Desert X

[Clifton]

If I'm looking correctly on their site it shows the Desert X at 209 Kg vs Multistrada at 199Kg (both standard not S, wet, no fuel)

So the Desert X would be a little taller and 10Kg heavier.

Gearing: Desert X is geared noticeably lower with 15T - 46T sprockets or 3.06.. Multistrada comes with 15T - 40T or 2.66. Both use the same 1.84 - 1 primary ratio and gear ratios. However the Multistrada's 17" x 60 tyre is 5.2% shorter so adjusting for this we lower its 2.66 to 2.80 which is still a taller ratio than the X's 3.06.

Wheelbase: Multistrada is long at 61.9, Desert X is longer at 63.6.

Wheel travel: Multistrada is long for a road motorcycle at 6.7" F&R. Desert X is much longer at 9"F and 8.7"R. (For comparison1300GS is in between at 7.5"F and 7.9"R)

Tyres: Multistrada is similar to a BMW GS with 170/60-17 and 120/70-19. Desert X 90/90-21 and 150/70-18.

Obviously the taller, longer travel suspension, taller tyres, shorter gearing, benefit the Desert X's off road focus while still letting it be a good street motorcycle.

The Multistrada seems like it'll be more capable on paved, fine on gravel, and ok on good dirt roads, but not off road.

 

[tuftywhite]

I have to declare bias as I have a June 22 model. That said, throwing the all the specs, new stuff and improvements aside, the new one has lost something.

When I first saw one I didn't even know what it was. Didn't know the bike was being released but I saw it, sat on it, and I knew I wanted one. It has a certain presence. A look that tips a nod at the Cagiva Elefant and many of those bikes of that era, something about the shape of the tank and the overall look makes it purposeful. There is nothing else like it. When you see one, you know exactly what it is.

The new one looks like a great bike, but it looks like other bikes. A bit like when you see an Audi in your rear view mirror. Could be anything from an A3 to an A6! So whilst I'm sure for the riding of it, it will be bigger, better, faster and more chocolatey, it looks a bit like the Multi Strada and I think most would have to look twice if it was in the same colour scheme.

They've lost the 'Je ne sais quoi'. That wow factor when you look at it, which I still get with mine. I can't believe I'm lucky enough to own one. 25 year old me would be amazed.

 

[PitaNaanRoti]

Molly is certainly looking forward to their new ones arriving at Sweet Lamb

 

[GrinningGSer]

A disguised DDX was on display at the NEC in November 2025. I cannot remember anyone highlighting its easy air filter replacement feature, which will be a bonus for all at Sweet Lamb.

 

[Paul S]

As my Rally is used 99% of the time as a road bike decided to have a play with the gearing for an upcoming Euro trip by fitting a Sitta 46 tooth rear sprocket (standard 49 teeth).

Quick test ride shows it has dropped top gear revs by circa 8% at 68MPH which will make it a little more relaxing on long runs. Not had any noticeable downside in the lower gears. The sprocket (ali versus steel) is also a whole 1KG lighter

 

[Arsey]

 

[richardbd]

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Looks like a V-Strom

 

[cbritton]

Looks like a V-Strom

Way prettier than a vstrom IMHO

 

[Morety]

The new one is just a bit too civilised compared with the old one (as in smoother) and has lost something of the Testastretta's charm (but then I'm biased as I really love the outgoing 950 lump). The new one has a more linear feel, still has plenty of grunt and slightly more power but the old one just felt right. Bags of character and punch low to mid revs which suited off road far better than the higher revving new engine, but all imho and others might disagree.

The old motor punched hard from 2.5-3K revs, which gave it something of a hooligan feel which I thought really suited the "X". 44 teeth did quite an entertaining video on a comparison with it and another adventure bike (maybe that was the Multi?), and both agreed that the Desert X's motor, it's handling and genuine off road ability made it cracking good fun to ride, and surprisingly good on road too despite the paper specs comparison.