Ducati Desmo250 MX 2027 – Desmo Technology for the MX2 Class

With the Desmo450 MX, Ducati entered modern motocross racing for the first time in the company's history around a year ago. Since then, the off-road family has already been expanded with an enduro model. Now, the new Ducati Desmo250 MX marks the next step: a motocross model for the MX2 category, developed based on experience gained in racing.

Anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Ducati's off-road project can already find a detailed behind-the-scenes video on the development of Ducati's off-road bikes on the 1000PS YouTube channel.

The heart of the new Ducati Desmo250 MX is a completely newly developed single-cylinder engine with 249.7 cubic centimeters of displacement. Ducati once again relies on its brand-typical desmodromic valve system, already used in the Desmo450 MX. According to Ducati, the system is designed to allow a maximum engine speed of up to 15,000 rpm, setting new benchmarks in the segment.

Titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves are used. Fuel-air mixture preparation is handled by a 44 mm Mikuni throttle body. The package is rounded out by a newly developed five-speed gearbox with a quickshifter for upshifts, as well as a hydraulically actuated Brembo clutch with seven friction discs. Ducati has also already released the performance figures:

• 44.5 hp at 12,500 rpm
• 28.3 Nm at 8,800 rpm
• 249.7 cc displacement

In terms of chassis, the Desmo250 MX closely follows its bigger sister. The aluminum perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm are based on the design of the Desmo450 MX. Ducati says the stiffness values have been specifically adapted to meet the requirements of the smaller MX2 machine.

At the front, a fully adjustable 49 mm Showa upside-down fork with Kashima coating and 310 millimeters of travel does the work. At the rear, a similarly fully adjustable Showa shock with 301 millimeters of travel is used.

Ducati states that the setup was specifically designed for neutral load-change reactions when braking, accelerating, and turning in. This could give the bike predictable riding performance. However, since this concerns riding impressions, this claim can only be verified in a real-world test.

As with the Desmo450 MX, the brake system comes from Brembo. A 260 mm Galfer disc is used at the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear.

From the factory, the Ducati rolls on Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires measuring 80/100-21 at the front and 100/90-19 at the rear. According to Ducati, the narrower rear tire in particular is meant to support agile turn-in behavior.

The electronics package is unusually extensive for a motocross bike. The Desmo250 MX takes over large parts of its electronics package from the Desmo450 MX. Features include:

• 2 Power Modes
• 2 Riding Modes
• Ducati Traction Control with 3 levels
• Launch Control with 3 levels
• Engine Brake Control with 2 levels
• Quickshifter
• Configuration via the Ducati X-Link app

The Ducati Traction Control is particularly interesting. Ducati states that the system reacts to actual rear-wheel slip and adjusts the power reduction accordingly. The technology is also reportedly the subject of a patent.

A special feature of the Ducati Desmo250 MX is the so-called Predictive Maintenance system. According to the manufacturer, an algorithm developed by Ducati Corse calculates a stress index for the engine in real time. This is intended to individually adapt service intervals to actual usage. Ducati distinguishes between two service levels:

MID Service

• Valve clearance check after 45 operating hours
• Piston replacement possible between 45 and 60 hours

FULL Service

• Complete engine overhaul
• Between 90 and 120 operating hours depending on load

Anyone wanting to bring their Ducati as close as possible to the works machines will find numerous original parts in the Ducati Performance program. According to Ducati, nearly all components of Simone Mancini's MXGP European Championship machine are available. Only the works version of the Showa suspension remains reserved for the racing teams.

The accessory program includes, among other things, milled triple clamps, a complete racing exhaust system, Akrapovič titanium slip-on, Brembo Racing brake calipers, and Showa Kit-A suspension components. In addition, Ducati, together with Drudi Performance, offers a complete rider apparel line featuring products from Alpinestars, Arai, and Spidi.

With the Desmo250 MX, Ducati consistently continues to expand its off-road lineup. Following the Desmo450 MX and the recently unveiled enduro, the brand now also gets a model for the MX2 class. Like its larger sister models, the Desmo250 MX was also developed directly out of racing, with development involving, among others, Alessandro Lupino in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship.

How much power does the Ducati Desmo250 MX have?

The Ducati Desmo250 MX produces 44.5 hp at 12,500 rpm and delivers 28.3 Nm of torque at 8,800 rpm.

What engine does the Ducati Desmo250 MX use?

The Ducati Desmo250 MX uses a newly developed single-cylinder engine with 249.7 cc displacement and desmodromic valve control.

How high does the Ducati Desmo250 MX engine rev?

Ducati states a maximum engine speed of up to 15,000 rpm for the Desmo250 MX.

What electronics does the Ducati Desmo250 MX have?

Features include Ducati Traction Control, Launch Control, Engine Brake Control, a quickshifter, and various riding and power modes.

What suspension does Ducati fit to the Desmo250 MX?

The Ducati Desmo250 MX uses a fully adjustable 49 mm Showa fork at the front and a fully adjustable Showa shock at the rear.

What tires does the Ducati Desmo250 MX come with as standard?

As standard, Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires in the dimensions 80/100-21 at the front and 100/90-19 at the rear are used.

What brakes does the Ducati Desmo250 MX have?

A Brembo brake system with Galfer brake discs measuring 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear is fitted.

How do the service intervals of the Ducati Desmo250 MX work?

Service intervals are individually adjusted via a stress index. Ducati distinguishes between MID Service and FULL Service.

Is there accessory equipment available for the Ducati Desmo250 MX?

Yes. Ducati offers numerous racing components as well as rider apparel through Ducati Performance.

For which class was the Ducati Desmo250 MX developed?

The Ducati Desmo250 MX was developed for the MX2 category and originated from Ducati's racing program in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship.