Ducati’s all-new Desmo450 MX has landed! Here’s everything you need to know—tech specs, pricing, and when this groundbreaking motocross machine will hit dealerships.
Ducati has finally gone full throttle into the world of motocross with the all-new Desmo450 MX, here in September for $16,300 and in NZ for $17,793. After decades of road racing, Ducati now brings its racing DNA back to the MX track, not the tarmac…
Unveiled during the Ducati World Première series, the Desmo450 MX is much more than just a bold step into the world of off-road. It’s a purpose-built, high-performance motocross machine designed from the ground up, incorporating MotoGP and WorldSBK-derived technology, proven engineering, and a dash of Borgo Panigale flair. And importantly, it’s already winning races.
Read our motocross reviews here…
From the outset, Ducati made it clear this wasn’t a side project or badge job. The Desmo450 MX was developed with the same philosophy that has driven the brand’s dominance in MotoGP and Superbike: compete, test, refine, evolve through racing. Every aspect of the Desmo450 has been scrutinised from the torque curve to the weld count on the frame to deliver performance that makes sense on the dirt.
Underpinning the project is a crystal-clear goal: create a light, powerful, and rider-friendly motocross bike that stands out through its engineering, electronic prowess, and race-ready performance. Ducati isn’t just entering the MX world – they’re aiming to raise the bar.
Before it even hits showroom floors, the Desmo450 MX has already made its mark on the racetrack. Italian MX legend Alessandro Lupino piloted the bike to a win in its debut race, later securing the national title aboard the prototype. Meanwhile, Ducati factory riders Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini have taken the production engine to a Holeshot Award in the MXGP World Championship – a solid endorsement for the bike’s performance off the line.
The first motocross bike with Desmodromic valve actuation – Ducati DNA runs deep.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali put it best: “We looked around, searching for the important uniqueness of our corporate culture and found what characterises Ducati like no other company – the closeness between racing and production bikes.” With that in mind, the Desmo450 MX is not just a motocrosser with Ducati stickers – it’s the start of something big.
Engine
At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a 449.6cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine that utilises Ducati’s signature Desmodromic valve actuation system – a first in modern motocross. Long used in MotoGP and Superbike for its high-revving, precise valve control, the Desmo system allows the 450 MX to push deeper into the rev range, offering more over-rev potential and better acceleration without the valve float typical of spring-based systems.
Peak output? A staggering 63.5hp at 9,400rpm, with 53.5Nm of torque at 7,500rpm and a stratospheric limiter set at 11,900rpm – numbers that set a new benchmark for the 450 class.
More importantly, 70% of that torque is available from just 4,200rpm, giving the bike a meaty, tractable bottom end. That means easier launches, stronger corner exits, and reduced rider fatigue. In a class where power delivery can often be abrupt and tiring, Ducati’s approach favours control and progression – and it works.
The engine uses a 96mm bore and 62.1mm stroke, allowing Ducati to fit massive 40mm titanium intake valves and 33mm sodium-filled steel exhaust valves. That sodium filling helps with heat dissipation and durability, especially in demanding race conditions.
Cooling is handled by a pair of rhomboid-shaped radiators – another segment-first – that increase surface area by 6.5% while keeping the chassis narrow. This gives riders more room to move forward on the bike and improves heat management under load. These aren’t just theoretical gains either – Lupino and Cairoli raced the standard radiators through the brutal Ponte a Egola mudbath with zero issues.
Electronics
Here’s where things get really interesting. The Desmo450 MX is the first motocross bike in the world to be equipped with a full electronic traction control system calibrated for off-road use. Unlike basic cut-based systems, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) on the Desmo450 MX calculates actual rear-wheel slip using inertial measurements and throttle position, allowing for real-time, adaptive control.
A full electronics suite brings MotoGP smarts to the MX gate.
There are four levels of intervention, and the system even knows when to deactivate – such as over jumps – to avoid robbing power when it matters most. Riders can also temporarily disable it by pulling the clutch, with the system reactivating automatically after a short interval.
Also included is Launch Control, Engine Brake Control, and two selectable Riding Modes that can be configured using Ducati’s X-Link App. The quickshifter-equipped gearbox adds yet another layer of refinement to an already race-ready platform.
Chassis
The chassis is built around a perimeter aluminium frame weighing just 8.96kg. Ducati focused on minimising welds, resulting in a frame composed of only 11 parts – about half that of typical competitors. The front section is a single cast piece, similar to Ducati’s road-going Superbike construction, allowing precision shaping and optimal strength-to-weight.
Already a race winner before it hits the showroom floor.
This minimalistic, rigid chassis supports the compact engine while allowing straight intake and exhaust routing for improved breathing. Ready to ride (sans fuel), the bike tips the scales at just 104.8kg – very competitive by class standards.
Rear suspension duties are handled via a cast aluminium swingarm and forged linkage, tuned during the 2024 racing season for progressive behaviour. The shock is centrally mounted, with access and serviceability kept simple – an important touch for race-day maintenance.
Suspension
Ducati turned to suspension specialist SHOWA for the front and rear suspension package – a nod to their racing heritage and focus on ease of tuning. The fork is a fully adjustable 49mm inverted unit with Kashima-coated stanchions and 310mm of travel. The rear shock is also fully adjustable, offering 301mm of wheel travel.
Crucially, Ducati opted for spring forks rather than air, making setup easier for amateur riders and ensuring consistent performance in varied conditions. Lupino raced the first half of the Italian Championship on the stock suspension – an impressive validation of the out-of-the-box performance.
Braking is handled by a dual partnership: Brembo calipers and Galfer rotors. Up front is a twin-piston floating caliper biting on a 260mm disc, with a 240mm disc and single-piston caliper out back. The setup has been tuned specifically for motocross, offering progressive feel with strong initial bite – perfect for heavy braking into rutted corners or technical downhill sections.
Ducati knows that motocross riders don’t just want performance – they need durability and manageable service intervals too. The Desmo450 MX scores well here, with valve clearance checks and piston replacement set at 45 hours, and full engine rebuild intervals at 90 hours. These are class-leading figures, and they speak volumes about the engineering confidence behind the Desmodromic head.
For riders chasing that works bike feel, Ducati has opened the doors to their Performance catalogue. This includes most of the trick components found on the factory MXGP bikes – think machined billet hubs, triple clamps, a full titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, and Brembo Racing calipers. The only thing you can’t buy is the factory SHOWA suspension.
There’s also a full Ducati/Drudi Performance apparel line, including Alpinestars jersey, pants, gloves and boots, an Arai helmet, and even a softshell jacket and rain gear. It’s all available to help privateers look and feel like part of the red army.
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