OEM Off-road Kit Tested - pass or fail?

1953 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by obsidianduck, 1 mo ago

Ohseedee

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

So, I had the unfortunate opportunity to test out the crash protection of the OEM off road kit the other day in my garage. I've used a harbor freight motorcycle dolly for several years to move my bike around the garage. The Desert X is bigger than my last bike but still seemed to work fine. However, the side stand is very long, so the lean angle when parked is pretty small. Anyway, I was moving my bike around the garage and one of the wheels on the dolly got stuck and the bike tipped over on the right side. It hit HARD. The contact points to the ground were the crash bars, hand guards, foot break, both right side foot pegs.

The result:

zero body damage
rear foot peg has a very small scuff that isn't noticeable.
zero issues with the foot brake and rider foot-peg
zero scuffs on the engine guards (looks perfect), but it did get bent so that it's now much closer to the tank
the hand guard took the most damage. I'm pretty sure that's where it hit first. Not only did the metal get scuffed up (not a big deal), but the bolt is bent bad and the plastic part of the hand guard did break at one of the screw points.

What next:

I need to replace my hand-guards + order a new factory bolt. While the hand guards did do its job in protecting my levers, I think the plastic design is faulty and I will be replacing with aftermarket
My bent crash bars are not noticeable and actually took me a day before I even saw it. I'm going to try and bed them back, which seems to be normal after a drop. If it doesn't work I'm going to replace with aftermarket
I'm getting a center stand. The side stand is way too long. I felt like it was going to fall over before when parking on the ride side of the road with a slight incline down to the right. I saw a video somewhere where someone said they were going to trim the side side, which I'm not doing.

My perspective:
Pretty annoyed that I made such a dumb mistake while not even riding! I should have known better to push the dolly from the side stand side of the bike instead of pulling from the other side. While I could do this with my last bike no problem, the desert X is just too tall and the lean angle when parked is too slight. That said, the protection I invested in did its job even though it was intended to be for off/on-road... For sure I would have smashed my tank and front fairing with out it. The off-road kit has paid for itself, so I'm considering it a pass although overall, although I'm not sure about the hand guards and the plastic...

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obsidianduck

· #2 · 5 mo ago

Thanks for the report! It sounds overall like a protection pass, especially if the surface was a concrete garage floor. I'm not surprised about the hand guard snapping. Just by looking at it one can see the weak spots, and I expect most off-road enthusiasts on the DX are going to put some beefier protection up there.

I used to only use Barkbusters, but I went with a cheaper Tusk model on my small dual sport and they really impressed me-- very strong and fit great, they've held up to lots of abuse-- so I might just upgrade to that from the start.

Ohseedee

Discussion Starter · #3 · 5 mo ago

obsidianduck said:
Thanks for the report! It sounds overall like a protection pass, especially if the surface was a concrete garage floor. I'm not surprised about the hand guard snapping. Just by looking at it one can see the weak spots, and I expect most off-road enthusiasts on the DX are going to put some beefier protection up there.

I used to only use Barkbusters, but I went with a cheaper Tusk model on my small dual sport and they really impressed me-- very strong and fit great, they've held up to lots of abuse-- so I might just upgrade to that from the start.

The Hepco & Becker guards look interesting, but the Barkbuster mounting point looks like it would be better.

Reactions: 1

Mr. K

· #4 · 5 mo ago

Ohseedee said:
The off-road kit has paid for itself, so I'm considering it a pass although overall, although I'm not sure about the hand guards and the plastic...

Can confirm this. The OEM crash bars work very well, but the plastic mounts on the OEM hand guards are too flimsy. I managed to break both of them by just tipping over in soft mud... Will probably give the Barkbusters a try.

Ohseedee

Discussion Starter · #5 · 5 mo ago

Mr. K said:
Can confirm this. The OEM crash bars work very well, but the plastic mounts on the OEM hand guards are too flimsy. I managed to break both of them by just tipping over in soft mud... Will probably give the Barkbusters a try.

It's interesting that Ducati went that route (plastic end point). I wonder if it is designed to break on purpose as a sacrifice to avoid damage to the bike? With the way it's designed vs barkbusters, I could see barkbusters at greater risk of damaging the bars but obviously a greater chance of surviving themselves. Kind of like a car with a crumple zone to absorb impact vs just transferring it to the occupants.

DESERTXATL

· #6 · 5 mo ago

6

I had a pretty bad tip over because of the stupid sidestand is way too long. I was on an OHV trail and right before the trail began, I planned on adjusting a few things (tire pressure, handlebars, etc). I decided to get off the bike on a rocky terrain and the stupid kickstand got stuck in the down position. Long story short, I had to drop the bike and I'm 100% happy with the crash bars because it took most of the impact. One lesson I learned; the bike is not light to lift off the ground. I forgot to mention that the Ducati Performance handlebar held up well with no damage.

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sal.etarf

· #7 · 5 mo ago

I read somewhere that Ducati is coming out with a shorter side stand that will be available in Q1. I’ll try to find where I saw that info. If I remember right it isn’t a recall but will be replaced at Ducati’s cost if wanted.
anyone seen anything about that?

sal.etarf

· #8 · 5 mo ago

sal.etarf said:
I read somewhere that Ducati is coming out with a shorter side stand that will be available in Q1. I’ll try to find where I saw that info. If I remember right it isn’t a recall but will be replaced at Ducati’s cost if wanted.
anyone seen anything about that?

Here is what I read. Someone posted it on the Ducati Desert X Owner Group on Facebook on 12/27.

Side Stand Update
Just for your interest:
We would like to inform you that as of 1/12/2022 a new side stand that is slightly shorter than the current
stand has been installed on the bike. The new stand has been introduced to facilitate parking on uneven
ground and for improved stability.
The new stand is simply an evolution of the previous stand.
However, to keep all the bikes in the fleet up to date and as a premium service to our Ducati enthusiasts,
we would like to inform you that by the end of January 2023 a dedicated Service Campaign will be opened,
which will provide for the installation of the new side stand on motorbikes manufactured before the above
date. Until that date, these stands will not be made available as spare parts.
NOTE: Bikes equipped with the lowering kit already feature a different side stand with suitable length.

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Ohseedee

Discussion Starter · #9 · 5 mo ago

I was actually thinking of just doing some plastic welding and fixing my Ducati off-road hand guards where it broke (just needs to hold up to the wind as it's not actually doing any protection for drops). However, I just noticed that it looks like my brake lever did make impact with my handguard (small scuff) when I dropped it. As such, I can't trust the OEM off road guards and just ordered some barkbusters. While I think I understand why Ducati went with a springy design so the guards absorb the impact and bends/breaks rather than transfer that energy to the bars/bike, if it can't fully protect the levers, then it's got to go. I'll probably fix the plastic anyway and have the Ducati guards as a backup.

@sal.etarf Great news on coming out with a smaller side stand. Unless the ground is completely flat, I always feel like I need to be somewhat careful getting off and letting go of the bike, which I've never felt before on any other bike I've owned. I think I'm still going to order the center stand as I can probably get that installed in a couple weeks if I order now.

@DESERTXATL yes, for sure not easy to lift off the ground. I tried but I couldn't just lift it up and I didn't want it sliding on the concrete and damage the bike more (my biggest concern was the brake pedal). I used some 2x4s as levers and blocks under the engine guard to get it high enough to get a hydraulic lift cart under the bar end and jacked it up high enough to lift the rest of the way. I have no prior experience with ADVs and have only once had to lift up a bike once before several years ago (sport bike which was super easy). I've since watched some videos on youtube on how to properly do it and I'm tempted to lay it down on some grass and practice. I am nervous for trail drops as I do intend to do a lot of solo riding.

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DESERTXATL

· #10 · 5 mo ago

Ohseedee said:
I was actually thinking of just doing some plastic welding and fixing my Ducati off-road hand guards where it broke (just needs to hold up to the wind as it's not actually doing any protection for drops). However, I just noticed that it looks like my brake lever did make impact with my handguard (small scuff) when I dropped it. As such, I can't trust the OEM off road guards and just ordered some barkbusters. While I think I understand why Ducati went with a springy design so the guards absorb the impact and bends/breaks rather than transfer that energy to the bars/bike, if it can't fully protect the levers, then it's got to go. I'll probably fix the plastic anyway and have the Ducati guards as a backup.

@sal.etarf Great news on coming out with a smaller side stand. Unless the ground is completely flat, I always feel like I need to be somewhat careful getting off and letting go of the bike, which I've never felt before on any other bike I've owned. I think I'm still going to order the center stand as I can probably get that installed in a couple weeks if I order now.

@DESERTXATL yes, for sure not easy to lift off the ground. I tried but I couldn't just lift it up and I didn't want it sliding on the concrete and damage the bike more (my biggest concern was the brake pedal). I used some 2x4s as levers and blocks under the engine guard to get it high enough to get a hydraulic lift cart under the bar end and jacked it up high enough to lift the rest of the way. I have no prior experience with ADVs and have only once had to lift up a bike once before several years ago (sport bike which was super easy). I've since watched some videos on youtube on how to properly do it and I'm tempted to lay it down on some grass and practice. I am nervous for trail drops as I do intend to do a lot of solo riding.

As I mentioned, I dropped mine on a trail and attempted to just manhandle the bike up but it's way too heavy. You definitely need to use your legs and proper technique, otherwise, I can see someone throwing their back out trying to lift it off the ground.

obsidianduck

· #11 · 5 mo ago

Ohseedee said:
I think I'm still going to order the center stand as I can probably get that installed in a couple weeks if I order now.

Any idea on how the center stand does when riding off road? On my previous bike ('18 Africa Twin) I had an OEM center stand, dealer installed, and riding hard on uneven terrain would make it jiggle and clang around and it bothered me quite a bit.

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Michael Smith

· #12 · 5 mo ago

Sensitive content, not recommended for those under 18

6

Hi, had the very same happen to me just outside my house as i was pulling up.
Now was think of other stuff as i was pulling up, and not about putting down my side stand, and fell over with the bike thinking the stand was out. Yes full brain fart.
Did do damage to my leg trying to save the bike and me.
Put, had just put on crash bars and my bags, no hand guards, now the bag took the hit and what was inside it, was almost stopped, think the bags on the side are good job and keep the bike away more from the ground.
What they would do at speed?.

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obsidianduck

· #13 · 5 mo ago

Oof, sorry to hear that happened-- that looks like a nasty injury, so double thanks for the bike protection report. Re. the bar bags, on a side fall they definitely help, but they're probably better for storing soft items and you might want to keep the canisters and any other hard stuff (water bottles, etc.) in the tail bag since you definitely don't want those pressing into the tank. Re. side bags at speed, what happens is that the bag will get pushed towards the rider from ground friction, and the attachment straps end up directly between the ground and the crash bar and wear through-- from friction, but mostly the heat rather than just the abrasion. Usually the bag becomes partially detached, but if it's just clothes/rain gear, etc. it does soften the initial landing.

tomis916

· #14 · 5 mo ago

Sorry about the tip overs. Even with years of racing behind me, I swear I've damaged bikes about as much from tip overs while parked and while trailering bikes, as I have from crashes while riding.

Years ago, my first Ducati (a 916) was warming up outside while I was finishing breakfast. They also had a too long side stand. I pulled it in front of the window so I could keep an eye on it. While I was admiring my bike through the window, I watched it fall over in slow motion just from the vibration of the bike idling.

I think I read that: (1) there was a running change made to a shorter side stand, and (2) the "new" stand is the same as what is spec'd with the lowering kit. I have a 2023 bike and while the stand is a little longer than I prefer, it doesn't see too bad.

Does anyone know what the lengths of the side stands are for the original stand and the lowered suspension stand? I'm not sure which one I've got.

obsidianduck

· #15 · 5 mo ago

tomis916 said:
While I was admiring my bike through the window, I watched it fall over in slow motion just from the vibration of the bike idling.

Oh man, that is BRUTAL. I can imagine it all cinematic, you drop your coffee and shout "NOOOOOOOOOO!" in slow motion as the bike succumbs to gravity.

I also have the same question as you-- mine's the 2023 and the bike stands a bit more vertical than my Africa Twin, but when I turn the wheel full left it sets OK and doesn't seem too extreme, so I don't know if it needs to be replaced via the upcoming recall/replace program or if it's good to go.

Reactions: 1

RIMIKEBIKE

· #16 · 1 mo ago

There are two recalls for the Desert X that I know off. 1 -shorter side stand, 2 mud flap the protect the lower pare of the rear shock. Both were taken care of at no charge during the first 600 service

obsidianduck

· #17 · 1 mo ago

RIMIKEBIKE said:
There are two recalls for the Desert X that I know off. 1 -shorter side stand, 2 mud flap the protect the lower pare of the rear shock. Both were taken care of at no charge during the first 600 service

Yeah, they put the replacement stand on mine during the off road kit install and it's definitely leaning in a safer way now.

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