From Track to Trail: Desmo Hits the Dirt

The Ducati Desmo450 MX is the brand’s first-ever motocross motorcycle, engineered to bring Ducati’s racing heritage to the off-road world. Powered by a high-revving 449.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, it delivers an impressive 63.5 horsepower at 9,400 rpm and 39.5 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. At the core is Ducati’s legendary desmodromic valve system, pushing the rev ceiling to a class-leading 11,900 rpm—setting a new benchmark in the 450cc motocross category.

Weighing just 104.8 kg, the Desmo450 MX features a lightweight aluminum perimeter frame made of only 11 elements and weighing just 8.96 kg, maximizing strength without sacrificing agility. The suspension is race-ready, with fully adjustable 49mm Showa upside-down forks offering 310mm of travel, paired with a Showa rear monoshock for exceptional terrain handling.

Leading the way in motocross technology, this off-road bike includes Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Power Launch, Quick Shift, and Engine Brake Control. Two customizable Riding Modes, accessible via the optional Ducati X-Link App, allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their style and conditions.

Stopping power comes from premium Brembo brakes, featuring a 260mm front disc and 240mm rear disc. It rides on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires—ideal for grip and control on dirt tracks.

With a 970mm seat height, a 1494mm wheelbase, and a 7.2-liter fuel tank, the Ducati Desmo450 MX is built for endurance, balance, and aggressive off-road riding. This motocross machine signals Ducati’s bold entry into the dirt world, combining race-proven engineering with next-gen innovation.