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You have heard of Occam’s Razor, right? Often credited to William of Ockham, back in the 12th Century, it dictates that “entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity”. In other words, the simplest answer is the best. I suspect that someone at SW-Motech has been reading his Quodlibeta, because that is the way they have approached the creation of aftermarket equipment for “the off-road and road-ready touring enduro from Borgo Panigale” as they call the Desert-X. Remember that the Germans call what we refer to as adventure bikes, enduros.
Instead of designing new equipment, they have adapted their proven range to suit the bike. Possibly the most interesting example of that is the way they have coped with the provision of tank bags for the Desert-X.
“The tank filler neck of the Desert-X sits laterally relocated to the right on the tank,” says their press post. “Therefore SW-Motech offers the popular PRO tank ring in combination with an adapter. This allows to mount various tank bags from the PRO series centrally on the tank: Micro, Daypack, Sport and the waterproof Cross WP fit on the bike.” You can see the off-centre fitting in the photo.
It might look vaguely like a medical tool but it is the retaining bracket for tank bags. Photo: SW-Motech
Likewise, the rear of the Desert-X can be equipped with a variety of established products. “The sturdy PRO side carrier [adapted for the Ducati] provides support for a wide range of bags and panniers. For fans of aluminum cases, the solid TRAX ADV aluminum cases are the right choice. For those who prefer to travel with soft luggage, we recommend our SysBag WP bags: Two waterproof bags that carry up to 40 liters of luggage on each side of the bike.”
SW-Motech’s Adventure Rack can be mounted without reducing pillion space. Made of 4mm aluminum it “offers many lashing possibilities and also transports the popular TRAX ADV top case – matching the aluminum cases on the side of the DesertX. One can also lash waterproof tail bags from the Drybag series or the PRO series to the rack.”
Protection for the bike is also available. The crash bar, made of black powder coated steel tube, can protect the Desert-X’s side fairing. Despite the machine’s high ground clearance, it makes sense to fit a robust engine guard when riding offroad. Protection for the fork and rear wheel mount is offered by the axle sliders, and among several other products there is a solid centerstand which parks the Desert-X firmly and safely even on loose ground. “For short stops off-road we recommend our extension for side stand foot,” says the company.
Inevitably there is more, but it is all solidly (sorry) based on SW_MOTECH’s existing range. Old Bill in Ockham would be proud.
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