Look at Ducati’s DesertX and Monster, and you’ll realize these are two of the most dated bikes in the company’s middleweight lineup. After all, neither has received sizable updates since their debut in 2021. Finally, that is changing for model year 2026, as both motorcycles will switch to Team Red’s newest V2 engine. The news comes via official documents published by the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. Here’s what you need to know.
The 2026 Ducati DesertX And Monster Will Employ The New 890cc, V-twin Engine
Everyone knows innovation never stops at Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna. And the company’s new V2 engine is probably the best example of that in recent times. This mill has taken the middleweight market by storm in no time by powering the new Panigale V2, Streetfighter V2, and the Multistrada V2. So the DesertX and Monster ditching the 937cc mill in favor of this doesn’t really come as a surprise.
The VIN decoder clearly mentions new versions of the DesertX and Monster armed with the 890cc mill. Interestingly, the adventure bike has a special note that mentions it has a different transmission from the existing versions of the engine in the Panigale and Multistrada. So the X could have the 120 horsepower version of the V2 engine, albeit with a different tune and transmission rather than featuring the Multi V2’s 115 horsepower tune.
While there’s no note for the Monster, we believe it will feature the least powerful version of the engine. This would help Ducati make a case for the naked bike and avoid any overlap with the now cheaper and less powerful Streetfighter V2. Yes, we’re a bit surprised with the Monster brand being carried forward into 2026. But this is one of Ducati’s most popular monikers since the brand’s inception.
2026 Ducati DesertX And Monster Expected Engine Specs
|
Specs |
2026 DesertX |
2026 Monster |
|
Engine |
890cc, V-twin |
890cc, V-twin |
|
Power |
120 HP |
~115 HP |
|
Torque |
~69 LB-FT |
~69 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
Six-speed |
Ducati’s New V2 Engine Weighs Just 120 Pounds
Why is this engine a big deal, you ask? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, weight reduction is paramount here. So there’s a new water cooling system, hollow valve stems, a racing-derived lubrication system, thin inner walls, and aluminum cylinder liners, all of which ensure a weight of just 120 pounds. That is 12.7 down from the Testastretta Evoluzione.
Secondly, there’s all the likable technology infused into it. The 90-degree layout helps limit vibrations and eliminates the use of a countershaft, and there’s an intake variable timing system that works within a 52-degree range. The latter enables a wide power spread, with 70 percent of the torque coming in at just 3,000 RPM.
The New Ducati DesertX And Monster Will Debut In A Few Months
Circling back, the updated DesertX and Monster will debut as part of Ducati’s World Premiere 2026 series. We expect the announcement to take place in the coming months, probably in the second half of the year. The public debut will then follow at the EICMA in November 2025. While we can’t comment on pricing just yet, let’s hope the two new bikes receive sizable price cuts just like the Panigale and Streetfighter V2. This will help them take on their rivals much better than before.
2026 Ducati DesertX V2 Rivals
- Aprilia Tuareg 660
- Honda Africa Twin
- BMW F 900 GS
2026 Ducati Monster V2 Rivals
- Triumph Street Triple RS
- Aprilia Tuono 660
- Yamaha MT-09
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