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The New Desmo450 MX – Ducati’s First Motocross Bike

Jul. 30 2025 News By Barnes Powersports

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Ducati’s first steps into the off-road category brings about the dawn of a new era, groundbreaking and advanced motocross motorcycles born from the philosophy that has always guided Ducati: experimenting and testing solutions in racing competitions to implement them in production bikes, building on the experience gained by Ducati Corse in MotoGP and Superbike.


The Desmo450 MX was developed in collaboration with professional riders Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, and is finally available to the public. The Desmo450 MX is the first Ducati motocross bike with desmodromic timing designed to carry Borgo Panigale racing DNA off-road. Lightweight, powerful, essential, it combines advanced technology and maximum performance to ensure speed, control, and pure adrenaline.


Highlights:

  • The bike created by Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino for racing is finally available.
  • The Desmo450 MX is the only bike in its category featuring a Desmodromic engine.
  • The Desmo450 MX is a fast and easy-to-ride bike for both professionals and amateurs, thanks to its powerful engine delivery and aluminum frame.
  • The Desmo450 MX is equipped with a completely new traction control system, which is unique in the Motocross world.


What makes the Desmo450 MX a better choice than its competitors?

  • Desmodromic Valve Engine. The first-ever motocross bike with Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve system, enabling mechanically controlled valve closure – no springs, higher RPM limits (11,900 rpm redline), and 70% of its peak torque at just 4,200 rpm.
  • High Power Output. With 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm, it surpasses key rivals from KTM, Honda, and Kawasaki.
  • Ultra-Lightweight Aluminum Chassis. Just 11 aluminum parts – about half the pieces used by competitors – results in a 19-lb frame that’s still rigid and strong, making the total weight only 231 lb (104.8 kg) without fuel.
  • Track-Proven Suspension & Brakes. Showa fully-adjustable forks (49mm, 310mm travel) with Kashima coating, paired with a 301 mm rear monoshock, are race-calibrated and reliable, and Brembo calipers with Galfer rotors (260 mm front / 240 mm rear) deliver precise braking performance.
  • Advanced Electronics Suite. With Ducati Traction Control (DTC), launch control, engine brake control, quickshifter (up-only), and two riding modes available via Ducati’s X-Link smartphone app, the Desmo450 MX is arguably the most tech-laden MX bike to hit the market.
  • Serviceability & Durability. Valve and piston service intervals every 45 hours, with full engine overhaul at 90 hours, is generous compared to the competitors. The rhomboid shape of the radiator delivers 6.5% more cooling surface while remaining compact.


Side-by-side comparison

Feature

2026 Ducati Desmo450 MX

2025 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition

2026 Yamaha YZ450F (70th Anniv.)

Valve system

Desmodromic (spring‑free closure)

SOHC, spring‑return, 4-valve

DOHC liquid‑cooled single, 4 titanium valves

Power / Torque

63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm, 39.5 lb‑ft torque @ 7,500 rpm

~63 hp

~56hp

Weight (wet, no fuel)

231 lb (104.8 kg)

229 lb (103.9 kg) without fuel

243 lb (110 kg)

Frame / Chassis

Twin-spar aluminum perimeter frame, minimalist 11-piece design

Chromoly steel double‑cradle frame with polyamide‑reinforced aluminum subframe

Revised aluminum frame (new)

Electronics & Features

Ducati Traction Control, Launch Control, Quick Shift, Engine‑Brake Control, 2 ride modes via X‑Link App

Connectivity Unit: launch control, map select, traction control, quickshifter via KTMConnect app

Basic system: rider selectable maps, no traction control (launch control not standard)

MSRP

$14,495 CAD

$14,599 CAD

$14,699 CAD







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