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That DesertX Rally looks dope. I think that’s the bike that will affect your KTM 2021 bike depreciation more.

I own a DDX standard version and I tested a 890R.... They feel very different. The DDX feels more stable at high speeds, it has a very nice relaxed position and a narrow seat. The position in the KTM is much more agressive. And the KTM feels more agile. Since I got a smaller bike for heavy off road I think the ddx fits better my needs. On the the road I think the DDX handles better.

@ciocanelwar

10 ай бұрын

I also had the chance to get the DDX and test the 890, felt the same way as you.

@4R1P5R

9 ай бұрын

The Ducati is easier to ride for inexperienced riders. If you have a lot of off road adventure riding experience, you'll appreciate the KTM and push the Duc beyond it's limits very quickly. The KTM is a way more capable off roader.

@elvulch2710

9 ай бұрын

@@4R1P5Rhaving owned the KTM and now owning the Desert X, I would agree the KTM is better off-road, but not way better. With a suspension upgrade, the Duc will run circles around the KTM. One other very important factor is that KTM customer service sucks ass.

All the specs are important, but at the end of the day, just look at that Ducati. On looks alone it is worth double the price of that funny looking KTM. And I’m a KTM fan.

@chilly243

4 ай бұрын

and then youre out and about and need some minor maintenance done and on the Duc youre pretty much f*cked in comparison

Desertx is a beast the rally will be nothing short of spectacular

Competition is good, hopefully Ducatis offering will push KTM (and others) to build better bikes.

Everyone keeps going on about how good the Desert X Rally looks but I don’t see it, the base DX looks better to me.

@LeeGHThomas

9 ай бұрын

Agreed. I think the "adventure" fender suits the big bikes better than the dirt bike style fender does, but the Ducati rally still looks better than the KTM.

@7arkhwf

3 ай бұрын

Same here!

@7arkhwf

3 ай бұрын

​@@LeeGHThomas Bingo, Adv. Fender, was waaay prettier on the DDX!

Looks to me like the desertx rally matches the standard 890R rather than actually competing with the 890 Rally.

@user-wn1fc6zq8o

9 ай бұрын

My thoughts exactly

I like the looks of the Ducati better. On the other hand, the best of these two is the one that doesn’t leave you stranded

@ciocanelwar

10 ай бұрын

A few years ago I would have said the KTM even with it's issues... I spent more than I can afford and more than I will be able to afford again to get the DDX. Have no issues (except the heat) and to me it really feels like a quality product unlike the 890/901 (got to test ride them).

With only 700 units for the new rally, resale value on your 2021 should hold high.

the KTM looks like something i could talk myself into buying, the ducati however makes me feel like im better off throwing more money at my tenere to see how much i can improve it.

more of these pls! also more time for spurg's actual take even if it means less time for specs!

Aesthetically, the Ducati is on top....... but what do the Italians know about design anyways...

@kenbowlus2995

10 ай бұрын

Aren't they the ones that put a screen door in a glass bottom boat?

@exothermal.sprocket

9 ай бұрын

@@kenbowlus2995 Maybe you're referring to a submarine.

@Roberta_Esposito

6 ай бұрын

🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

I had the KTM 890R and sold it the day after I test rode the Desert X.

@chrismathias5438

5 ай бұрын

me too

Come on Spurge, why are you comparing the two. Does it matter if the Ducati is the better bike, we're still gonna buy the KTM. Its like the Multi Strada v the Super Adventure. The Ducati is a better bike but I'll stick with my KTM thank you 😁

Wrong, Desert X Rally has pre load adjustment on the forks, also on the normal Desert X

I love the rally variant. Would have thought that limiting a run on something that, if you miss out may drive you to another brand or hold onto your current bike is a bit of a bad idea. Even though you can up spec the standard bike to the rally spec if the performance is what you are after, it will cost more and have lower resale.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Honestly that's what pushed me over the edge in buying my '21 Rally. To build out a base model 890 Adventure R with just suspension, electronic, seat, and pegs it was pushing like $25/26K. If you're after this type of performance, it really is a "value".

The biggest point for the Desertx is you'll just be able to buy one, and let's face it. It's sexy as hell. The worst will be the cost of ownership and general maintenance. I'll keep my 23 890 R. I can't ride that to it's limit so have not need for either of these Rally versions.

I’d be very surprised to see no preload adjustment on the front of the DX rally as the base model forks have them

@7arkhwf

10 ай бұрын

Exactly, I would find this hard to grasp!!

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Me too, but I couldn't find mention of a preload adjustment for the front.

Goodness motorcycles like this are getting *stupid expensive.* And everyone knows, you gotta throw another $3G's into an Akrapovic system.

Do you have an opinion on the wp xplor vs wp xplor pro? I'm looking to upgrade the 2022 's' Suspension, but too attached to the bike to sell it for a 'r' or 'r rally'

@charge6267

10 ай бұрын

Also interested in this for my Husqvarna 701 Enduro.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Yeah.... While the WP Xplor is is still going to be a decent step up in performance for you, the WP Pro components takes it to a whole new level. It's pretty much the best off-road suspension I've ever used. I wrote an article years ago about working with a WP Service shop to install one on a 790R. The information in there is still up-to-date for the 890's: www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2020-ktm-790-adventure-r-rally-review-the-best-adv-bike-yet Long story short, if money is no object, the WP Pro Components are the way to go. If you want to speak to someone about this, give the guys at Solid Performance KTM in Downingtown, PA a call. They are one of the top WP Service centers in the country and build suspensions for people around the world. They can walk you through any specific questions you have and give you pricing options. They are the main reason I keep buying KTMs. They have killer customer service and know this product inside and out. Good luck! Let me know what you decide, @houjous5131

@houjous5131

10 ай бұрын

@SpurgeonDunbar @SpurgeonDunbar awesome, thanks for the lengthy reply and link! I'll have look up the guys from solid performance. I may respring while fund the new forks & shock.

I have owned the 1190 and the 1290 but never an 890. I do currently own a standard DX now. I love KTM and I feel like KTM and Ducati provide the best riding experiences. That being said, specs only mean something to those who can ride their bike to its fullest and 90% of us don't need to worry about suspension travel and fork adjustability. I will say that for an intermediate + rider like myself I find the Desert X to be the most balanced all around ever made. The DX on road is just phenomenal and off-road I found to be as easy to ride as my Beta 390. If hard core was my objective the KTM Rally is the choice but I would never push it to its capabilities. I chose the DX because it excels at everything, it is more expandable and accessorizable and offers up a better solution to everyday and all around riding. The only negative I have on the DX is the engine heat. One thing to note is that Ducati for some reason has a miserable break in meaning the engines are awkward and lumpy and stiff until they hit the 600 mile mark. They seem to open up better than any engine I have experienced and once they do they are seriously good. I still have my 1290 Super Duke and that is also a top class engine. I will take a V twin over a parallel twin any day. To sum up, if you are seriously hard core adventure/offroad the KTM, if you are looking for every day and all around with really no compromises I would go DX all day.

About the same range on my DesertX. Probably 45mpg overall and sometimes better while touring.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!!

@7arkhwf

10 ай бұрын

Let's not forget, the rear "OEM" fuel tank, though extra cost 😏

@ferociousfrankie

10 ай бұрын

Anyone with a multi 950/V2 or monster 950 and hypermotard can you tell that. It's a great engine.

My thought is the KTM is probably going to handle substantially better offroad, due to the lower center of gravity due to the gas tank engine wrapper design. The Ducati tank looks like the tank from the BMW 1200 GS Adventure. Lots of gas is good, but slinging 6+ gallons through corners and woops while 4'-5' off the ground has to be tiring. The weird/unconventional KTM tank solved that problem admirably, and looks better than the steel buoy stacked on the BMW and Ducati. Be good to see objective rally/race competition between the KTM and Ducati Rally bikes.

@KTMK73

9 ай бұрын

This caveat should always be pointed out when comparing fuel tanks

What if want a luxury ADV but don't have money or sense?

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Grand Theft Moto... Just don't get caught.

@manoloorz

10 ай бұрын

Grand Theft Moto sounds like your better option.

@7arkhwf

10 ай бұрын

​@@manoloorzYea, and the only option!

@theprodigalstranger5259

10 ай бұрын

LMFAO!🤣

Hi have you just read the specs of the Ducati and not seen the video put out by the official youtube chanel ?

That Ducati 939 is a fun motor; at least in the 939 Hypermotard. Stat sheets aside, it will interesting to see how they feel from behind the bars.

I think you got the suspension facts wrong on the DX - I've seen reviews that state the adjustability of the front and rear

Oh man the 1090R... the only bike i regret selling...😢

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

I still miss the sound of her voice.... Rottweiler intake with an Akra race exhaust off of a Super Duke.... My 1090 was the best sounding bike I've ever owned....

@exothermal.sprocket

9 ай бұрын

I took a rip once on a 1190 Adventure (the non-R model) and boy that Vtwin absolutely ripped.

Kayaba suspension is great. There's a reason Yamaha has stuck with it and keeps winning. Plushness on an adv is important.

Ducati is the way.

Nice review my USA 890 Rally Bro 🤙🏻

How much money do you have? Please do tell.

Steve Kamrad was really impressed with the Desert X Rally recently.

“standpoint" drinking game.. I'm smashed 4minutes in.

I’m just glad a company is FINALLY attempting to make actual competition for KTM. For the first time by any company in any model outside motoX

I'll take the Ducati Desert X Rally please.

Accurate review from a tech standpoint. Rode both on/off am a Ducati road rider but KTM wins with the adventure/off road: so went with the 24 Rally got one of the 700!!! Love the italian thing!

Availability may be the deciding factor. I would think a person would be happy with either decision.

So the two best production off road motorcycles on the planet both use Tubed rims and yet everyone on the V strom and Transalp reviews and comments were NON STOP WHINGING my god about the tubed tyres..... WHAT NOW ?!

@dashuntas.m4045

10 ай бұрын

Good point, the endless complaining gets really annoying

I would keep the KTM 890 Adventure Rally you got and possibly update the plastic faring or maybe not because being such a rare machine that yours is and if I sold it I would just be as anxious just to quickly replace it with the new KTM 890 Adventure Rally coming out, but swap it for the DesertX Rally?> NEVER!

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

I knew I liked you....

I’m 5’10” in heels, but I don’t have any issues with the tall saddle on my 890R.

Surprised you didn't mention the KTM storing some fuel down low? I've checked out the Ducati and will keep my KTM

Wrong the front suspension on 890 adv r is 270mm ..and 240 mm back.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Nope, with all due respect, you're incorrect. As an owner of one, they feature 270 mm (10.63 inches) of travel front and rear. Still don't believe me? Here is the link to KTM's site: www.ktm.com/en-us/models/travel/ktm-890-adventurerrally2024.html I expected better from you, Sudhinkumars!

Desertx is my next bike its just bad ass

A bit too rich for my taste. But then again, I’m looking at a 2023 BMW 1250 GS as a cruiser. Got a Tiger for trails.

I threw the KTM Pro suspension on my 2022 890r so it is basically Rally spec but without the exclusivity. The Ducati looks great and might even be more reliable than the KTM:) KTM and Ducati aside, the bike that has me excited is the Kove 450 Rally. Just waiting for that bike to be sold road legal. Might compliment or replace my 890r.

In South Africa the KTM 890R is a quarter of the price less than the Rally version. Does the suspension justify the extra cost in your opinion? And yes we will make use of that extra travel in the suspension in Africa if it's available 😂

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

The Pro Components suspension sold it for me. It's hard to really describe how good it is compared to anything else. Even Zack doubted me, and then he rode my bike. Its not just about the extra travel but rather the overall circuit and valving. It's firm, it's plush, it makes the bike easier to ride if you're tall enough to enjoy it.... I was looking at buying a base model and just upgrading the suspension, but then I found my Rally used at a dealership close to home. I have ZERO regrets.

@leonstrydom9898

10 ай бұрын

O my.... That might just push me to pay over my deposit for the Rally in the morning 😱

@leonstrydom9898

10 ай бұрын

Paid my deposit today for a 2024 Rally 🎉🎈🎉

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

@@leonstrydom9898 I'm celebrating for you!!

On the desertx you need to add proper crash protection to protect the tank atleast. Will add more weight. The KTM can be taken offroad as its coming out of the shop. I love Ducati, but its funny that in the DesertX Manual its state, bring the bike to the Dealer for ever littel thing to avoid warrenty issues, conflicts with what is built for. I sold my DesertX and going for the KTM 890Adventure R. It feels much easier to handle (not top heavy)

Desert x is longer about 3 inches. I’m in the market and trying to decide between the 2. Oh wait, BMW F900. I’ve owned lots of Ktm dirt bikes but want something more for Colorado passes. Great comparison. Thanks.

Why KTM discontinued 1090R :(

That’s a lotta money…. I think I’ll kick around on my ‘85 XL350R for a bit longer and save my pennys… haha

@exothermal.sprocket

9 ай бұрын

Scramblers are appealing more to me these days than these gucci ADV machines.

Ummm… the desert X actually does have a preload adjustment.

also a big plus for ktm is acrapovic exhaust

Gotta love the KTM haters....36k on my 790 Adv R and still ripping.

mic level too high

Yes, the Rally rear suspension is adjustable for high and low speed compression and rebound, with remote adjustable preload.

Specs are specs, but KTM wins out in the gas tank design category - lower center of gravity = better handling off road!

@terrarecon

10 ай бұрын

Not sure what you mean when you say, "lower center of gravity." I could assume you mean versus the Ducati Desert X, however, that bike has possibly the best COG of almost any adventure bike in its class.

do I want a Desertx Rally? Yes! Would I ride it off road? No! Am I a Philistine? Yes! probably. Do I have more money than sense? Quite possibly.

I don't own a bike but I've ridden those of my friends. Am a little confused on what you're talking about! But I enjoyed the video. If this guys taught universities, we'd all understand. 😂🔥 Very interesting. Let me climb a tree to find a network spot❤️

Spec's aside, air filter access is a PIA on the Duck.

I know each bike has its purpose and all, but geez for that price, I’d just go buy a super adventure R, throw the tech pack on it and call it a day.

But probably the issues that Ducati os better you simply dont know.. for example maybe the 2024 version is heavier than yours .. so maybe this ia not the right time to do this comparison.. im waiting for a new comparison in the future having a better info on both machines... cheers my friend!!!

Add Norden 901 to the excel please.

@SpurgeonDunbar

9 ай бұрын

Not a competitor against these two bikes. The Norden 901 is aimed at more of the base 890 Adventure, not the R version and certainly not the Rally. The new Norden 901 Expedition will be similar to the 890 Adventure R/DesertX, but not the regular Norden.

@demonsync57

9 ай бұрын

@@SpurgeonDunbar I mean the norden Expedition

@SpurgeonDunbar

9 ай бұрын

@@demonsync57 well, than that makes more sense.... But like I said above, the Expedition is going to competing against the base 890 Adventure R as well as the base DesertX. The two Rally versions discussed in this video will remain in a class all their own.

Yeah so down under we don't buy bikes for the bush where you have to take the tank off to access the air filter.

Don't get mw wrong, the video is great, but if I had seen the price at the beginning I would have moved on to Zack's video. $22k for a toy is just way too much

@khakimzhanmiras

10 ай бұрын

cheaper than a new GS

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Toy? OR purpose built off-road weapons? To each their own!

Till now I can watch this video!! So.. what I'd like to say is.. that I own 2 KTMs.. first one is my 950 SUPER ENDURO 2008 !! THAT.. I won't sale never ever! So and the second one is a 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R !! It means and show the way I love KTM! But now .. my mind Just changed.... after to see for tje first time the DUCATI DesertX RALLY! SPECS etc .. I'm sure that next year it is going to be in my garage !! 😊 I think it is way ahead better than the 890 R.. ! This is it!! 😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉

The DesertX reliability over the KTM is the biggest factor.

Specs seem to tip towards the KTM. Buuuut, cmon, the looks go to the Ducati. They are just so good and making their bikes pretty. My T7 is still the prettiest girl at the ball.

And here I am, still wanting a Tuareg 660. 😂

@SpurgeonDunbar

9 ай бұрын

The Tuareg is a great bike.

Okay was the vertical format of the talking head intentional that allowed the fancy ass graphics or did Spurg eff up and they had to save it?😂😂

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

I never make mistakes.

@kenbowlus2995

10 ай бұрын

It's tough being perfect in an imperfect world.... a problem that I too must live with every day. 🤣@@SpurgeonDunbar

👌👌

You are forgetting that KTM Cam Shafts self destruct in about 1.5 to 2 seasons of ownership ship so you can keep your 890….. I have one so I am speaking from personal experience….. Ducati will get my money next go around

probaly gas burners. noting ktm gear ratio not so friendly in city streets but off road powerful at lower rpm

I never drove the Desert X, but I drove the 950 streetfighter. And that engine is bullshit for driving on roads with narrow corners. Up to to 7000 rpm there happens nothing, you just have to race it all the time. A 790 or 890 KTM goes much better from lower rpms And the suspension of a 890 Rallye is another dimension, if you wanna compare the Desert X the much cheaper Adventure R is the right bike.

ktm pay for tech pack which ducati includes. plus ducati had cruise control. anyways best to try out for your purpose

The KTM 890 scrotum, I mean fuel tank, saves having to armor up with engine protection while the Ducati still needs full caging.

@mullayho1759

10 ай бұрын

The scrotum tank is the reason I went with a 790 over a transalp

Bet you can't get the KTM now, all sold out! 😢

Ducati looks better, KTM let down by CF moto engine with possible cam failure looming. Bring back the LC8 KTM

20grand!? im out - for both :-(

Desert X is rather “meh” when it comes to the off road - also, FIX THE AIR FILTER ISSUE!!!!!!

Uhm, servicing? Air filters...

Spurg, with the new KTM pay twice to keep your features unlocked, Sally should be worth more!

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

I like the way you think!

Nothing says I have too much money than beating the snot out of a $23k+ bike off road.

I don't picture hardcore off roaders paying this much for a new bike.

@dashuntas.m4045

10 ай бұрын

It’s mainly going to be Starbucks Princesses (I’m just teasing) that are mostly going to buy these

@viperq

10 ай бұрын

@@dashuntas.m4045 Probably right.

@jayd3931

9 ай бұрын

I know "hardcore" off road guys that have spent more than this setting up 690/701's in rally spec or buy 450 rally's. If you don't know about off road riding, you wouldn't really understand or be drawn to these bikes. You'd buy a GS. KTM are also pretty particular about who they sell these limited edition bikes to.

Interessante Ansätze, man hat wirklich den Eindruck, dass hier Manipulation und Inszenierung mit im Spiel ist!

Both too heavy. I reckon 95% of riders wouldn't be able to do much more than gravel roads on these. Especially once you drop it a couple times and have to pick it up to literally save your life and you realise you don't want to do that again.

Are these bikes good first bikes? Or I shouldn’t be here lmao 😂 ..

Lucky you...most of us, hard working can not afford it!

@SpurgeonDunbar

9 ай бұрын

Are you implying I don't work hard? How dare you...

@MtbPoland

9 ай бұрын

How dare you accusing me of that?@@SpurgeonDunbar

Impressive how the smaller KTM engine makes more TQ. Must be the byproduct of higher C.R. I still can't get over how awful, tacked on and cheap that front fender on the DUC looks. 🤦‍♂️👎 I prefer the regular Desert X's look.

More money than sense? Not here.

I’m sticking with my tried and true KLR. Ducati and KTM can suck it.

You sound pissed......that's just the way it is, Bro. I have a 2013 VT750rs with 1700 miles on, and you could eat off it and it isn't worth a plugged nickel. Sorry about your, Katoom but welcome to the club.......

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Just making entertaining content for the internet, Amigo. Self deprecation is more entertaining than not. Couldn't be more happy with my purchase.

@kenbowlus2995

10 ай бұрын

We all know that "resale value" is never a consideration for a KTM owner, as they never plan on selling. @@SpurgeonDunbar

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

@@kenbowlus2995 my man!

Ktm if you can get one good try ducati

The KTM is better looking... and that says it all!

@terrarecon

10 ай бұрын

Opinions vary. And that is just fine.

Sorry spurg, i dont know if that's a joke but complaining that KTM makes a bike that they've made every year of production except 2020 is dumb.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

They only made a Rally twice before to my knowledge, one production year for the 790 and one production year for the 890... until the 2024 announcement. Also, I wasn't actually complaining. Just making entertaining content for the internet my friend... Not actually complaining, I'm very happy with my bike.

@therealturbofanisme

10 ай бұрын

@@SpurgeonDunbar Ah, you're right! I didn't realize they didn't do a rally in 2019. So it's just 2020 for the 790, and 2021 for the 890. Interesting. Anyway, all good. Fun bikes, good comparo.

One thing KTM aftermarket assistance is just this side of crap no I have misjudged them it is crap on all levels just go Ducati

Ducati: soldi buttati

@GIGABACHI

9 ай бұрын

LMAO 🤣, can't be THAT bad. Can it ? 🤔

@sbabbaro1977

9 ай бұрын

@@GIGABACHIThe Ducati engine has too much power which only arrives at high rpm as well as torque. In off-road KTM is not beaten . I own a KTM 790 ADV and I always go off road with my partner, even loaded with luggage and it's disarming how easy the bike is to handle. on my channel you can see some videos of the "Via del Sale", an old dirt military road that winds between the Liguria and Piedmont regions passing through France, reaching an altitude of 2000 metres. If you don't believe me, go and try them both, you too will be amazed at how easy the KTM is off road.

The KTM is sold out so price is irrelevant.

@SpurgeonDunbar

10 ай бұрын

Not necessarily... That presale went to dealers too, I believe.... but I could be wrong, I've been wrong before.

@bigblue729

9 ай бұрын

@@SpurgeonDunbar I just got an email for putting a deposit down at solid performance. Is it really worth the money? I have a tenere 700 and am not sure if I want to sell and get the ktm or not.

@SpurgeonDunbar

9 ай бұрын

@@bigblue729 Honestly, it depends on what's "worth it" to you. It's a lot of money and it's a different beast than the Tenere. My buddy Jeff owns a Tenere and we're currently on a roadtrip (all-street) together. I think we both agree that the T7's engine is a little more friendly for regular old street-touring and it's probably a better "all-arounder" than my 890 Rally. That being said, he did a full Öhlins upgrade on his T7 and it still doesn't come close to the KTM's suspension. The KTM wins off-road from a performance standpoint, it's easier to ride off-road, but it's not going to make you faster than a better rider on a T7. I will say that you really have to dial in the KTM's suspension to get the most out of it. I find that it comes setup pretty stiff from the factory, so if you do go that route plan on spending some time with the bike getting it dialed in to your weight/speed. All-in-all, the Rally is a fine fine machine. I don't regret buying mine at all. It's great for all-day rides and makes me feel like a rockstar off-road. Best ADV bike I've ever owned. But is it right for you? Gotta weigh that one for yourself. Let me know if you have any specific questions, feel free to send me a private message on Instagram. Otherwise, you're in good hands with the folks at Solid Performance.

Ktm suspension is like 8k on its own the desert x is like $1k suspension