ROAD NEWS
DUCATI DESERTX GETS TURN-BY-TURN NAV
Ducati is cramming in more functionality to the DesertX with the addition of turn-byturn navigation for 2023 . The integrated navigator is based on the Ducati Multimedia System , which uses the bike ’ s TFT cluster instrumentation to display the route guidance calculated by the Ducati Link App . In this way , navigation functions can be exploited without the need for an external device like a dedicated GPS unit or by strapping your phone to the bars .
There is a catch , however , and it ’ s one that seems to be part of a theme with the Ducati DesertX . In order to utilise the turn-byturn navigation , you ’ re going to have to pay for it on top of the DesertX ’ s $ 28,000 entry price as it requires not only the latest version of the Ducati Link App and an activated user licence , but also the Ducati Multimedia System installed which is itself a $ 480 optional extra . The Ducati Multimedia system does add the ability to take calls , listen to music and more for your money , but this is tech we are seeing become standard on plenty of cheaper motorcycles . It ’ s otherwise a pretty simple affair of downloading the latest version of the Ducati Link App to an Android or IOS device and after that , all you have to do is enter one or more destinations for the app to calculate the route according to your preferences . Like other map software , the Ducati Link App allows you to download an area directly to your phone to reduce data usage or for when you are heading off the grid for some proper adventure riding . If you are a Ducati owner who doesn ’ t happen to own a DesertX and wants the system , Ducati does plan to roll out turn-by-turn on other models in the future .
102 KIWI RIDER