Ducati finally enters the motocross world
Production of the company’s first-ever motocross bike, the Desmo 450 MX, has begun at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale. The weekend before the first bike rolled off the production line, Jeremy Seewer achieved his second podium finish at the MXGP World Championship French Grand Prix, proving the bike’s high potential in actual competition.
The production start celebration event was attended by nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, who won his first Italian championship and the annual title. The presence of these two, who have provided valuable experience since the development stage, speaks to the authenticity of this bike.
The innovation of the Desmodromic engine
The world’s only valve drive system
The Desmo 450 MX is unique in the world of serious off-road models thanks to its single-cylinder 449.6cc Desmodromic engine, whose valve system delivers segment-benchmark torque at low and mid-range speeds , allowing better use of each gear when starting and cornering.
The lightweight aluminium frame is designed with as few welds as possible to maximise structural strength, weight and rigidity . Developed on the basis of actual racing testing, the chassis helps riders, from professionals to amateurs, to improve their skills and push their limits.
Innovative Electronics Technology
The Desmo 450 MX is also a revolution in its segment in terms of electronics: it is the first motocross bike in the world to feature a system that accurately tracks the actual rear wheel slide and identifies situations in which the traction control should not be activated, lest it limit the bike’s performance .
CEO talks about taking on new markets
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said of the new model: “When we look around us, a key uniqueness of Ducati’s corporate culture is that, perhaps more than any other company, the world of racing and the world of production motorcycles are more closely linked.”
He continued, “This means we have a lot of off-road enthusiasts in our various departments – some incredible people. All of this has enabled us to present the Desmo 450 MX, an easy-to-use, high-performance bike for both amateur and professional riders.”
Full-scale custom parts also available
Accessories to bring it closer to MXGP specifications
The Ducati Performance catalogue offers a wide range of accessories to bring the Desmo 450 MX closer to the bike ridden by Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini in the MXGP World Championship.
Parts provided include :
- Factory components machined from billet aluminum, including wheel hubs and triple clamps
- Complete exhaust system
- Akrapovic titanium slip-on silencer
- Brembo racing brake calipers
The range of available accessories will be expanded gradually.
Collaborative apparel with specialized brands
To complete the factory look, Ducati Genuine Accessories also includes a technical apparel collection created in collaboration with specialist apparel brands, including an Alpinestars jersey, pants, gloves and boots set, and an Arai helmet, wind vest, softshell and rain jacket.
Release schedule and future developments
The Desmo 450 MX will be available at select dealerships in Europe and North America from July 2025 , with sales expanding gradually around the world thereafter. Its release in Japan is scheduled for spring 2026 .
The Desmo 450 MX presentation video is available on the Ducati YouTube channel, while the press kit with technical information and further photos is available from Ducati Media House.
The Desmo 450 MX was designed to take Ducati into a new world, appeal to new riders, and expand the Ducati community. As the first model in a full lineup of full-fledged off-road bikes, attention is focused on its future development.
