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Ducati Multistrada vs. DesertX

Two Ducati adventure bikes. Pavement first or dirt first.

Both share Ducati's 890cc V2 and the same MSRP, and both will happily cover big miles. The real difference is the surface under your wheels: the Multistrada is built for twisty pavement, and the DesertX is built for where the pavement ends.

Multistrada V2, Ducati's studio picture

Choose the Multistrada if…

  • Most of your adventures are on paved roads.
  • You love long days on twisty mountain roads.
  • You want an adjustable seat that starts 1.9 in lower.
  • You want the lighter bike, by 22 lb.
DesertX, Ducati's studio picture

Choose the DesertX if…

  • The map in your head has dirt on it.
  • You want a 21-inch spoked front wheel and long-travel suspension for rough trails.
  • Fire roads and desert two-track are where your weekends go.
  • You don't mind a taller seat for more off-road ability.

Which one fits your riding style?

Here's where the difference shows up on the road.

A Multistrada V2 on a mountain road, photographed by Ducati

Mountain roads

On a road like Angeles Crest, the Multistrada is the sharper tool. Its 19 and 17-inch cast wheels and road tires turn in quickly, and it handles like a sporty road bike. The DesertX is capable on pavement too, but its tall wheels and Rally tires are tuned for the dirt.

The difference: On pavement, the Multistrada.

A Multistrada V2 on a gravel road, photographed by Ducati

Gravel and fire roads

Both handle a graded gravel road. When it gets rough, the DesertX's 21-inch front wheel and long-travel KYB suspension keep going where the Multistrada starts to work hard, and reviewers who took it into real dirt say it hits the mark on and off road.

The difference: Once the road gets rough, the DesertX.

A DesertX ridden off-road in the desert, photographed by Ducati

Off the beaten path

In Anza-Borrego or on the trails around Big Bear, the DesertX is in its element. The Multistrada is happiest when the dirt is a short detour, not the destination.

The difference: If dirt is the destination, choose the DesertX.

Long paved trips

Both will cover a long day. The Multistrada's lower, adjustable seat and slightly bigger tank make it the easier companion for big paved miles.

The difference: For long paved trips, the Multistrada.

What's actually different?

These are the specifications you'll notice on the road.

2027 specificationMultistradaDesertX
Engine890cc V-twin890cc V-twin
Power115 hp110.3 hp
Torque68 lb-ft68 lb-ft
Wheel travel (front / rear)6.7 in / 6.7 in9.1 in / 8.7 in
Wheels19 / 17 in cast21 / 18 in tubeless spoked
Seat height32.7 to 33.5 in34.6 in
Weight439 lb wet, no fuel461 lb wet, no fuel
Fuel tank5.02 gal4.8 gal

2027 U.S. models. Specifications and MSRP from Ducati.

Multistrada or DesertX?

It comes down to how much dirt is in your plans.

If your adventures are mostly paved, with a gravel road now and then, the Multistrada is the better bike for the riding you'll actually do.

If you're picturing fire roads, desert trails and campsites down a dirt road, the DesertX is built for exactly that. They're the same MSRP, so let your routes decide.

Our advice: Be honest about the dirt. If most of your miles are paved, the Multistrada rewards that. If you really will go off-road, the DesertX will make every trip better.

The best way to decide is to sit on both, back to back. We'll have them side by side for you.

Questions riders ask

Which one has the lower seat?

The Multistrada V2. Its adjustable seat runs 32.7 to 33.5 in, against 34.6 in on the DesertX.

The Multistrada and DesertX at SCM

The Multistrada pageThe DesertX page

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