Ducati Desmo450 MX: 63.5 HP of Off-Road Madness
Ducati Jumps into the Motocross Game
Ducati has officially stepped into the motocross arena with the global unveiling of the Desmo450 MX, its first-ever purpose-built motocross motorcycle. Developed with the spirit of competition in mind, this dirt-track weapon is directly inspired by Ducati’s factory MX team bike that debuted in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship.
The Desmo450 MX isn’t street-legal—it’s strictly for the track, and everything from its engine to chassis screams performance.
Specifications & Performance
- Engine: 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder with Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve timing
- Power: 63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm
- Torque: 53.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Rev Limit: 11,900 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with quickshifter
Supporting its high-performance motor is a lightweight aluminium chassis mated to a fully adjustable Showa 49mm USD fork and monoshock setup.
Braking is handled by a 260 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc. The bike runs on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in grippy Pirelli Scorpion MX32 mid-soft tyres. Overall weight? Just 104 kg (dry).
Tech & Features
Despite being a motocross machine, Ducati has loaded the Desmo450 MX with advanced electronics:
- Engine brake control
- Launch control
- Traction control
- Two riding modes
- Custom tuning via the Ducati X-Link App
These features make the Desmo450 MX not just fast—but adaptable to different riding styles and track conditions.
Design & Accessories
Visually, the Desmo450 MX follows the traditional motocross form: sharp body panels, minimal bulk, and a high-mounted front beak. A slim, single-piece seat seamlessly integrates into the tank and tail, where the upswept exhaust peeks out.
For racers and tuners, Ducati offers a range of high-performance accessories:
- Machined triple clamps & wheel hubs
- Akrapovic titanium slip-on silencer
- Full race exhaust
- Brembo Racing calipers
Final Thoughts
With the Desmo450 MX, Ducati enters a new territory with serious intent. It’s not just a stylish off-roader—it’s a competition-ready motocross machine packed with cutting-edge tech and signature Ducati performance. As the motocross space heats up, especially after Triumph’s TF 450-E, the Ducati Desmo450 MX is here to shake things up—Italian style.
