Ducati Takes the Leap Off-Road: A New Era in Offroad Adventures Begins

For many motorcycle enthusiasts, Ducati epitomizes road-focused motorsport. Few brands embody performance, racing DNA, and sporty design like Ducati. Yet, the company is venturing into uncharted territory: entering the off-road world with an entirely new model range designed for motocross, enduro, and supermoto. We visited the development center in Borgo Panigale to discuss vision, technology, and passion with the minds behind the project.

The concept of a Ducati off-road motorcycle dates back further than many realize. Davide Perni, Technical Director Offroad, recalls: "The initial concept emerged around 2012, 2013. At that time, we began closer collaboration with the Volkswagen Group. After years of growth, we wanted to explore new directions, and the off-road sector was an exciting challenge." In 2021, the official go-ahead came from Volkswagen management. For Perni, this moment was emotional: "I'm an off-road rider myself; it's my passion. When the project was approved, it felt like a dream coming true."

Even though this new direction is somewhat foreign for Ducati, many Ducati employees share the off-road enthusiasm. "We all come from the asphalt," says Perni, "but on weekends, many of us ride enduro or motocross. There are plenty of genuine off-road fans at Ducati." Stefano Fantoni, Head of Engine Development, describes the mood this way: "Off-road fits our spirit. Ducati is competitive by nature—and motocross is pure racing. Of course, we knew a steep learning curve was ahead of us."

The decision to start with a motocross bike was strategic. Paolo Ciabatti, General Manager Ducati Corse Offroad, explains: "MXGP and Supercross are the biggest stages. The enduro world is technically demanding but less visible. If Ducati is entering this segment, it's where the world is watching."

For Ducati, the path was clear: race first, then move to mass production. "Racing is our origin. We've been developing race machines for decades, and we know: only those in competition learn fast enough," Perni explains. Thus, a 450cc motocross prototype was first created, making its debut in Italian motocross in 2023—and winning immediately. "That was a good sign," says Ciabatti, "but no coincidence. The pressure of racing accelerates every development."

A key factor was the involvement of Tony Cairoli, nine-time motocross world champion. "Many were surprised that Tony joined us," Ciabatti recounts. "But for him, it was the perfect challenge—an Italian champion helping an Italian brand excel in the dirt."

Before developing their own solutions, Ducati conducted thorough research. Pierluigi Zampieri, R&D Vehicle Director, describes the beginning: "We purchased and thoroughly analyzed the best bikes from competitors. The technical level was extremely high. Nonetheless, we decided to chart our own course in many areas." This path was clearly defined: an off-road bike with Ducati character. Perni states, "It must not be a copy. Everyone should immediately recognize it as a Ducati. That's a significant challenge, as nearly all off-road bikes today are at a very high level."

The focus of engine development was a precise goal: control over excess. Stefano Fantoni explains, "Maximum power is great, but more important is a linear, well-metered torque curve." More power than the current 63 hp could easily be extracted from the 450cc single-cylinder, but they chose not to. In national races or for hobby riders, the limiting factor is rarely the bike—it's the rider. Perni states, "For many, more power isn't an advantage. What's crucial is how controllable the power is."

Ducati stays true to its essence—even off the asphalt. The heart of the off-road engine is the legendary desmodromic valve system. Fantoni explains, "The Desmo system uses two cams and an additional rocker arm to close the valves. This prevents valve float, allows for higher RPMs, and ensures precise timing." This gives Ducati a combination of strong mid-range torque and high peak power—ideal for the varied pace of off-road riding. However, the Desmo system also has drawbacks: it's more complex, requires more maintenance, and is heavier than conventional valve control systems. Despite the more intricate design, the system was made lightweight. Perni notes, "Our DOHC Desmo engine is the lightest in its class."

An off-road motorcycle needs to be not only powerful but also robust and easy to maintain. Perni emphasizes, "Motocross bikes are ridden every weekend. They need to have a solid foundation." Carlo Viganò, Technical Area Manager, outlines the service plan: "Oil changes every 15 hours, piston changes every 45 hours, engine overhaul every 90 hours." However, Ducati goes a step further: stress is digitally recorded—inspired by algorithms from MotoGP.

This led to the development of the Cross Link app, which connects maintenance data, riding styles, and settings. Giulia Lotti, Project Manager for Electronics, explains, "Since the bike doesn't have a display, the app acts as the interface between rider and machine. It adjusts maintenance intervals and allows tuning of throttle response, traction control, and launch control, providing suspension setup suggestions based on registered rider weight and skill level."

A highlight of the project is the new Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Lotti explains, "Our system measures actual wheel slip and vehicle movements. Other systems only react to rapid engine speed changes—we detect when the rear wheel truly slips or jumps." The results speak for themselves: tests with both professional and amateur riders showed measurably faster lap times, with increased control and confidence.

Zampieri explains the objective: "We wanted to provide our colleagues in engine development with ideal conditions, which is why we decided on central, straight intake and exhaust ports. With straight intake and exhaust ports, we were able to position the shock absorber centrally—creating perfect symmetry and even load distribution." The result is a lightweight, stiff frame designed to give the rider confidence in all situations. "Our aim wasn't maximum performance in one scenario, but the best riding experience in all conditions."

The first prototype was tested in Sicily at the end of 2023—with a clear result: enthusiasm. Paolo Ciabatti recalls, "Tony and Alessandro were surprised by the level of the motorcycle. The very first test was an emotional moment." Shortly afterward, the victory at the Italian MX Championship in Mantova followed—a perfect kickoff for the project. Stefano Fantoni says, "When I received the video of the test, it felt like a victory. Experiences like that are rare on the first rollout."

In 2026, the Ducati off-road family is set to expand. Perni states, "We are planning the 450 Enduro and the 250 Motocross for next year. Both share many components but differ in character and purpose." The 250 is optimized for performance, while the Enduro focuses on versatility—with six gears, altered gearing, and an adjusted torque curve. Zampieri adds, "We start with the same structure and learn what each discipline requires. The goal is to change as much as necessary, but as little as possible."

After 2026, a 250 Enduro and, according to current plans, a Supermoto model are expected to follow. However, that is still in the future, as the development of the current models, especially the Enduro model, requires full attention.

Getting the Enduro street-legal is a tough task. Ciabatti states, "Homologation is challenging, but we're on track. We don't want a compromise bike; we want one that combines riding fun with regulatory compliance." Zampieri confirms, "The 102 dB noise limits in motocross were already a challenge in engine development. Accordingly, for the homologation of the Enduro models, we'll have to reduce some power from the Desmo single-cylinder. However, that's also the case with other competitors in the market, and we're on their level or even slightly above."

Ducati is starting ambitiously, yet grounded. Pierluigi Zampieri states, "No one expects us to win the championship in the first year. The important thing is that we deliver a mature, fun, and reliable bike—then success will follow naturally." Paolo Ciabatti adds, "We must tailor the length of our steps to our legs. You can't want too much all at once. The world isn't an easy place right now, and the economic problems of the competition help no one, but with patience and passion, we will achieve success. The only question is how long it will take."

The enthusiasm remains palpable internally as well. Davide Perni smiles, "I'm not a great motocross rider—for me, the perfect Ducati would be a 250 Enduro. That's my personal dream bike." Stefano Fantoni adds with a laugh, "Every weekend, we look at our riders' results. It's a fascinating journey that's just beginning."

Whether and to what extent this new journey will lead Ducati to success remains to be seen. For the motorcycle market, a new player bringing fresh air, new approaches, and innovative technologies is certainly an asset. We've already tested the Ducati Desmo 450 MX, and more Ducati off-road bikes are expected to follow in 2026. We can't wait to play in the dirt with these Italian machines!