Introducing Ducati's groundbreaking debut in the motocross scene: the Desmo450 MX, embodying superbike DNA for an exhilarating off-road ride experience.
The motocross world is abuzz with excitement as Ducati, the renowned Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has announced the release of its first-ever production motocross bike, the Desmo450 MX. Set to hit European showrooms in June 2025, with North American availability following in July, this new model marks Ducati's entry into the specialist off-road motocross segment [1].
At the heart of the Desmo450 MX lies Ducati's signature desmodromic valve system, a technology typically found in Ducati's MotoGP bikes and Panigale superbikes. This high-revving engine provides a unique performance edge tailored to motocross demands, setting the Desmo450 MX apart from its competitors [1][5].
The engine's power delivery offers an impressive 70% of its maximum torque at just 4,200 rpm, making it more rideable and less fatiguing for riders [1]. Moreover, the Desmo450 MX features a traction control system, claimed to be the first true traction control system in motocross. This system, with four levels of intervention, allows riders to tailor it to their skill level and track conditions [1][5].
The bike's lightweight frame, weighing 19.7 pounds and consisting of only 11 pieces, is optimized for off-road agility and control. This contributes to improved handling and responsiveness, crucial in motocross conditions [1]. The Desmo450 MX tips the scales at a claimed 231 pounds without fuel, competitive with its rivals [1].
The suspension system, comprising a conventional spring-based design, absorbs the impacts and shocks of motocross terrain, enhancing ride comfort and control on rough tracks [1]. The fork features 49mm inverted stanchions with 310mm of travel and Kashima coating, while the shock provides 301mm of rear wheel travel and works through a forged aluminum linkage connected to a cast aluminum swingarm [1].
The cooling system uses rhomboid-shaped radiators that provide 6.5% more surface area than conventional designs while maintaining a slim profile. Service intervals for the Desmo450 MX are competitive with the rest of the class, with valve clearance checks and piston replacement at 45 hours, and a complete engine rebuild at 90 hours [1].
The Desmo450 MX comes with a quickshifter standard, a feature not commonly found in motocross bikes. It will be available in June 2025 in Europe and July in North America, priced at $11,495, competitive with premium offerings from KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS [1].
With its blend of race-inspired technology and motocross-specific innovations, the Desmo450 MX offers a unique combination of top-tier performance and motocross suitability. This makes it a promising new entrant in the motocross segment, designed for both competitive racing and recreational off-road use [1][2][5].
Sources: [1] Ducati. (2023). Desmo450 MX. [Online]. Available: https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/bikes/off-road/desmo450-mx.html [2] Motorcycle News. (2023). Ducati Desmo450 MX revealed: First ride. [Online]. Available: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/ducati-desmo450-mx-revealed-first-ride/ [3] Visordown. (2023). Ducati Desmo450 MX review. [Online]. Available: https://www.visordown.com/reviews/ducati-desmo450-mx-review [4] BikeSocial. (2023). Ducati Desmo450 MX: First ride review. [Online]. Available: https://www.bikesocial.co.uk/content/news-and-road-tests/ducati-desmo450-mx-first-ride-review-444452 [5] Motorcycle.com. (2023). Ducati Desmo450 MX First Ride Review. [Online]. Available: https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ducati/2025-ducati-desmo450-mx-first-ride-review.html
Riders will appreciate the unique style and technology infused into the Desmo450 MX, as it integrates gadgets like a traction control system and quickshifter, typically found in advanced road bikes, into its off-road design. The Desmo450 MX's technologically advanced features and lightweight construction, combined with its entry into the motocross segment, might revolutionize the sports, offering a fresh blend of race-inspired technology and motocross-specific innovations.
