Ducati Enters Motocross with the Desmo450 MX

Ducati Enters Motocross with the Desmo450 MX

Ducati has officially flung its red cape into the mud. The Borgo Panigale brand, known for fast road bikes and racing pedigree, has now stepped into motocross territory with the Desmo450 MX—its first-ever production dirt bike.

Developed with input from motocross legends Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo450 MX is built to shake things up. And not just with branding. It’s the only motocross bike in its segment that runs a Desmodromic valve system, similar to what Ducati uses in MotoGP and WSBK. So yes, it revs high, runs clean, and loves being wrung out.

Desmo450 MX powertrain

Under the red bodywork sits a 449.6cc single-cylinder engine that pumps out 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. But what sets it apart is how it delivers that power. Ducati says 70% of peak torque comes in as early as 4,200 rpm, making the bike easier to ride, especially on tight corners and rough terrain.

The aluminium perimeter frame weighs just 8.96 kg, using only 11 parts—roughly half of what competitors typically need. Result? A lean, rigid, and light setup. With a ready-to-ride weight (minus fuel) of just 104.8 kg, this is a proper weapon for the track.

Supension and other features

Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable Showa kit—49 mm USD forks with Kashima coating and a matching rear shock. Brembo, Ducati’s long-time braking buddy, provides the stopping power, paired with Galfer discs.

But here’s where Ducati plays its real trump card—electronics. The Desmo450 MX gets a first-of-its-kind traction control system in motocross. It’s smart enough to back off mid-jump or unleash full fury when the clutch gets a light tap. Also onboard: launch control, engine brake control, quickshifter, and app-configurable riding modes via Ducati’s X-Link app.

Desmo450 MX competition

Competitors? Think KTM 450 SX-F, Honda CRF450R, Kawasaki KX450, and Yamaha YZ450F. They’ve ruled the MX world for years. But none of them come close to Ducati’s unique electronic edge or Desmodromic setup.

Service intervals are sensible too: piston and valve checks every 45 hours, full rebuild at 90. That’s benchmark stuff.

The Desmo450 MX will hit European showrooms by June, with other markets to follow. Accessories? You can pretty much spec your bike like the factory MXGP machines—except for those elusive Showa factory forks.

Final Thoughts

Ducati in motocross? Never thought we’d see the day. Yet, here we are—desmo valves kicking up dirt and an Italian accent screaming over berms. It’s bold, a bit bonkers, and very Ducati. Whether it’ll conquer the dirt world remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: it’s not just another red bike. It’s a red revolution—on knobbies.