Ducati has launched its first motocross bike, the Desmo450 MX, in India at ₹17.24 lakh. This competition spec motocross bike is a competitor to the KTM 450 SX-F and the Kawasaki KX450, and is a purebred off-roader designed to take on the toughest of trails.
Engine and Gearbox
It is powered by Ducati's 449.6cc Desmodromic four-stroke single-cylinder engine producing 63.5bhp at 9400rpm and 53.5Nm of torque at 7500rpm, with the redline set at 11,900rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a quickshifter for upshifts only. The engine is housed in a lightweight aluminium chassis, which helps keep the weight down and with a dry weight of just 104.8kg, the 450MX gets an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 606 bhp per tonne!
Ducati will also offer a whole host of accessories from the Ducati Performance catalogue, including machined wheel hubs, Brembo race calipers, and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust.
Suspension and Breaks
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends. The front gets a USD fork with 310mm travel, and the rear is a monoshock with 301mm travel, and it gets a seat height of 940mm! The braking system is from Brembo with a 260mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear. It gets a 21-inch wheel up front and an 18-inch rim at the rear with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres.
Electronics
The Ducati Desmo450 MX is equipped with Ducati's latest electronic package, with traction control, 3 levels of launch control, engine brake control and two riding modes that are adjustable via WiFi through Ducati's X link app.
VS its Rivals
The KTM 450 SX-F and the Kawasaki KX 450 are the only other motocross bikes on sale in India. The KTM is priced at ₹10.25 lakh ex-showroom, and the Kawasaki is priced at ₹9.92 lakh. This makes them around ₹7 lakh cheaper than the Ducati Desmo450 MX.
Both the KTM and the Kawasaki have a 450cc engine. The KTM produces 62.7bhp and 74Nm of torque, and the Kawasaki produces 54bhp and 66Nm of torque. While the power figures are slightly higher on the Ducati, there is a massive difference in torque, with the KTM and the Kawasaki engines producing significantly higher torque figures. The Kawasaki and the KTM provide similar performance to the Ducati at a much lower price, while the Ducati offers better hardware and the Ducati badge for someone who wants a premium motorcycle.
Availability
The Ducati Desmo450 MX will be available at select dealerships in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune. Bookings are now open, and deliveries will commence at the end of March 2026.
