Ducati Makes Off-Road Debut with New Desmo450 MX

Ducati has officially stepped into the motocross world with the launch of its first off-road motorcycle—the Desmo450 MX. Unveiled at Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy, the bike blends Ducati’s rich racing DNA with next-gen technology. Developed in collaboration with motocross legends Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo450 MX has already been tested in competitive racing environments.

A First-in-Class Engine with Desmodromic Distribution

At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a 449.6cc single-cylinder engine featuring Ducati’s signature Desmodromic distribution. This makes it the only bike in its class to include this advanced valve control system. The powertrain produces 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm, with the ability to rev up to 11,900 rpm—setting a new benchmark in motocross engine performance.

Linear Power Delivery and Efficient Cooling

Ducati has tuned the engine to deliver 70% of peak torque at just 4,200 rpm, providing a smooth and linear power delivery. This ensures a less fatiguing riding experience, especially compared to other high-strung 450cc motocross bikes. An innovative cooling system uses rhomboid-shaped radiators with 6.5% more surface area, optimizing heat dissipation without increasing bulk.

Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum Frame Design

The Desmo450 MX features a lightweight aluminum frame weighing just 8.96 kg. Built from only 11 components—around half of what competitors use—it incorporates cast, forged, and extruded parts with minimal welding. The result is a robust, agile frame that contributes to a total bike weight of just 104.8 kg (without fuel).

Premium Suspension and Braking Components

Ducati has collaborated with Showa for the suspension setup, featuring fully adjustable 49 mm inverted forks treated with Kashima coating and 310 mm of travel. Braking duties are handled by Brembo, with a two-piston floating caliper at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear, both paired with Galfer discs for optimal stopping power.

Advanced Electronics Set a New Motocross Standard

Drawing from MotoGP and WSBK experience, Ducati has equipped the Desmo450 MX with advanced electronics, including a pioneering traction control system. Unlike conventional setups, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) measures rear wheel slippage and vehicle dynamics using inertial sensors for precise power management. The system deactivates automatically during jumps and can be manually overridden when needed.

Other electronics include:

• Launch Control

• Engine Brake Control

• Quickshifter (upshifts)

• Dual riding modes configurable via the X-Link app

Competitive Maintenance Intervals

To minimize ownership costs, Ducati has designed the Desmo450 MX with extended maintenance intervals. Piston replacement and valve clearance checks are required every 45 hours, while full engine overhauls are scheduled at 90 hours—both best-in-class figures.

Factory-Level Upgrades and Riding Gear

The Ducati Performance catalog offers a range of accessories to upgrade the Desmo450 MX to near-factory racing specs. These include:

• CNC-machined components

• Akrapovič exhausts

• Brembo Racing calipers

Ducati has also launched a full range of technical riding gear developed with Drudi Performance to match the off-road aesthetic.

Global Availability and Deliveries

Deliveries of the Ducati Desmo450 MX will begin in Europe from June 2025, with a global rollout—including the US—expected later in the year. Pricing details are yet to be announced.