2023 Ducati Desert X

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Engine2
2. Electrical system1
3. Steering1
4. Unknown or other1
5. Wheels1

Latest complaints

• Mar 11, 2025ORFire
  Engine
  A few blocks before arriving home after work last night, my bike started smoking and when I got home the plastic heat shield on the rear header pipe was on fire. The rear header pipe seems to be broken and dropped causing a major exhaust leak. This is the second time it has happened to me. First…

  A few blocks before arriving home after work last night, my bike started smoking and when I got home the plastic heat shield on the rear header pipe was on fire. The rear header pipe seems to be broken and dropped causing a major exhaust leak. This is the second time it has happened to me. First time was october 2023, around 10k miles. That time it melted the rear brake reservoir and the fire was more difficult to put out. Both instances were different riding conditions and ambient temperatures. I know of another person this has happened to twice as well, but she lives in Denmark (exact same bike though). And I have a coworker with the same bike that has recently started sounding louder than it was and may have a similar exhaust leak developing. In my attached photo you can see the oxygen sensor is not at the center of the hole in the heat shield, but it used to be, and there is a hole just up from that where the fire was.

• Aug 8, 2023CA
  Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
  2023 Ducati Desert X dies repeatedly and won't re-start. VIN [XXX] Dates: 30 July to 03 August 2023 Trip to Yosemite. Motorcycle left me stranded 3 Days in a Row. Entire display screen flashes RED Traction Control Error. Motorcycle dies if running. Motorcycle will not re-start. After about…

  2023 Ducati Desert X dies repeatedly and won't re-start. VIN [XXX] Dates: 30 July to 03 August 2023 Trip to Yosemite. Motorcycle left me stranded 3 Days in a Row. Entire display screen flashes RED Traction Control Error. Motorcycle dies if running. Motorcycle will not re-start. After about 20 seconds the flashing message changes to a RED, rectangular text box at bottom of display. Text reads Traction Control Error. Motorcycle also will not re-start after stopping and turning off the engine. The indicator that the bike is not going to re-start is that the Fan kicks on immediately at an extremely high speed after turning the key on. 1st Incident: Could have been Killed by oncoming traffic. After filling at gas station, making left turn onto Hwy 395 the motorcycle died in front of oncoming traffic. Oncoming cars were only able to avoid me because at that exact spot the highway went from 2 lanes to 4. Motorcycle would not re-start. Carson City, NV. Topography, Flat. Full Daylight. Late afternoon. Forced to stay in Hotel. 2nd Incident: Motorcycle wouldn't re-start after lunch stop. 3rd Incident: Forgot phone at restaurant. Bike would not re-start. 4th Incident: Could have Died due to exposure. Motorcycle died while riding and would not re-start. Riding uphill in the back-country on Hwy 120 at Night into Yosemite NP elevation 8,500 ft. Fortunately I had my camping gear. Forced to camp beside the road. 5th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Yosemite Valley. Cool, clear morning. 6th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Oakhurst, CA, cool evening. Forced to stay in Hotel. 7th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Restaurant beside Keawah River after long, slow alpine descent from Sequioa NP. Evening. Motorcycle temperature never dropped below 207 degrees despite long, slow descent in cool weather. 8th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Visalia CA. Night. Flat topography. Forced to stay in Hotel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

• May 18, 2023AZCrash
  Steering · Wheels
  While driving down a dirt highway in rainy conditions the mud built up under the fender quickly and locked up the front wheel throwing me from the bike. In the attached photos you can see the pivot point at which the mud stressed the fender and caused it to break, in the video you can the point at…

  While driving down a dirt highway in rainy conditions the mud built up under the fender quickly and locked up the front wheel throwing me from the bike. In the attached photos you can see the pivot point at which the mud stressed the fender and caused it to break, in the video you can the point at which the wheel locks up. Upon inspection after that fall I noticed the tire would not move. https://youtube.com/shorts/tl6sy3F1cks?feature=share

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10249815Procedure for Assessing Front Fork Oil Leaks. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the assessment criteria for identifying front fork-related defects. The purpose is prevent technicians from mistaking oozing oil or assembly grease, for legitimate defects. The bulletin further provides examples and pictures for clarification.
• 10248120Rear Brake System Update Summary. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels bulletin SRV-SRB-23-053 published on 10/17/2023. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of new rear brake hoses intended to address wear of the brake lever stroke, resulting from routine use, over time.
• 10243567Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 14 Summary: Applicability: Availability and characteristic of Akrapovic Racing Exhaust Part no. 96482291AA for the Multistrada V4 Rally. Abnormal play of passenger seat, and squeak coming from the front wheel when moving the motorcycle for the Diavel, and slight front end vibrations when braking at low speeds on the DesertX.
• 10241592Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 11 Summary: Improvement of graphics matching between tank cover and fuel tank for the Multistrada V4 Rally. Improvements to wheel rim protections for the Diavel V4. Possible slight contact of rear tire with auxiliary fuel tank bottom for the Desert X. Rear wheel nut color info for the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini. Instructions for final drive chain replacement on all models.
• 10240311Finial Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions. Applicability: All Models and Model Years (except XDiavel). This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletins: SRV-SRB-18-030 published on 05/11/2018, SRV-SRB-19-046 published on 12/31/2019, SRV-SRB-20-050 published on 11/24/2020. It provides dealers and service managers additional final drive chain care to ensure optimum performance and longevity for the chain. this includes cleaning, lubricating, inspecting and tension guidelines.
• 10240308Guided Diagnosis for Front Brake System Bleeding. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletin SRV-SRB-20-014 published on 4/17/2020. It provides dealers and service managers with needed information to correctly bleed the front brake system of the various Ducati models. This bulletin further refers the reader to an attached diagnosis guide. The referenced guide/annex is available to NHTSA upon request.
• 10240307Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine_Rev.01. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin instructs dealers and service managers on authorized procedures for identifying and isolating coolant and engine oil leaks. The use of a prescribed leak trace powder is stressed. This bulletin includes service instructions.
• 10238475Precautions to Follow During Crankcase Cleaning. Applicability: All Models. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers about precautions in using abrasive cleaners for engine component sealant, and in particular the crankcase covers. The bulletin further provides cleaning instructions with approved cleaning tools.
• 10237196Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 06 Summary. Turn-by-Turn pictogram indications while using Rally Riding mode and auxiliary tank installation instructions for Desert X; and exhaust manifold discoloration for all models.
• 10237193Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine. Applicability: All Models. This service bulletin provides dealers and service managers with troubleshooting guidance for oil or coolant leaks. This bulletin includes service instructions.
• 10235390Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 03.Fuel transfer for Desert X, and headlight replacement for all models.
• 10235388Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 02. Front mudguard update for Desert X; installation of the center stand for the Multistrada V4, aluminum fuel tank corrugations for all models, and cosmetic defects or transport damage on carbon rims in all models.
• 10233729Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 01. Error code for Multistrada V4; ion battery indications and precautions, possible clutch slippage, and possible variations in foot peg areas for Desert X, and possible steering damper noise in all models.
• 10233728CR247 Check Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Wiring Position. Applicability: Diavel V4 Model Year 2023 (all country versions). This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of an newly identified need to check and, if necessary, adjust the engine oil pressure sensor's wiring position. This bulletin also includes associated VIN data. This document has been redacted sensitive pricing information.
• 10232292CR246 - Spring Installation for Fuel Tank Breather Hose. Applicability: DesertX Model Year 2023 (all country versions). This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the introduction of a spring into units in production, to prevent possible air blockages after workshop operations involving removal and refitting of the fuel tank. Note is made for units whose owners perform this type of maintenance themselves. This bulletin also includes associated VIN data and part number for the new spring. This document has been redacted for PII and sensitive pricing information.
• 10231002CR245 Side stand replacement. Applicability: DesertX Model Year 2023 (all country versions). This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of a new side stand design and part number, available to replace the old design and part number, through attrition. It also provides production integration information, and part number change details. This document has been redacted for sensitive pricing information.
• 10227050CR243 Rear Shock Protector Installation. Applicability: Desert X Model Year 2023 (all country versions). This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers that a new rear shock absorber has been introduced into the affected model production line. It also provides effective date and VIN data, as well as a service procedures for installation of the new shock absorber on post-production units. This document has been redacted for sensitive pricing information.
• 10219287Tips and Tricks Summary Rev.12. Applicability: Desert X. This bulletin provides information about key storage during pre-delivery operations.
• 10219279CR234 ABS Unit Software Update & IMU Sensor Assembly Check. Applicability: Desert X, MY23 . This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of a required software update for the ABS control unit and IMU sensor assembly inspection. Both items are to be accomplished prior to customer delivery. The bulletin also provides affected VIN information and service solution. This document has been redacted for sensitive pricing information.