Ducati Makes History: Production Begins on the Desmo450 MX, the First Ducati Motocross Bike
Today marks a historic moment for Ducati as the very first Desmo450 MX rolls off the production line at the Borgo Panigale factory. This all-new motocross machine blends Ducati’s rich racing heritage with breakthrough off-road engineering, setting a new standard for performance and innovation in the dirt.
At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a 449.6 cc single-cylinder Desmodromic engine, delivering class-leading power and throttle precision. Designed with professional racers and passionate riders in mind, the bike introduces a world-first traction control system for motocross—enhancing grip and performance without compromising raw speed.
Built on an ultra-light aluminum frame, the Desmo450 MX is optimized for agility, strength, and durability on the toughest tracks. From jumps to tight corners, its dynamic geometry and lightweight build ensure confident handling in all conditions.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali reflected on the journey: “We looked around, searching for the important unique features of our corporate culture and finding what I believe characterizes Ducati like perhaps no other company: the closeness between the world of racing and that of production motorcycles. And discovering, at the same time, that we have an incredible resource in-house in the form of many off-road enthusiasts in the various departments. All this has allowed us to present the Desmo450 MX: an easy and high-performance bike, for amateurs and professionals alike.”
Riders can further elevate their Desmo450 MX with Ducati Performance upgrades including Brembo Racing brakes, Akrapovič titanium exhausts, and more enhancements soon to come.
