A New Chapter in Borgo Panigale: Ducati Officially Unveils Its First Motocross Machine, the “Desmo450 MX”
On April 3, 2025, Ducati made history by unveiling its first-ever full-scale motocross bike—the Desmo450 MX. This groundbreaking model, developed through the racing insights of Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, has been engineered in accordance with FIM and AMA technical regulations.
Engine: Desmodromic-Powered Single-Cylinder Unit
At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a single-cylinder engine featuring Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve actuation system, a technology also used in its MotoGP bikes. This system allows for:
- High-revving performance, crucial for explosive acceleration out of the gate (the coveted “holeshot”)
- Linear power delivery and exceptional torque from low RPMs, providing both performance and rideability
- Peak Output: 63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm
- Max Torque: 53.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Rev Limit: 11,900 rpm
The engine also delivers 70% of its maximum torque at just 4,200 rpm, reducing rider fatigue and improving control.
Engine Specs:
- Bore x Stroke: 96 mm x 62.1 mm
- Intake Valve: 40 mm titanium
- Exhaust Valve: 33 mm hollow steel (sodium-filled)
- Cooling System: New “rhomboid” radiator with 6.5% increased surface area
Chassis: Lightweight Aluminum Perimeter Frame
The Desmo450 MX uses an 8.96 kg aluminum twin-spar (perimeter) frame. Thanks to a clever mix of cast, forged, and extruded parts, the frame comprises just 11 components—less than half the number used by most competitors.
- Dry Weight: 104.8 kg (class-leading lightness)
- The front section is cast as a single piece, inspired by Ducati’s superbike architecture
- Straight air intake/exhaust flow paths to optimize engine performance
- Designed for easy serviceability and optimized riding ergonomics
Suspension: SHOWA Components
- Front: 49 mm fully adjustable SHOWA inverted fork (Kashima-coated), 310 mm travel
- Rear: Fully adjustable monoshock, 301 mm wheel travel
- Progressive linkage tuned through 2024 race testing
Lupino validated the standard SHOWA setup during early rounds of the Italian Championship.
Brakes: Brembo x Galfer Combo
- Front: Brembo 2-piston floating caliper + Galfer 260 mm disc
- Rear: Brembo 1-piston + Galfer 240 mm disc
Electronics: Racing-Grade Innovation in Motocross
The Desmo450 MX brings MotoGP-level electronics to motocross for the first time:
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- 4-stage MX-specific tuning
- Real-time slip control based on inertia sensors
- Auto-disable during jumps, manual override via clutch
- Auto-reactivation after several seconds
Other Features:
- Launch Control for optimal starts
- Quickshifter (up only)
- Engine Brake Control with adjustable levels
- 2 Riding Modes, all adjustable via X-Link app on smartphone
- 2 Power Modes for throttle response tuning
Maintenance & Aftermarket Support
Ducati ensures both ease of maintenance and long-term durability, appealing to both amateurs and pros:
- Piston replacement: every 45 hours
- Valve clearance check: every 45 hours
- Engine overhaul: every 90 hours
Ducati Performance Aftermarket Parts:
- Akrapovič titanium slip-ons & full exhausts
- Brembo Racing brake calipers
- Machined factory-spec wheel hubs, triple clamps
- (Note: Factory SHOWA suspension not for sale)
Riding Gear (Drudi Performance Collaboration)
Factory-look apparel and gear lineup:
- Alpinestars: jersey, pants, gloves, boots
- Arai: helmet
- Other: wind vests, softshell jackets, Spidi rain gear
Rollout Strategy: A Serious Off-Road Commitment
This launch marks Ducati’s serious entry into the motocross world—not just a model, but a full strategy.
- Europe: Shipping starts June 2025 (select dealers)
- North America: Launch begins July 2025
- Asia, South America: Gradual rollout to follow
CEO Claudio Domenicali’s Vision
“For 18 months, people have asked why Ducati would enter professional off-road racing. The answer is simple: Ducati is a company capable of investing in growth for new enthusiasts thanks to its strong management and resources.”
“We revisited the core of our brand: the close bond between racing and production. Many of our team members are passionate off-roaders themselves, and this internal strength is what brought the Desmo450 MX to life.”
“This bike is powerful, intuitive, and continuously evolving through top-level racing. We now have a dedicated dealer network that speaks the motocross language and understands what riders truly need.”
Ducati Desmo450 MX – Technical Specifications
| Category | Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine | 449.6 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, desmodromic |
| Bore x Stroke | 96 mm × 62.1 mm |
| Max Power | 63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 53.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm |
| Rev Limit | 11,900 rpm |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled, rhomboid radiator |
| Frame | Aluminum twin-spar (perimeter), 11 parts, 8.96 kg |
| Dry Weight | 104.8 kg |
| Front Suspension | SHOWA 49 mm, 310 mm travel, fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension | SHOWA monoshock, 301 mm wheel travel |
| Brakes (F/R) | Brembo + Galfer 260 mm / 240 mm |
| Electronics | DTC, Launch Control, Quickshifter, Riding Modes, EBC |
| Maintenance Intervals | Piston & Valve Check: 45h / Overhaul: 90h |
| Wheels | Takasago Excel aluminum rims |
| Tires | Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft (F: 80/100-21, R: 110/90-19) |
| Fuel Tank | 7.2 L |
| Chain | DID |
| Availability | EU: June 2025 / NA: July 2025 / Other: TBA |
(Photo courtesy of Ducati)