Engines

New Desmo450

Desmo450 engine, the first Desmo in motocross.

A 449.6 cc four-stroke single-cylinder with desmodromic system, chain-driven four-valve DOHC, and magnesium alternator, cam, and clutch covers.

The Desmo advantage: higher rpm, higher acceleration

The Desmo450 MX engine is a 449.6 cc four-stroke single-cylinder with a desmodromic system, chain-driven four-valve DOHC, and magnesium alternator, cam, and clutch covers. Thanks to desmodromic timing, the Desmo450 engine can achieve 11,900 rpm, ensuring greater acceleration and more efficient drive out of the gate. Without the spring of traditional timing systems, the desmodromic system allows for greater control and reduces friction loss, maximizing race performance. More revs, more power, and more chance to grab the holeshot. In fact, the Desmo450 MX snatched two out of two holeshots on its debut in the MXGP championship.

A wide torque curve to be exploited at all engine speeds

The Desmo450 offers a wide, well-distributed torque curve to ensure drive is always available, even at low rpm. This means greater traction out of the turns and less fatigue for the rider. Desmodromic timing reduces mechanical losses and allows for more extreme cam profiles to optimize combustion. The desmodromic system also affords the management of greater valve acceleration, allowing for higher engine speeds than traditional systems and thus allowing for the definition of more extreme cam profiles with the same valve diameter for a torque curve that is wider and more sustained.

The power of the Desmo450 single-cylinder

The Desmo450 engine delivers maximum power of 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and maximum torque of 39.5 lb-ft (53.5 Nm) at 7,500 rpm. The limiter is set at 11,900 rpm, setting a new reference for the category. To ensure consistent performance even in the most extreme conditions, the engine is equipped with rhomboid radiators with a 6.5% larger surface with respect to conventional designs. This ensures more efficient cooling, improving performance reliability and consistency without compromising the rider’s freedom of movement.

Desmodromic timing: efficiency and reliability

The bore and stroke measurements are, respectively, 96 x 62.1 mm, selected to achieve the ideal valve diameter. The intake valves are in titanium and have a diameter of 40 mm, while the 33 mm exhaust valves are in hollow-stemmed steel and filled with sodium to improve heat exchange. The chain tensioner is hydraulic, to offer more precise and consistent action over time with respect to a conventional mechanical system. 

Four-valve DOHC

The reliability tests use the official Ducati riders as a reference, and all the service intervals are based on their usage to guarantee maximum reliability for both amateurs and professional riders. Despite this, the service intervals set a benchmark for the category. Piston replacement and the valve clearance check are set at 45 hours, while a full engine service is to be carried out at 90 hours.

To make maintenance operations quicker and easier, the covers (alternator, clutch, head) do not use tricomponent putty as a seal but rather a gasket, in metal for the head and in rubber for the alternator and clutch.

Service intervals

The reliability tests have the official Ducati riders as a reference and all the service intervals are based on their usage, to guarantee maximum reliability for both amateurs and professional riders. Despite this, the service intervals set a benchmark for the category. Piston replacement and the valve clearance check are set at 45 hours, while a full engine service is to be carried out at 90 hours.

To make maintenance operations quicker and easier, the covers (alternator, clutch, head) do not use tricomponent putty as a seal but rather a gasket, in metal for the head and in rubber for the alternator and clutch.

Noise emissions

Complete with resonator and made from a blend of steel and aluminum, the exhaust respects the 2025 FIM/FMI regulation dictating that exhaust noise cannot exceed 109 dB with a tolerance of 2 dB.

Displacement
449.6 cc
Power
63.5 hp (46.7 kW) @ 9,400 rpm
Torque
39.5 lb-ft (53.5 Nm ) @ 7,500 rpm
Wet weight no fuel
231 lb (104.8 kg)
Seat Height
38.2 in (970 mm)
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

Desmo450 MX

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