Fortunately, the Italian factory has expanded its Ducati Rider Experience scheme to now include a venue that focuses on the off-road abilities of various models within its range. Now, the new DRE is in the expansive Sweet Lamb complex in Wales, just off the glorious A44 between Llangurig and Aberystwyth, and some of you will be aware that other manufacturers also have off-road schools based in Wales, so you may think that Ducati is following others' lead. But this isn't really the case, as there has been an off-road DRE in operation for quite some time, albeit at a greater distance, it being in Italy...
So, with a desire to learn and a DRE an enjoyable five-hour ride away, off I went on a cross-country blast over to Sweet Lamb.
Aside from the DesertX, Ducati also has the DesertX Rally, the Multistrada V4S, and the Multistrada V4S Rally as off-road-capable adventure bikes, all of which are available at Sweet Lamb. And, while I was more focused on finding out just how good the DesertX is on the gritty trails of the Sweet Lamb complex, thanks to last year's French trip it's clear that the bigger V4 brother is similarly capable, and the Rally versions of each a further step up the off-road ladder to the basic models. There are also low-seat versions of the DesertX and Multistrada, for those who are shorter of leg. The centre's bikes have had their mirrors removed, and crash bars fitted, both for obvious reasons, while pillion pegs also have been taken off.
While the production bikes are equipped with Pirelli Scorpion STR (which, as I found out last year, are an astoundingly good road tyre on the DesertX), the DRE centre's machines wear the slightly more dirt-focused Pirelli Scorpion Rally. The tyres aren't the only Italian connection for the DRE centre, as it's also equipped with a machine to deliver the wonderful Lavazza coffee (which is still a family brand, despite being the third largest coffee suppliers globally). Molto bene all round.
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