New Ducati
Desmo450 MX

The dawn of a new era: the first Ducati motocross bike

Born to compete, developed on track. The Desmo450 MX is the first Ducati motocross bike with desmodromic timing designed to carry Borgo Panigale racing DNA off-road. Lightweight, powerful, essential, it combines advanced technology and maximum performance to ensure speed, control and pure adrenaline.

Listen to the sound of the Desmo450 MX

The first motocross bike with desmodromic timing. Enjoy the sound of the Desmo450 MX, Ducati’s first foray into the off-road world.

Listen to the sound of the Desmo450 MX

Developed on the racetrack, in the Ducati tradition.

The Desmo450 MX was born out of a desire to expand and engage new enthusiasts. Launched in 2021, it fully embodies Ducati's development philosophy: to experiment and refine in competitions solutions intended later for production motorcycles.

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EXPLORE THE KEY CHARACTERISTIC

100% Ducati Racing DNA

The know-how gained in MotoGP and WorldSBK, combined with comprehensive research work and the support of sector professionals, has resulted in the development of a motocross bike that embodies Ducati racing DNA. This race-ready production 450 is designed to provide both amateurs and more demanding riders with maximum performance and reliability.
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Desmo450 single-cylinder exceeding 63 hp


The Desmo450 MX design started with the engine, which flaunts desmodromic timing. The Desmo450 engine delivers maximum power of 63.5 hp at 9400 rpm, and maximum torque of 53.5 Nm at 7500 rpm. The limiter is set at 11,900 rpm, a new benchmark for the category. The fact that the engine can run at very high rpm means less gear shifting. In addition, the desmodromic system really comes into its own out of the gate, as the rider goes for the holeshot, pushing to be first out of turn one. The torque curve is very favourable at low revs, improving the drive out of the turns and making the ride less challenging and less tiring.

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Aluminium frame and subframe comprising just 11 elements


To achieve the straightest possible intake duct to guarantee the best engine performance, Ducati has opted for an aluminium perimeter frame with the least possible number of weld joints, achieving the best combination of lightness, reliability and stiffness calibration. The Desmo450 MX frame is composed of just 11 elements, roughly half the number used in the frames of other motocross bikes on the market.

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Riding Mode


The Desmo450 MX makes full use of Ducati’s experience in developing electronic control and riding assistance systems. In addition to the two standard Riding Modes, the user will be able to create completely customised Riding Modes via the dedicated Ducati X-Link app, configuring the levels of throttle response, Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control and launch control.

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Ergonomics for maximum control


An extremely compact bike, designed according to Ducati style canons to maximise the rider’s freedom of movement and vehicle control. The contact surfaces beneath the seat are designed to provide the rider with references and facilitate their movements, with the textures of the frame’s side covers heightening grip. The super structures and frame are specifically designed to facilitate trackside maintenance.

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Showa suspension


The suspension and brakes on the Desmo450 MX were a targeted choice. Ducati trusts in the extensive racing experience of Showa, its historic partner also for the road bikes. The debut win for Lupino at Mantua showcased the high level of Showa standard material. The 49 mm USD fork offers 310 mm of travel, while the shock, with 16 mm shaft and 129 mm of travel, is mounted on the cast swingarm. Total wheel travel is 301 mm.

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Brembo/Galfer braking system


The callipers and master cylinders are produced by Brembo, an historic Ducati partner selected to develop cutting-edge braking systems for motocross, just as it does for the road bikes. The discs are supplied by Galfer, single discs of 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear.

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Advanced electronics with Ducati Traction Control


Traction control on the Desmo450 MX is a latest-generation system that estimates actual rear wheel slip by combining camshaft rotation speed with inertial measurement of the vehicle dynamics, thus ensuring intervention efficiency, promptness and linearity.

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Connectivity


Thanks to the WiFi connectivity unit, which is available as an accessory, the user can connect to the bike and, with the dedicated X-Link app, available soon, customize the Riding Mode, keep track of the vehicle’s service history and monitor its status.

1 Desmo450 single-cylinder exceeding 63 hp

2 Aluminium frame and subframe comprising just 11 elements

3 Riding Mode

4 Ergonomics for maximum control

5 Showa suspension

6 Brembo/Galfer braking system

7 Advanced electronics with Ducati Traction Control

8 Connectivity

TECH SPEC

Displacement
449.6 cc
Power
63.5 cv (46.7 kW) @ 9,400 rpm
Torque
53.5 Nm (5.46 kgm, 39.5 lb ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Wet weight no fuel
104.8 kg (231 lb)
Seat Height
970 mm (38.2 in)
Maintenance service intervals
Oil and oil filter service 15 hours
Piston replacement 45 hours
Valve clearance check 45 hours
Main engine service 90 hours
tech spec

Ducati Desmo450 MX: Ducati World Première

Rewatch the DWP episode dedicated to the presentation of the first Ducati motocross bike.

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watch now

Contact dealer

Contact your nearest dealer for more information on the new Desmo450 MX : you will be contacted to provide more information, offers and active financing proposals.

Contact dealer

The pictures and images of some components may refer to prototypes that could be subject to changes, also of significant nature, in the process of industrialisation and are for information and reference purposes only; they are therefore in no way binding for Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. - Sole Shareholder Company, subject to the Management and Coordination activities of Audi AG - (hereinafter “Ducati”).

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