How a random accessory shop visit ended up me riding the Ducati DesertX

They insisted I do a test ride. I hesitantly agreed. Partly because I somehow felt I would be able to manage it.

BHPian MileCruncher recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Things happen in unexpected ways!

Today in the morning I had gone to the candy store aka bike accessory shop. While I was talking to the shop manager about my bike, another gentleman walked in and he started listening in. Soon the manager introduced the person. He worked at the Ducati showroom. I told him I just love the way Ducati DesertX looks. Taking cue, he invited me to the showroom which was close by.

I dont know why I said "sure why not" knowing fairly well that the DesertX sat at 875 mm and hence was out of my league. Went to the showroom, where the DesertX Rally was parked. That at 910mm was truly out of reach.

I told the entire staff that 830/35 was like max for me and hence I wasn't sure if my feet will even reach the ground. However, they got the bike out of the basement garage and asked me to try it. I sheepish approached the vehicle and climbed on. And then got it straight.

And lo and behold! I was tip toeing the standard bike on both feet. All of 875MM or was it 860MM (i.e one with low seat). I wouldn't know. But all that mattered, that I was tip toeing comfortably. Better than I was in previous gen ADV 390. And suddenly a new door opened up in my life! The one I had never even thought of knocking!

They insisted I do a test ride. I hesitantly agreed. Partly because I somehow felt I would be able to manage it. I went on a smallish ride and did 2 U-turns in traffic. I could handle the bike. All of 225 Kgs which didn't feel 225Kgs and 875/860 mm which didn't feel that tall.

I came back from the ride grinning. Not because of the ride per se, but for having ventured into the scary unknown. I cannot tell you how joyous I was!

I told the sales team at the dealership that I was pleasantly surprised and it opens an option. But I also told them that its atleast 4L more expensive compared to the F900 GS (that I feel it will compare to), which they agreed.

I had ridden the F900 GS as well which in low height avatar was also around 845MM. DesertX I felt more comfortable. I even called up my contact at Triumph asking for the 900 Rally.

After doing all this, I went and had a good 80Km ride on the Tiger. It reminded me why I love the old 800 engine compared to the new gen 900/950cc engines across Tiger900/F900 / DesertX.

Boy, whatta day!

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