Ducati has marked a historic first by unveiling the Desmo450 MX, its debut motocross motorcycle, aimed at redefining performance in off-road racing. Developed through extensive competition testing by riders Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo450 MX enters a competitive segment with advanced mechanical and electronic engineering, drawing heavily from Ducati's expertise in MotoGP and World Superbike.
At the core of the Desmo450 MX is a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine that stands apart with its Desmodromic valve actuation system. Unlike conventional spring-operated valves, the Desmodromic system ensures high engine speeds without valve float, allowing a maximum power output of 63 bhp at 9,400 rpm and peak torque of 53.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The engine's bore and stroke dimensions of 96 mm by 62.1 mm enable the use of large valves—40 mm titanium intake and 33 mm steel exhaust valves with sodium-filled stems for better heat exchange. These features collectively offer strong low-end torque and a broad powerband, with 70% of torque available at just 4,200 rpm. The limiter is set at a class-leading 11,900 rpm.
Cooling has been given special attention with rhomboid-shaped radiators that increase surface area by 6.5% over standard designs. These were tested under extreme race conditions, such as at Ponte a Egola, and proved effective in maintaining performance even when other bikes faltered. The fuel tank holds 7.2 litres, suitable for intense motocross usage while maintaining a slim profile.
The bike’s aluminium perimeter frame has been designed for rigidity and reduced weight, with just 11 components and a total frame mass of 8.96 kg. The full bike, minus fuel, weighs 104.8 kg. This lightweight architecture aids manoeuvrability and reduces fatigue during long stints. The swingarm is cast aluminium, supported by a forged linkage system and a centrally-mounted adjustable Showa shock. The Showa 49 mm inverted forks offer 310 mm of travel and feature a Kashima coating for reduced friction and wear. The rear suspension provides 301 mm of wheel travel, offering a well-balanced setup for both professionals and amateurs.
Braking is handled by a collaboration with Brembo and Galfer. A 260 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc are paired with a two-piston front and single-piston rear caliper setup, ensuring reliable stopping power. Tyres are Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft mounted on Takasago Excel rims with Alpina spokes.
It is the first motocross bike globally to feature a genuine traction control system based on real-time rear wheel slippage and inertial measurements. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system offers four levels of intervention and can be temporarily disabled by clutch lever input, reactivating automatically. Additional rider aids include Launch Control, Quickshifter, and Engine Brake Control, all of which are customisable through the X-Link mobile app and associated with two riding modes.
Maintenance has also been addressed with user-friendly intervals: piston replacement and valve clearance checks are scheduled at 45-hour intervals, and a complete engine overhaul is recommended after 90 hours. These figures are competitive benchmarks in the motocross sector.
The bike is offered in Ducati Red and is available for order now, with deliveries beginning in Europe from June 2025 and expanding globally thereafter. An extensive accessories catalogue allows customers to replicate the factory race bike used by Ducati riders Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, excluding only the official Showa suspension. Accessories include forged parts, Akrapovič exhausts, and branded riding gear from Alpinestars, Arai, and Spidi.
Also Read
