2023 Ducati Desert X

A few blocks before arriving home after work last night, my bike started smoking and when I got home the plastic heat shield on the rear header pipe was on fire. The rear header pipe seems to be broken and dropped causing a major exhaust leak. This is the second time it has happened to me. First time was october 2023, around 10k miles. That time it melted the rear brake reservoir and the fire was more difficult to put out. Both instances were different riding conditions and ambient temperatures. I know of another person this has happened to twice as well, but she lives in Denmark (exact same bike though). And I have a coworker with the same bike that has recently started sounding louder than it was and may have a similar exhaust leak developing. In my attached photo you can see the oxygen sensor is not at the center of the hole in the heat shield, but it used to be, and there is a hole just up from that where the fire was.

NHTSA ID

11647628

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

2023 Ducati Desert X dies repeatedly and won't re-start. VIN [XXX] Dates: 30 July to 03 August 2023 Trip to Yosemite. Motorcycle left me stranded 3 Days in a Row. Entire display screen flashes RED Traction Control Error. Motorcycle dies if running. Motorcycle will not re-start. After about 20 seconds the flashing message changes to a RED, rectangular text box at bottom of display. Text reads Traction Control Error. Motorcycle also will not re-start after stopping and turning off the engine. The indicator that the bike is not going to re-start is that the Fan kicks on immediately at an extremely high speed after turning the key on. 1st Incident: Could have been Killed by oncoming traffic. After filling at gas station, making left turn onto Hwy 395 the motorcycle died in front of oncoming traffic. Oncoming cars were only able to avoid me because at that exact spot the highway went from 2 lanes to 4. Motorcycle would not re-start. Carson City, NV. Topography, Flat. Full Daylight. Late afternoon. Forced to stay in Hotel. 2nd Incident: Motorcycle wouldn't re-start after lunch stop. 3rd Incident: Forgot phone at restaurant. Bike would not re-start. 4th Incident: Could have Died due to exposure. Motorcycle died while riding and would not re-start. Riding uphill in the back-country on Hwy 120 at Night into Yosemite NP elevation 8,500 ft. Fortunately I had my camping gear. Forced to camp beside the road. 5th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Yosemite Valley. Cool, clear morning. 6th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Oakhurst, CA, cool evening. Forced to stay in Hotel. 7th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Restaurant beside Keawah River after long, slow alpine descent from Sequioa NP. Evening. Motorcycle temperature never dropped below 207 degrees despite long, slow descent in cool weather. 8th Incident: Motorcycle would not re-start. Visalia CA. Night. Flat topography. Forced to stay in Hotel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

NHTSA ID

11537157

Incident

Jul 30, 2023

While driving down a dirt highway in rainy conditions the mud built up under the fender quickly and locked up the front wheel throwing me from the bike. In the attached photos you can see the pivot point at which the mud stressed the fender and caused it to break, in the video you can the point at which the wheel locks up. Upon inspection after that fall I noticed the tire would not move. https://youtube.com/shorts/tl6sy3F1cks?feature=share

NHTSA ID

11522597

Incident

May 14, 2023

Procedure for Assessing Front Fork Oil Leaks. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the assessment criteria for identifying front fork-related defects. The purpose is prevent technicians from mistaking oozing oil or assembly grease, for legitimate defects. The bulletin further provides examples and pictures for clarification.

Rear Brake System Update Summary. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels bulletin SRV-SRB-23-053 published on 10/17/2023. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of new rear brake hoses intended to address wear of the brake lever stroke, resulting from routine use, over time.

Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 14 Summary: Applicability: Availability and characteristic of Akrapovic Racing Exhaust Part no. 96482291AA for the Multistrada V4 Rally. Abnormal play of passenger seat, and squeak coming from the front wheel when moving the motorcycle for the Diavel, and slight front end vibrations when braking at low speeds on the DesertX.

Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 11 Summary: Improvement of graphics matching between tank cover and fuel tank for the Multistrada V4 Rally. Improvements to wheel rim protections for the Diavel V4. Possible slight contact of rear tire with auxiliary fuel tank bottom for the Desert X. Rear wheel nut color info for the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini. Instructions for final drive chain replacement on all models.

Guided Diagnosis for Front Brake System Bleeding. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletin SRV-SRB-20-014 published on 4/17/2020. It provides dealers and service managers with needed information to correctly bleed the front brake system of the various Ducati models. This bulletin further refers the reader to an attached diagnosis guide. The referenced guide/annex is available to NHTSA upon request.

Finial Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions. Applicability: All Models and Model Years (except XDiavel). This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletins: SRV-SRB-18-030 published on 05/11/2018, SRV-SRB-19-046 published on 12/31/2019, SRV-SRB-20-050 published on 11/24/2020. It provides dealers and service managers additional final drive chain care to ensure optimum performance and longevity for the chain. this includes cleaning, lubricating, inspecting and tension guidelines.