First Ducati motocross bike features Desmodromic engine and traction control, available in Europe from June 2025.
04 Apr 2025 | 1329 Views | By Shruti Shiraguppi
Ducati has officially unveiled its Desmo450 MX, the company's first-ever motocross bike, at an event in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy. The motorcycle combines Ducati's racing heritage with innovative technology developed through testing by professional riders Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino during competitive racing events.
The Desmo450 MX represents Ducati's ...
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Ducati has officially unveiled its Desmo450 MX, the company's first-ever motocross bike, at an event in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy. The motorcycle combines Ducati's racing heritage with innovative technology developed through testing by professional riders Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino during competitive racing events.
The Desmo450 MX represents Ducati's expansion into the off-road segment and features several industry-first technologies. It is the only motocross bike in its category with a Desmodromic distribution engine and includes a patent-pending traction control system that precisely measures rear wheel slippage.
"Over the past 18 months many people have asked me why Ducati decided to enter the world of professional off-road racing. The answer is simple: Ducati is a healthy company that generates resources, therefore has the opportunity to grow by opening up to a new segment of enthusiasts," said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.
The bike is built around a single-cylinder 449.6 cc Desmodromic engine that produces 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine can rev to 11,900 rpm, which Ducati claims is a benchmark for the category.
Ducati engineers designed the engine to deliver 70% of maximum torque at just 4,200 rpm, creating a linear power delivery that makes the bike less physically demanding to ride compared to traditional 450cc motocross bikes. The cooling system features innovative rhomboid-shaped radiators that provide 6.5% more radiating surface than conventional designs while maintaining a compact profile.
The lightweight aluminum frame weighs just 8.96 kg and consists of only 11 pieces—about half the number used by competitors—using cast, forged, and extruded elements with minimal welding. The complete bike weighs 104.8 kg in race-ready condition without fuel.
For the suspension system, Ducati partnered with Showa to provide fully adjustable components, including 49 mm inverted forks with Kashima Coating treatment and 310 mm of travel. The braking system was developed with longtime partner Brembo, featuring a two-piston floating caliper at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear, paired with Galfer brake discs.
Drawing from its experience in MotoGP and Superbike racing, Ducati has equipped the Desmo450 MX with advanced electronics, including what it calls the first true traction control system in the motocross segment. Unlike existing systems, the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) calculates power adjustment based on actual rear wheel slippage and vehicle dynamics measurements from inertial sensors. The system automatically deactivates during jumps and can be temporarily disabled by the rider when needed.
Additional electronic features include Launch Control, Engine Brake Control, and a quickshifter for upshifts. Riders can configure two different riding modes via the X-Link App.
Maintenance intervals have been designed to reduce ownership costs, with piston replacement and valve clearance checks scheduled at 45 hours and complete engine overhauls at 90 hours—figures Ducati claims are benchmarks for the segment.
The Ducati Performance catalog offers numerous accessories to upgrade the standard Desmo450 MX to near-factory team specifications, including machined components, Akrapovič exhaust systems, and Brembo Racing brake calipers. A complete technical riding gear collection created in collaboration with Drudi Performance is also available.
The Desmo450 MX will be available to order from selected dealers, with deliveries beginning in Europe in June 2025, followed by the United States and other markets later. Pricing details remain undisclosed.