Ducati Desmo450 MX: Motocross Bike with Desmo Technology

With the Desmo450 MX, Ducati unveils its first motocross motorcycle in Ducati's storied history. It was developed with the aim of transferring racing technologies into a new market segment. According to Ducati, the development approach follows the tradition of first testing innovative solutions on the racetrack. Insights from MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship have been incorporated into the Desmo450 MX.

The motorcycle was created in collaboration with the Maddii Racing Team. The concept was introduced in 2024 and was already used that same year in the Italian Motocross Championship, ridden by Alessandro Lupino and Tony Cairoli, among others. Production begins in April 2025, with the market launch in June in Europe, followed by North America and other regions.

At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a newly developed single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a displacement of 449.6 cc. Ducati's signature desmodromic valve control allows for high revs and aggressive cam profiles while maintaining large valve diameters, according to the manufacturer. The engine delivers 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and reaches a maximum torque of 53.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The redline is set at an impressive 11,900 rpm, which is quite a statement.

The engine features a bore of 96 mm and a stroke of 62.1 mm. The intake valves are made of titanium (40 mm), while the exhaust valves are steel (33 mm) with sodium-filled hollow stems for better heat dissipation. A 44 mm Mikuni throttle body manages the fuel supply, and the exhaust system meets FIM 2025 standards. Ducati emphasizes that 70% of the maximum torque is available as early as 4,200 rpm.

The engine's dry weight is 26.8 kg. A balancer shaft with integrated water pump control reduces vibrations and component mass. The crankshaft is made from composite material, and the connecting rod is monolithic. A quick shifter for upshifting comes standard.

The frame of the Desmo450 MX is a twin-spar aluminum frame, constructed from a total of eleven components, including cast, forged, and pressed parts. The aim was to create a structure that is as lightweight yet rigid as possible, with minimal weld seams. Ducati states that the total weight of the bike (ready to ride without fuel) is 104.8 kg.

The geometry is designed to allow a straight intake path for optimal filling and engine performance. The swingarm is made from cast aluminum, with forged linkages, and the shock is centrally mounted.

Up front, a fully adjustable 49 mm Showa fork with 310 mm of travel is used. It features a closed-cartridge system, Kashima coating, and externally adjustable damping. At the rear, a Showa shock with 301 mm of travel and adjustable damping for high- and low-speed compression as well as rebound is employed. Ducati emphasizes that the decision against air suspension was made consciously to enhance adjustability and user-friendliness.

The braking system was developed in collaboration with Brembo. Up front, it features a dual-piston floating caliper with a 260 mm Galfer disc, and at the rear, a single-piston caliper with a 240 mm disc. Ducati's goal was to reduce unsprung mass and improve handling.

The rims are from Takasago Excel, and the spokes are from Alpina. The wheel hubs are made from cast aluminum. The bike is fitted with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires, sized 80/100-21 at the front and 110/90-19 at the rear.

According to Ducati, the Desmo450 MX is the first motocross bike equipped with traction control that detects actual rear-wheel slip. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) can be adjusted in four levels and takes into account factors such as gear, throttle position, and vehicle movement. During jumps or deliberate clutch maneuvers, the system automatically deactivates and then reactivates itself.

A three-stage Launch Control, which operates via the rev limiter, and a two-stage engine brake control are also standard. Two riding modes and two throttle response maps ("Smooth" and "Dynamic") are available. Settings can be individually customized and transferred to the bike via Wi-Fi using the optional X-Link app.

Ducati emphasizes that they have placed great importance on freedom of movement. The fairings and side panels are kept narrow, featuring textured surfaces for better grip during acceleration and jumps. The design echoes elements from the Panigale and Hypermotard, such as the front fender and the headlight mask.

The 7.2-liter fuel tank is integrated in a way that does not compromise ergonomics. The triple clamps are made from forged aluminum, which is then machined to optimize the stiffness-to-weight ratio.

The maintenance intervals have been defined with the aim of reducing operating costs. A piston replacement and valve clearance check are scheduled every 45 operating hours, with a full engine overhaul recommended after 90 hours.

Through the Ducati Performance catalog, a wide range of accessories can be ordered—such as billet components like triple clamps and wheel hubs, Brembo racing calipers, and an Akrapovič exhaust—to create a replica of the race bike. Only the Showa suspension components from the factory machines are not available.

Unfortunately, the prices for the Desmo450 MX are not yet available. The MX bikes will be sold exclusively through selected dealers with offroad expertise, allowing even those dealers without a previous Ducati contract to get access to the machines from Bologna. You can find more details on the Ducati Website.