xBhp is all about motorcycles and riding. Sometimes, we do not even need a reason or an excuse to go out for a ride. Especially if there’s a new motorcycle around to ride. So when we got a Ducati DesertX and the opportunity to ride to Firozabad for the Firozabad Mahotsav and Republic Day, you can bet that we did not want to miss the opportunity.
We have been associated with UP Tourism for a while. #roadTripUnited and multiple trips in between, UP Tourism has supported our vision and endeavours with great enthusiasm. This time, the occasion was Republic Day and the commencement of Firozabad Mahotsav. For that, UP Tourism and xBhp came together once again to organise a Tiranga Ride which saw riders from Agra, Firozabad, and Shikohabad coming together.
Our ride started on the 24th of January, 2023. We rode the beautiful Ducati DesertX for around 220 km from Delhi to Firozabad. Our stay was organised at the well-maintained circuit house of Firozabad. The next day, the ride was flagged off from Tundla Toll Plaza. On the occasion, we were graced by the presence of the SDM of Tundla, Mr Satyendra Singh and Mr Vishal Srivastava from UP Tourism.
From the Toll Plaza, we rode from Tundla to Shikohabad via Neem Karoli Baba Temple. From there on, we rode to PD Jain Inter College where the ride was concluded. We had a great time at the ride and the meetup. As always, it was a pleasure to ride, meet, and interact with the riders. After the conclusion of the event, we rode back to Delhi and reached our destination the same evening.
Throughout the ride, we kept falling deeper and deeper in love with the Ducati DesertX. From the way it looks to the way it goes. The twin circular LED headlamps with a tall windscreen give the motorcycle a purposeful look. The 21-litre fuel tank does not just look purposeful… for obvious reasons! Despite the apparent dimensions on paper, the Ducati DesertX feels very slim and slender. On the move, it feels even lither. The handlebar is wide and chunky and the reach is just right for both touring and saddling. No surprise from a motorcycle inspired by the Dakar Rally!
The form of the DesertX is in perfect harmony with the function, thanks to the delightful engine. The 937cc Ducati twin is good for around 110 bhp but more than that, it is the power delivery that sweeps you off your feet. There is loads of grunt right from the get-go and one can just tell that the DesertX can demolish the best of trails… while being sideways! And we’d love to try something like that with the DesertX.
Overall, the motorcycle and the ride combined made for some fun times.
This article was published in the Dec’22-Jan’23 Issue of the xBhp Print Magazine.
Order your copy here, or read it online here.
