Ducati Returns to Motocross After More Than Half a Century

Ducati has launched its first motocross bike in more than fifty years. It is called the Desmo450 MX, and it brings the House’s signature Desmodromic valve system to the dirt. The Italian marque’s last motocross machine was the R/T, built over half a century ago.

The engine is a single-cylinder 449 cc unit producing 63.5 hp beyond nine thousand rpm. The aluminum frame is assembled from eleven components — against the twenty-two required by comparable competition machines. Showa suspension, Brembo brakes, Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires. The rear-wheel slip-detection traction control system is a first in its segment.

Development was led by Tony Cairoli, nine-time MXGP World Champion, alongside Alessandro Lupino, nine-time Italian champion — who went on to win the Italian MX Championship race aboard the machine.

“Ducati is a healthy company. It has the opportunity to grow by opening itself to a new segment of enthusiasts,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of the House.