The DESMO450 MX, the first motocross motorcycle in DUCATI's history, is a competition machine equipped with a 449.6cc single-cylinder engine with a desmodromic mechanism mounted on a lightweight aluminum frame.
Full use of DUCATI's technology
The Desmo 450 engine mounted on the "DESMO450 MX" has a bore and stroke of 96 x 62.1 mm, which allows the use of 40 mm intake valves and 33 mm exhaust valves. The intake valves are made of titanium, and the exhaust valves are made of steel, with hollow stems filled with sodium to improve heat exchange. Maximum power is 46.7 kW (63.5 hp) at 9400 rpm, maximum torque is 53.5 Nm at 7500 rpm, and the limiter intervention is set at 11900 rpm. In addition, it has a very powerful torque curve even at low rpm, and delivers strong power when exiting corners. With linear power characteristics and unprecedented acceleration performance in this category, it delivers 70% of the maximum torque to the rider at 4200 rpm. This unique power delivery curve makes the Desmo 450 MX less taxing on the rider than conventional 450cc engines, reducing fatigue and allowing the rider to maximize circuit performance and riding pleasure.
The DESMO450 MX, Ducati's first full-scale off-road model, is said to have been developed making use of the company's experience in MotoGP and Superbike.
It is also equipped with a full range of electronic features such as traction control, ensuring that the rear tires grip the ground and accelerate the lightweight body.
The bore and stroke are 96 x 62.1 mm, the displacement is 449.6cc, and the Desmodromic mechanism, which is synonymous with Ducati, is used. It is very powerful, with a maximum output of 46.7kW (63.5hp) / 9400 rpm and a maximum torque of 53.5Nm / 7500 rpm.
The chassis of the "Desmo450 MX" uses an aluminum perimeter frame. This layout was adopted to achieve a lightweight structure and to achieve the best performance by making the engine intake and exhaust ducts as straight as possible. By minimizing the number of welds and achieving a structure weighing 8.96 kg, the goals of lightness, reliability and rigidity are achieved. This frame contributes greatly to keeping the vehicle weight to 104.8 kg without fuel.
The body color is the traditional "Ducati Red" and features a sharp design, developed as a full-fledged competition machine.
The simple rear view, equipped with only what is necessary for riding, is full of functional beauty.
The suspension is made by Showa, which has experience in racing competitions, and the front fork is a fully adjustable 49mm inverted type with 310mm travel. The rear shock absorber is fully adjustable and has a wheel travel of 301mm.
The braking system is made by Brembo, with a two-piston floating caliper at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. The brake discs are made by Galfer, with a diameter of 260mm at the front and 240mm at the rear.
Taking advantage of the experience in MotoGP and Superbike, a full-fledged traction control system has also been introduced. Ducati Traction Control offers four different intervention levels, and other electronic control systems include launch control and engine brake control. In addition, the gearbox is equipped with a quick shifter.
The front forks are 49mm inverted type made by Showa. It is equipped with a diamond-shaped radiator and a beautifully designed radiator shroud.
The frame is made from aluminium and has been made lighter by minimising welding..It weighs just 96kg and is made up of 11 parts that are made using a variety of materials including castings, forgings, and extrusions.
The wheel size is 21 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear. The brake calipers are made by Brembo at the front and rear, and are combined with Galfer brake discs.
The cockpit area is extremely simple, giving the impression of excellent operability. The fuel tank has a capacity of 7.2L.
The DESMO450 MX will go on sale in Europe from June, and is scheduled to be released in the United States and other countries around the world afterwards.
Desmo450 MX (2025) Main Specifications
・Wheelbase: 1494mm
・Seat Height: 970mm
・Vehicle Weight: 104.8kg (without fuel)
・Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve single cylinder 449.6cc
・Maximum Output: 46.7kW (63.5hp)/9400rpm
・Maximum Torque: 53.5Nm (5.46kgm)/7500rpm
・Gearbox: 5-speed return
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.2L
・Brakes: F = disc, R = disc
・Tire: F=80/100-21, R=110/90-19
