Ducati has pulled the wraps off its very first production motocross motorcycle for the global market called the Desmo450 MX. Built for racing, this motorcycle is based on Ducati’s factory MX team bike, which competed in the 2024 Italian motocross championship. Like many other motocross bikes on sale, the Desmo450 MX is not street-legal and can only be used in closed circuits.
Desmodromic Engine
The Desmo450 MX is powered by a new 449.6cc liquid-cooled, four-valve, single-cylinder engine that produces 62 bhp and 5.45 kgm of torque. Owing to the signature Desmodromic valve system, the rev limiter kicks in at 11,900 rpm.
Chassis
Ducati states that the Desmo450 MX is built on a lightweight aluminium chassis and that the frame is composed of only 11 pieces, designed to offer compact ergonomics for the rider while ensuring quick and easy maintenance. Suspension duties are handled by a Showa 49 mm upside-down fork up front and a rear mono-shock, both fully adjustable. As for the brakes, at the front are a 260 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc. Riding on a 21-inch front wheel and a 19-inch rear wheel, the motorcycle is shod with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 mid-soft tyres.
Electronics
Being a Ducati, the Desmo450 MX has an advanced electronics package. The motorcycle features Ducati Traction Control (DTC), which calibrates power reduction based on rear wheel slip and inertial vehicle dynamics measurements, ensuring effective, fast, and smooth intervention. Additional features include launch control, engine brake control, and two riding modes that can be customized via the X-Link App. The gearbox comes with a quickshifter, and there are two power modes available.
