Desmo450: the heart of innovation.

Designed around the engine, the Desmo450 MX Factory mounts the first single-cylinder four stroke with desmodromic timing in the history of motocross. Thanks to the full Akrapovič exhaust, it offers a broader torque curve and 63.5 hp of power at 9400 rpm.
Akrapovič full titanium exhaust with dedicated engine mapping

The Akrapovič full titanium exhaust allows for a weight saving of 1.7 kg. In combination with dedicated engine mapping, it gives the engine a broader torque curve for greater performance and drive that can be fully exploited even at low revs. The result is better traction out of the corners and less fatigue for the rider.

Desmo benefits

Desmo450 MX engine is a single-cylinder four stroke with desmodromic timing and dual overhead camshaft complete with four valves and timing chain. It boasts 449.6 cc displacement, while magnesium components such as the alternator, cylinder head and clutch covers reduce the overall weight. Thanks to desmodromic timing, the engine can achieve 11,900 rpm, offering greater top-end performance and more effective drive off the line. The absence of springs typical of traditional systems allows for more precise valve operation, reducing friction and maximising race performance. Greater revs, greater power, a greater chance of achieving the holeshot.

The power of the Desmo450 single cylinder

The Desmo450 engine delivers maximum power of 63.5 hp at 9400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7500 rpm, with the limiter set at 11,900 rpm, a value that sets a new benchmark for the category. 

Desmodromic timing dynamically pushes the valves in a way that standard timing with coil springs cannot, heightening performance and reducing friction at low revs while allowing the rev limiter to be set at a higher level.

To ensure consistent performance even in extreme conditions, the engine is equipped with rhomboid-shaped radiators, the surface of which is increased by 6.5% with respect to traditional designs. This solution ensures more efficient cooling, improving performance reliability and continuity without limiting the rider’s freedom of movement. 

Four-valve dual overhead camshaft

The Desmo450 MX Factory adopts a DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) configuration with four valves, designed to optimise flow and combustion. This solution ensures an immediate engine response and more efficient, regular delivery at all engine speeds. Intake is entrusted to a Mikuni Ø 44 mm throttle body to guarantee a precise, direct response, while the titanium exhaust system is developed to maximise performance while respecting 2025 FIM/FMI international racing standards (109dB + 2 dB of tolerance).

Titanium intake valves and hollow stem exhaust valves

The Desmo450 MX Factory adopts titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves with a hollow stem filled with sodium, solutions conceived to reduce the masses in movement to a minimum. This configuration allows for higher revs while maintaining optimum valve lift and ensuring efficiency and reliability even in extreme conditions.

Drive chain with hydraulic tensioner

The Desmo450 MX Factory is equipped with an RK MXU chain with O-ring, the same used by the Ducati Factory Team competing in MXGP. This choice increases the durability of the component.

High-performance five-speed engine

The engine is designed to be compact and lightweight. With a dry weight of 26.7 kg, it offers five speeds with hydraulic clutch control and Quick Shift when upshifting. The rapid shift allows the rider to insert the next gear without using the clutch or closing the throttle, for better acceleration and quicker starts.

Service intervals

  

The service intervals guarantee the rider maximum reliability, while remaining top of class. Piston replacement and a valve clearance check are to be carried out after 45 hours of use, and an engine service every 90 hours. The oil should be changed after every 15 hours of use.

Noise emissions

The exhaust respects the 2025 FIM/FMI standard, which dictates exhaust noise emissions no greater than 109 dB with 2 dB of tolerance.

Essential, sports-oriented forms to serve function.

A pared back bike, where every detail aims to ensure performance and functionality, particularly on the racetrack. A lightweight, resistant frame and a chassis designed for maximum control.

Chassis

A push-to-the-limit chassis.

Born to race, the chassis of the Desmo450 MX Factory offers precision, control and responsiveness on any type of track, thanks to carefully chosen materials and technical partners.
Showa suspension and Holeshot device

Like all key components on the Desmo450 MX Factory, the suspension is specifically selected. Developed in collaboration with Showa, this light, high-performance system is designed to guarantee best-in-class reliability and efficiency. The front comprises a 49 mm fork, adjustable in compression and rebound, complete with Dark Kashima coating on the leg, designed to bring performance closer to that of the factory bikes. 

At the rear is a compression-adjustable shock with progressive linkage. The fork and shock stanchions have a TiO coating, a solution that increases surface hardness by 60% and reduces friction by 10%, thanks to its superfinishing. This treatment also heightens the component’s resistance to chips and abrasions caused by sand, stones and other external agents. 

The Holeshot device rounds out the equipment and ensures more stable, rapid starts into the first turn.

Drive chain with O-ring

The Desmo450 MX Factory mounts a RK MXU chain with O-ring, the same used by the Ducati Factory Team in the MXGP championship. This solution ensures greater reliability and durability over time, making it the ideal choice for racing use. 

Brembo and Galfer braking system

The Desmo450 MX Factory braking system is supplied by Brembo, an historic Ducati partner, and Galfer. At the front is a two-piston floating calliper, while the rear presents a single-piston floating calliper to ensure power and modulability in every situation.

Selected for their lightness, the Galfer discs measure 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear, for precise braking and better overall bike handling.

Pirelli Scorpion MX Mid-Soft tyres

The Desmo450 MX Factory mounts Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres measuring 80/100-21” at the front and 110/90-19” at the rear.

Excel rims with Ducati hubs

  

The Desmo450 MX Factory is equipped with Excel wheels with cast aluminium hubs.

Ergonomics

Ultra-compact and resistant frame

Compact, resistant, ready for the challenge. With a frame comprised of just 11 elements, with limited weld joints and a weight of just 8.96 kg, the Desmo450 MX Factory vehicle is designed to ensure minimal bulk and maximum resistance in every situation.
Even lighter than the Desmo450 MX: 104 kg

The chassis of the Desmo450 MX Factory makes for an even lighter bike. The use of machined and titanium components contributes to reducing the bike’s overall weight to just 104 kg, for a 0.8 kg saving with respect to the previous model.

Robust and lightweight aluminium frame

The Desmo450 MX Factory adopts an aluminium perimeter frame, selected to allow for an intake duct that is as straight as possible, to optimise engine filling and performance. This configuration results in the use of aluminium and the development of a frame designed with innovative construction techniques to maximise stiffness, lightness and robustness. The frame comprises just 11 elements, minimising the critical points and significantly heightening the structure’s overall reliability.

Design

An aesthetic that is pure performance.

Designed by the Centro Stile, the Desmo450 MX Factory stands out for its flowing, clean and taut lines, which ensure that unmistakable Ducati signature. Promising grip, responsiveness and speed, the design is pure function.
2025 Ducati Corse livery: race inspiration, unmistakable identity

The Desmo450 MX Factory stands out for its special 2025 Ducati Corse livery, directly inspired by the factory bikes used in the MXGP World Championship. Every detail of the graphics recalls the Ducati racing tradition, immediately transmitting the bike’s racing DNA. The colour scheme and design of the graphics highlight the aggressive, modern lines of the Desmo450 MX Factory and ensure the bike is immediately recognizable on track and in the paddock.

Surfaces designed for maximum freedom of movement

  

Designed by the Centro Stile, the bike’s external surfaces are conceived to minimise bulk between the rider’s legs and ensure maximum freedom of movement.

Textures to improve grip

 The side panels, frame protectors and lower part of the number holder feature a high-grip texture, designed to hold the inner thigh and rider’s boots during acceleration and vertically, through the jumps. 

Side panels and side number plate holders

The side panels and side number plate holders are designed to support a rider’s movements in various riding situations, without hindering them. The front panels encourage leg movement when taking the turn, while the side number plates are sized to correspond with the exhaust that, replicated also on the left side, offers a useful point of reference when the rider leans back.

Electronics to serve performance.

Ducati electronic excellence lands in the motocross world and immediately sets a new benchmark. Equipped with Traction Control, two Riding Modes and the possibility to connect to a smartphone via the X-Link app, the bike offers advanced control and immediate customisation of the riding experience.
Two standard Riding Modes

All the Desmo450 MX Factory electronic controls are already configured in two standard Riding Modes. With the addition of the Wi-Fi connectivity module, the rider can connect the bike to a smartphone via the X-Link app and customise the Riding Modes, adjusting intervention levels for each control.

The settings created can be saved in the app and uploaded to the control unit based on the conditions of use. They are managed via a control panel on the left side of the handlebar, which can be used to change the selected Riding Mode, enable or disable the Traction Control and Quickshifter and activate Launch Control. The five LEDs on the control panel indicate the status of the electronic controls and Wi-Fi connection.

Ducati Traction Control

Traction control (DTC) manages actual rear wheel slip, offering concrete support in terms of both safety and performance, regardless of a rider’s experience level. On the Desmo450 MX Factory, Ducati Traction Control can be adjusted according to four levels, each characterised by a different degree of intervention. Low levels ensure minimal action and more free, direct feeling, while high levels increase stability by intervening in a more decisive way. The system can be completely disabled if a rider so chooses.

Throttle Response

  

The Desmo450 MX Factory throttle response can be customised with two dedicated mappings. The Smooth mapping offers smoother, more progressive delivery, ideal for precise management of the more technical phases. Dynamic mode makes for a more direct, immediate response, designed for those seeking maximum responsiveness.

Launch Control

  The Launch Control system, which can be adjusted according to three intervention levels, manages the rev limiter to allow the rider to fully exploit engine power off the line. Levels 1 and 2 offer less invasive intervention, ideal for those wanting greater freedom of management, while level 3 favours stability and safety off the line. The system automatically deactivates on reaching fourth gear or when the throttle is released.

Engine Brake Control

Management of the engine brake is developed to ensure riders greater stability in more extreme conditions of corner entry, balancing the forces that act on the rear tyre when the engine generates strong retrograde torque during deceleration. The Engine Brake Control monitors the throttle position, selected gear, and crankshaft deceleration during the most aggressive braking, acting on ignition and advance to keep the forces applied to the tyre balanced. The system can be adjusted according to two levels.

Control panel on the handlebar

The electronics controls on the Desmo450 MX Factory are managed via a control panel on the handlebar. Specifically, the rider can:

  • Select one of the two Riding Modes uploaded on the control unit
  • Activate Launch Control
  • Enable or disable DTC and DQS
  • Control the connection status of the accessory Wi-Fi module.

Electronic riding aid systems

Click on the icons to explore all the Desmo450 MX Factory features.

  • PERFORMANCE
    Launch Control
    This system limits the maximum engine speed at the start, restricting power to the rear wheel and allowing the rider to concentrate only on clutch management.
    PERFORMANCE
    Launch Control
    This system limits the maximum engine speed at the start, restricting power to the rear wheel and allowing the rider to concentrate only on clutch management.
  • PERFORMANCE
    Quick Shift Only Up
    A system that allows you to shift gears when climbing, without using the clutch or closing the throttle.
    PERFORMANCE
    Quick Shift Only Up
    A system that allows you to shift gears when climbing, without using the clutch or closing the throttle.
  • SAFETY
    Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
    System that detects rear wheel slippage and automatically cuts power to limit or zero it, depending on the settings chosen by the user.
    SAFETY
    Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
    System that detects rear wheel slippage and automatically cuts power to limit or zero it, depending on the settings chosen by the user.
  • SAFETY
    Engine Brake Control (EBC)
    System that allows you to control the level of engine braking when the throttle is released and choose whether to have more or less braking.
    SAFETY
    Engine Brake Control (EBC)
    System that allows you to control the level of engine braking when the throttle is released and choose whether to have more or less braking.

The availability of certain Ducati Performance accessories may not coincide with the availability of motorcycles at dealerships. Contact your trusted dealer for more information.

Grade-A power.

Developed in racing, for racing. With its 63.5 hp 450 single-cylinder Desmodromic engine, aluminium frame that is 0.8 kg lighter and high-end components, the Desmo450 MX Factory is the ideal bike to compete at high level on any track.
Power
63.5 hp (46.7 kW) @ 9,400 rpm
Torque
53.5 Nm (5.5 kgm, 39 lb ft) @ 7,500 rpm
Type
Desmo450, single cylinder, Desmodromic timing system 4 valves DOHC, hydraulic tensioner, semi dry sump, liquid cooled
Displacement
449.6 cc (27.4 cu in)
Wet weight no fuel
104 kg (229 lb)
Seat Height
970 mm (38.2 in)
Tech Spec

Discover the differences between Desmo450 MX and Desmo450 MX Factory.

Characteristics

Desmo450 MX

Desmo450 MX Factory

Suspensions

Fully adjustable Showa. Shock absorber body and covers with Kashima coating.

Fully adjustable Showa. Dark Kashima-coated shock absorber body and covers. TiO-coated and superfinished stanchions.

Battery

Lithium battery

Lithium battery

Seat configuration

No

No

Electronic controls

  • Riding Mode
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Power Launch
  • Engine Brake Control (EBC)
  • Quick shift up
  • Ducati Fall Detection
  • Hour counter
  • Quick selection of controls
  • Riding Mode
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Power Launch
  • Engine Brake Control (EBC)
  • Quick shift up
  • Ducati Fall Detection
  • Hour counter
  • Quick selection of controls
  • Ducati Com-Link Wi-Fi module and X-Link app

Color

Ducati Red

Ducati Red

Wet weight no fuel

104,8 kg

104 kg

Additional equipment

Akrapovič full titanium exhaust with resonator, billet Ergal steering plates, starting device, front disc guard, skid plate

Characteristics

Suspensions

Desmo450 MX

Fully adjustable Showa. Shock absorber body and covers with Kashima coating.

Desmo450 MX Factory

Fully adjustable Showa. Dark Kashima-coated shock absorber body and covers. TiO-coated and superfinished stanchions.

Characteristics

Battery

Desmo450 MX

Lithium battery

Desmo450 MX Factory

Lithium battery

Characteristics

Seat configuration

Desmo450 MX

No

Desmo450 MX Factory

No

Characteristics

Electronic controls

Desmo450 MX

  • Riding Mode
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Power Launch
  • Engine Brake Control (EBC)
  • Quick shift up
  • Ducati Fall Detection
  • Hour counter
  • Quick selection of controls

Desmo450 MX Factory

  • Riding Mode
  • Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
  • Power Launch
  • Engine Brake Control (EBC)
  • Quick shift up
  • Ducati Fall Detection
  • Hour counter
  • Quick selection of controls
  • Ducati Com-Link Wi-Fi module and X-Link app

Characteristics

Color

Desmo450 MX

Ducati Red

Desmo450 MX Factory

Ducati Red

Characteristics

Wet weight no fuel

Desmo450 MX

104,8 kg

Desmo450 MX Factory

104 kg

Characteristics

Additional equipment

Desmo450 MX

Desmo450 MX Factory

Akrapovič full titanium exhaust with resonator, billet Ergal steering plates, starting device, front disc guard, skid plate

Desmo power with Ducati Performance accessories.

Customise the Desmo450 MX Factory with exclusive accessories and the same components used by the Factory Team in the MXGP World Championship. Explore the customisation options in the configurator.

Configuration proposal

• Front racing brake caliper
• Rear racing brake caliper
• Rims with machined hubs
  • "Ducati Corse" Livery

Personalizzazione - Desmo450 MX Factory | model - "Ducati Corse" Livery

Dedicated Ducati Desmo clothing collection.

Created with technical materials specifically designed for motocross, the racing DNA is reflected in every garment. The curve theme recalls the graphics of the MotoGP, MXGP and production liveries. To ensure quality and performance, garments are produced together with standout brands such as Alpinestars and Arai.

The pictures and images of some components may refer to prototypes that could be subject to changes, also of significant nature, in the process of industrialisation and are for information and reference purposes only; they are therefore in no way binding for Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. - Sole Shareholder Company, subject to the Management and Coordination activities of Audi AG - (hereinafter “Ducati”).

Configure Configure now
Dealers & Service discover more

Sign up for Email

Read our privacy policy to learn about data processing 

Enter a valid email address
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.