Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1531445
Ducati Desmo450 MX Revealed D ucati North America unveiled its prototype Desmo450 MX bike during press day at Anaheim Stadium prior to the opening round of the 2025 Mon- ster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Multi-time MXGP champion and Ducati test rider Antonio Cairoli attended the unveiling. The Italian manufac- turer announced it will partner with Troy Lee Designs to run race operations in the USA. A full-time berth is scheduled for the 2026 season. This marks the Desmo450 MX's first public ap - pearance in the United States. Even though Ducati will not be racing Supercross or the Pro Mo- tocross Championship this year, the manufacturer will still attend eight rounds of the 2025 Mon- ster Energy Supercross Series (Anaheim 1, San Diego, Ana- heim 2, Tampa, Arlington, East Rutherford, Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City). It will also visit the MotoGP round in Austin, Texas. The American team will exhibit a prototype of the Desmo450 MX in the paddock at these races, with special graphics created by Troy Lee. "We are super stoked to be partnering with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in motorcycling," said the Troy Lee Designs founder. "Racing is core to our brand and enables us to develop our products for safety at the highest performance levels. I look forward to making history together with this part - nership." The Desmo450 MX is the only motocross bike in the world equipped with a Desmo- dromic valve timing system. This system, also used by Ducati in MotoGP and WorldSBK, allows for higher rpm than a traditional spring system. This allows its riders, Ducati says, "to reduce the number of gear changes WIND IN THE P24 Ducati officially said it is partnering with Troy Lee Designs to race Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross in 2026. Pictured is a prototype Ducati Desmo450 MX. The production version will be available in July. PHOTO: KIT PALMER