Ducati Desmo450 MX - desmodromic revolution in the world of motocross

Ducati Desmo450 MX is the first motocross motorcycle from Borgo Panigale that combines an innovative engine with desmodromic timing and advanced electronics.

Vehicle Check

Check

• Desmo450 MX is the only motorcycle in its segment equipped with a desmodromic valve engine.
• Thanks to the characteristics of the engine and the aluminum frame, the Desmo450 MX is fast and easy to handle for both professionals and amateurs.
• The first cross motorcycle from Borgo Panigale is equipped with a completely new traction control system, the only one of its kind in the motocross world.
• The Ducati Desmo450 MX will be available exclusively at selected European dealers starting from June 2025.

This is a historic day for the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale - Ducati presents the Desmo450 MX, the first motocross machine in its history. The motorcycle was created in line with the philosophy that has always guided Ducati - experimenting and testing solutions in racing, and then incorporating them into production models. In this case, the brand also drew on experience gained in MotoGP and the Superbike series.

With this approach, careful analysis of the segment, competition, and FIM and AMA technical regulations, Ducati created a lightweight and reliable machine. It is equipped with a powerful desmodromic valve engine and electronics that set a benchmark in this category. The Desmo450 MX enhances the riding skills of both professionals and amateurs, offering the confidence to push personal boundaries. Thanks to its excellent engine characteristics, chassis, and innovative electronics, the motorcycle delivers high performance with reduced physical effort.

Desmo450 MX: Ducati opens a new chapter in the brand's history

To prepare for welcoming future off-road motorcycle fans, Ducati has trained selected dealers, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and competence in this completely new segment. Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, emphasized that the decision to enter the off-road segment is based on the company's financial strength and the need to develop the brand by opening up to a new group of enthusiasts.

“In the last 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 profits and has the capacity to grow by opening up to a new segment of enthusiasts,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.

“We looked at our corporate culture and discovered that Ducati stands out for its unique combination of the racing world and motorcycle production. Furthermore, we have many off-road riding enthusiasts on our teams. All of this allowed us to present the Desmo450 MX today - an easy-to-handle yet efficient motorcycle for amateurs and professionals, which we will continuously develop through high-level sporting competition, supporting it with a sales network that understands the needs of motocross enthusiasts,” added Domenicali.

Engine of the Ducati Desmo450 MX - MotoGP power in an off-road motorcycle

The project for the Desmo450 MX began with a 449.6 cm³ engine featuring a desmodromic valve system - the same system used in all Ducati racing motorcycles, including those in MotoGP. Thanks to this system, the unit can achieve very high RPM, leading to better starts and increasing the chances of winning the Holeshot award given to the rider who first navigates the first turn. This award was claimed by Ducati riders Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini in their debut race at the Motocross World Championship in Argentina. They used a series engine fitted only with a complete Akrapovič exhaust system available in the Ducati Performance accessory catalog.

The Desmo450 MX also offers high torque at low and medium RPMs, providing strong acceleration out of corners and a linear, smooth character at higher speeds. At just 4200 RPM, 70% of the maximum torque is available, making the motorcycle less physically demanding and less tiring than traditional 450 cm³ engine models.

With a piston diameter of 96 mm, innovative valves could be implemented: intake valves with a diameter of 40 mm and exhaust valves with a diameter of 33 mm. The valves feature titanium caps and steel, hollow, sodium-filled stems for better heat dissipation. Special attention was paid to the cooling system, which employs rhomboidal-shaped radiators. This results in a 6.5% increase in cooling surface area compared to traditional solutions while maintaining compact sizes to ensure the rider's freedom of movement.

The maximum engine power of the Desmo450 is 63.5 HP at 9,400 RPM, and the maximum torque is 53.5 Nm at 7,500 RPM. The rev limiter is set at 11,900 RPM, which also sets a new benchmark in this segment.

Lighter, faster, stronger – Ducati Desmo450 MX conquers off-road

The Desmo450 MX is based on an aluminum frame weighing 8.96 kg. The number of welding points has been minimized, with the frame consisting of only 11 elements, which is about half of what is seen in competitor frames. The frame provides rigidity, lightweight, and durability, while its design facilitates motorcycle maintenance.

Suspension and braking system

The suspension is supplied by Showa, a company with extensive experience in racing competition. The front upside-down fork has a diameter of 49 mm and a stroke of 310 mm and features a Kashima coating. The rear shock absorber with a stroke of 301 mm, also fully adjustable, works with an aluminum swingarm and a progressive suspension system.

The braking system is supplied by Brembo. At the front, it features a two-piston caliper combined with a 260 mm diameter disc, while at the rear, it has a single-piston caliper with a 240 mm disc.

Innovative traction control system in the Ducati Desmo450 MX

The Desmo450 MX is the first motocross motorcycle in the world equipped with a traction control system that can accurately determine the real slip of the rear wheel (patent application). This system identifies riding phases in which it should not be activated so as not to limit the motorcycle's performance. Ducati Traction Control (DTC) can be immediately deactivated by the rider in situations where maximum engine power is needed, and then automatically reactivated.

What sets the Desmo450 MX apart from the motocross competition?

In addition to the innovative traction control system and the advanced desmodromic valve engine, the Desmo450 MX also offers modern electronic solutions such as Launch Control, Quick Shift, and Engine Brake Control, which can be tailored to track needs via the X-Link app. The motorcycle's service intervals have been optimized to reduce operating costs - piston replacement and valve clearance adjustment are scheduled every 45 operating hours, and a complete engine overhaul every 90 operating hours.

Ducati Performance - accessories to create your own replica of the Desmo450 MX

Ducati Performance offers the opportunity to create a replica of the Ducati Desmo450 MX competing in MXGP with factory accessories such as wheel hubs, suspension brackets, and Akrapovič exhaust systems. A clothing collection is also available, including an Alpinestars suit, Arai helmet, and Spidi rainwear.

Desmo450 MX technical specification

• Ducati Red paint

Standard features:

• Single-cylinder Desmo450 engine with a displacement of 449.6 cm³,
• Maximum power 63.5 HP at 9,400 RPM,
• Maximum torque 53.5 Nm at 7,500 RPM,
• Twin-spar aluminum frame,
• Fuel tank capacity of 7.2 liters,
• Fully adjustable 49 mm Showa upside-down front fork, stroke 310 mm, Kashima coating,
• Fully adjustable 301 mm Showa rear shock absorber,
• Cast aluminum swingarm,
• Brembo brake system with Galfer discs: 260 mm (front), 240 mm (rear),
• Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires: 80/100-21” (front), 110/90-19” (rear),
• Takasago Excel aluminum rims with Alpina spokes: 21”x1.60” (front), 19”x2.15” (rear),
• 2 power modes, 2 ride modes (configurable riding modes via the X-Link app),
• New generation Ducati electronics: Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Power Launch, Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control,
• Piston replacement and valve clearance adjustment every 45 operating hours,
• Complete engine overhaul every 90 operating hours,
• Curb weight of the motorcycle ready to ride: 106 kg.