Ducati Desmo450 MX Unveiled as Brand's First Motocross Bike with 450cc Single-cylinder Engine

Ducati's inaugural motocross, the Desmo450 MX, has made its debut on the international shores, with production scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025. While an official announcement is pending, the Desmo450 MX's launch in India seems unlikely due to the low market demand for such motorcycles within the country. It's worth noting that the development of the Desmo450 MX benefited from the expertise of nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli and accomplished rider Alessandro Lupino. The machine packs a lightweight aluminium frame, a specifically engineered traction control system, and Ducati's renowned Desmodromic engine.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, said ‘Over the past 18 months many people have asked me why Ducati decided to enter the world of professional off-road racing. The answer is simple: Ducati is a healthy company that generates resources, therefore has the opportunity to grow by opening up to a new segment of enthusiasts.’

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He also added, 'We looked around, searching for the important uniqueness of our corporate culture and finding the one that I believe characterises Ducati like perhaps no other company: the closeness between the world of racing and the world of production motorbikes. And discovering, at the same time, that we have an incredible resource within us in the form of so many off-road enthusiasts in the various departments. All this has allowed us to present the Desmo450 MX today: an easy, high-performance bike, for amateurs and professionals alike, which we will constantly develop through sporting activity at the highest levels, supporting it thanks to a sales network that speaks the language of motocross enthusiasts and truly understands all their needs.'

Read on to know some highlights of Ducati’s first-ever motocross.

Ducati Desmo450 MX: Engine

Propelling Ducati's first-ever motocross is a 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing approximately 63bhp at 9400rpm and 53.5Nm at 7500rpm. The engine's performance is characterised by its high 11,900rpm rev ceiling, facilitated by titanium intake valves, steel exhaust valves, and Ducati's desmodromic valve control. A five-speed gearbox, complete with a quick shifter, transmits the power.

Ducati Desmo450 MX: Hardware

The Desmo450 MX employs a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame, constructed from only 11 elements and weighing 8.96 kg, contributing to the bike's low 104.8 kg wet weight (without fuel). It has a fully adjustable 49mm Showa front fork and a rear monoshock. Brembo brakes handle stopping duties with a two-piston front calliper on a 260mm disc and a single-piston rear calliper on a 240mm disc. The bike rolls on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 mid-soft tyres.

Ducati Desmo450 MX: Design and Features

The Desmo450 MX has a straightforward design, with elements like a continuous seat extending to the fuel tank and a prominent front beak.

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The electronics package comprises traction control, engine brake control, launch control, and two standard riding modes.