First Look: Ducati Desmo450 MX
T
he all-new 2026 Ducati
Desmo450 MX has finally
been revealed in its production
form. With an MSRP of $11,495,
this new Italian machine will be
available in North America start
-
ing in July. Key features include
a Desmodromic engine design,
Showa suspension, Brembo
brakes, Pirelli tires, configurable
riding modes, as well as trac
-
tion control, a quickshifter, and
engine-brake control. The bike
is said to weigh 231 pounds
without fuel.
The Desmo450 MX features
a single-cylinder 449.6cc engine
with Desmodromic distribution.
This unique design reduces
the energy needed to open the
valves, allowing for more aggres
-
sive lift profiles even with larger
valve diameters. Additionally, the
Desmodromic system combines
torque at low and medium revs
with high overrev capabilities.
The maximum power of the Des
-
mo450 engine is claimed to be
63.5 horsepower at 9400 rpm,
with a peak torque of 39.5 lb-ft
at 7500 rpm. The rev-limiter
is set at 11,900 rpm, which is
slightly higher than most cur
-
rent 450cc motocross models.
This unique power curve
delivers 70 percent of the
maximum torque to the rider
at only 4200 rpm. Ducati aims
for the Desmo450 MX to be
less challenging to ride com
-
pared to a conventional 450.
The aluminum frame is en-
gineered to minimize welds and
consists of just 11 pieces. The
cast aluminum swingarm and
forged aluminum linkage make
up the remainder of the chassis.
The Desmo450 MX's traction
control system offers four levels
of intervention and identifies
riding conditions where it should
deactivate to prevent limiting the
bike's performance. It can also
be activated or deactivated by
the rider when maximum engine
output is required.
Two riding modes, along with
launch control and engine-brake
control, can be adjusted to the
rider's needs using the Ducati
X-Link app. The gearbox features
a quickshifter.
Ducati selected Showa's
spring-based suspension. The
fork is completely adjustable,
featuring 49mm inverted stems,
12.2 inches of travel, and a
WIND
IN THE
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