8/28/22
To tease the debut of the 2023 DesertX, Ducati released a video of Antoine Méo flogging the new model across the desert and around a motocross track. Dramatic images of a professional snapping turns and flying through the air should always be taken with a grain of salt and a healthy dose of skepticism, but we couldn’t help getting a little excited. Then, a few months ago, our UK contributor Chris Northover got a go on the DesertX in Sicily. And now it’s here in the States. Editor-at-large Blake Conner headed just down the road from his home in Colorado for the official US press launch of the DesertX.
The evening of the press ride, I received a call. “Dude,” Blake said, “it’s pretty kickass.” That’s all the spoiler I’m going to give you; read Blake’s first ride article here. But after reading his review, I’m itching to get one back at the office for our usual performance testing complete with dyno runs. More than anything, I can’t wait to put it up against its most obvious competitor, the KTM 890 Adventure R. I see an epic battle in the making.
We’ve covered motorcycle aerodynamics multiple times over the years, and the hunt for improved handling on the track continues to evolve. A recent patent submission by Piaggio, filed to protect an aerodynamic concept on its Aprilia RS-GP racer, offers interesting insights into an ever-changing and easily visible MotoGP technology. Is it possible we may see more MotoGP-style aero on future Aprilia street models? Check out the full story here.
As always, there’s more than we can fit into this email. Check out cycleworld.com for additional tests, reviews, and news.
Justin Dawes
Executive Editor
