm with a monoshock offering 220mm of travel, while the BMW R nineT Urban G/S has a paralever suspension with a monoshock and a travel of 140mm.

Ducati DesertX 2022

The chassis of both bikes is made of steel and has a tubular frame. The Ducati DesertX has a rake of 62.4 degrees and a trail of 122mm, while the BMW R nineT Urban G/S has a rake of 61.5 degrees and a trail of 110.6mm.

In terms of braking, 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 BMW R nineT Urban G/S also offers ABS and riding modes.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Ducati DesertX has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1608mm, a seat height of 875mm, a kerb weight of 223kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 21 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R nineT Urban G/S has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1527mm, a seat height of 850mm, a kerb weight of 223kg (with ABS), and a fuel tank capacity of 17 liters.

In terms of equipment, the Ducati DesertX comes with connectivity, heated grips, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S is equipped with LED daytime running lights and LED headlights.

BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2021

In terms of strengths, the Ducati DesertX 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 has a characterful engine, improved standard equipment for 2021, neutral handling, high stability on tarmac, surprising off-road capability, great looks, and an enormous choice of accessories.

However, the Ducati DesertX has some weaknesses including smooth running of the engine in the lower rev range, suspension response slightly behind that of the fork, a very high non-adjustable seat height, and little space and no handholds for a pillion passenger. The BMW R nineT Urban G/S has some weaknesses as well, such as turbulence due to the headlight fairing, an uncomfortable seat, and perhaps being too classy for tough off-road use.

In conclusion, both the Ducati DesertX 2022 and the BMW R nineT Urban G/S 2021 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Ducati offers a powerful engine and advanced rider assistance systems, while the BMW provides a characterful engine and surprising off-road capability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and intended use of the motorcycle.