Ducati has unveiled its first-ever moto cross bike, the Desmo450 MX, at the grand finale of the 2025 Indian Supercross Racing League, and it is set to be launched in Q1 of 2026. Ducati claims that the Desmo450 MX has been developed to carry forward the iconic Borgo Panigale legacy beyond tarmac and into the dirt, marking the brand’s entry into off-road racing. Engineered with racing DNA at its core, the 450 boasts a high-revving single-cylinder mill and a power-to-weight ratio which many superbikes just dream of! This is a serious machine, but Ducati also states that the bike has been designed to inspire confidence, making it equally approachable for amateurs while still delivering the performance and precision demanded by professional riders. Here’s more.
Design
The Desmo450 MX features a signature moto cross design, with a sharp aggressive bodywork that reflects Ducati’s racing DNA and gives the bike a purposeful, competition-ready stance. Slim side panels, a high-mounted front fender, and bold graphics not only enhance its visual appeal but also ensure optimal rider movement and control on demanding off-road tracks. It looks very rugged, and each one of its styling features backs Ducati's claim that the Desmo450 MX has been designed solely to provide performance and functionality.
Engine and Chassis
The Desmo450 MX features a newly developed 449.6 cc four-stroke single-cylinder with a desmodromic system, which helps this engine to rev up to a staggering 11,900rpm. This mill produces 62.6bhp at 9400rpm and 53.5Nm of torque at 7500rpm. It has an ultra-lightweight aluminium chassis which weighs just 9kg (Yes, you read that right!) and a kerb weight of just 104.8kg.
Ducati claims that the aluminium perimeter frame was designed with the minimum number of weld joints to eliminate weak points and heighten structural stability. The Desmo450 MX gets a 4-way adjustable handlebar, which helps the rider to find their ideal riding position.
Suspension and Brakes
Upfront, the Desmo450 MX features an Showa suspension at both ends – up front there’s an upside-down fork with gold anodised forks and 310mm of travel, which is adjustable for compression and rebound. At the rear, it gets a monoshock with 129mm of travel. It gets a braking system by Brembo and Galfer, featuring a 260mm disc up front, and at the back, it has a 240mm disc. The Desmo450 MX is equipped with Takasago Excel rims with Alpina spokes. The tyres are Scorpion MX32 by Pirelli, the tyres measure 80/100 on the 21-inch front wheel and 110/90 on the 19-inch rear wheel.
Features and Rider aids
In terms of features, the Desmo450 MX gets 2 riding modes, a traction control system, launch control with 3 levels enabling the rider to exploit the engine power. It also gets quickshifter and engine braking control, which can be set to two levels. The Desmo450 MX can be connected to the phone via the X-Link app, which enables the rider to configure the riding modes.
Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, commented that the Desmo450 MX will be launched in the first quarter of 2026.
