Ducati enters the adventure bike fray in spectacular fashion with the new DesertX. We also look at a custom Honda CT125 from Taiwan, a Honda CRF150RB from California, and a BMW Lego Technic set that’ll keep you busy for hours.

Ducati DesertX This is clearly the year of good-looking neo-retro adventure bikes. First it was the Husqvarna Norden 901, and then MV Agusta’s ‘Lucky Explorer’ project. Now it’s Ducati’s turn, with the highly anticipated DesertX dual sport.
The good news is that the production-ready DesertX looks almost identical to the concept that Ducati has been teasing for over two years now. And that makes us happy, because it’s absolutely bananas.

It clearly channels Dakar rally icons like the Yamaha Ténéré and the mighty Cagiva Elefant?but with a contemporary edge. It’s not all show and no go though. Powering it is Ducati’s 937 cc Testastretta engine, derived from the new Monster and Multistrada V2. It’s good for 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and 68 lb-ft (92 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Power’s managed by a full electronics suite, including multiple customizable riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, engine braking and wheelie control, a quick-shifter and more.

The DesertX’s chassis setup points to a bike dedicated to pukka off-roading. There’s fully adjustable KYB suspension at both ends, with 230 mm of front and 220 mm of rear travel. The wheels are 21F/18R tubeless spoked ...