VOLUME ISSUE OCTOBER , P101
piston replacement and valve-clearance checks
at approximately 90-120 hours, depending on use,
with a more extensive engine overhaul at roughly
180-240 hours. Those aren't alarming numbers
for a competition-derived 450, but they're worth
considering if you plan to rack up miles.
THE VERDICT
Ducati might be relatively new to modern off-road
motorcycles, but you wouldn't know it after riding
the Desmo450 EDS. The bike feels well-devel-
oped, refined and surprisingly easy to ride. Its
engine stands out, combining excellent low-end
torque, smooth power delivery and seemingly
endless top-end performance. Add a well-spaced
six-speed transmission, light clutch, excellent sus-
pension and predictable handling, and you have a
motorcycle that's both capable and enjoyable.
I also appreciate that Ducati keeps the stock
bike relatively simple to begin with. You don't
need multiple riding modes or sophisticated
electronics to enjoy it right out of the crate. But if
you like all that other stuff, the potential is there.
As much as I enjoyed riding the EDS, the bike
isn't perfect. The seat is extremely hard, the fork
occasionally tops out, neutral can be frustrating
to find, and the stock tires aren't ideal for dry and
loose terrain. The weight is noticeable at times,
and the small fuel tank and competition-oriented
maintenance schedule are worth considering.
And at $12,995, it sits firmly in premium
dual sport territory.
Still, after a day riding around Mammoth
Lakes, I came away impressed by how complete
the package feels.
Ducati didn't simply turn its motocrosser into
a street-legal dirt bike. It developed a motorcycle
with its own personality, combining serious off-
road performance with refinement that makes
pavement riding surprisingly enjoyable. For a
first effort in the modern street-legal enduro
category, that's quite an accomplishment.
Established dual sport manufacturers now
have another serious competitor to worry about,
without a doubt. And this one happens to be red,
Italian and powered by a Desmo engine.
Who would've thought?
CN
2027 DUCATI DESMO450 EDS ($12,995)
Engine Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder
Valvetrain DOHC, 4-valve, Desmodromic
Displacement 449.6cc
Bore x Stroke 96 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio 12.9:1
Fuel System EFI, 42mm Mikuni throttle body
Starting System Electric
Transmission 6-speed
Clutch Wet, multiplate, hydraulically operated
Horsepower (claimed) 42 hp @ 6750 rpm
Torque (claimed) 33 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm
Frame Aluminum perimeter
Front Suspension 49mm Showa inverted fork, fully adjustable
Rear Suspension Showa shock, fully adjustable
Front-Wheel Travel 12.2 in.
Rear-Wheel Travel 11.9 in.
Front Brake 260mm Galfer disc, two-piston Brembo caliper
Rear Brake 240mm Galfer disc, single-piston Brembo caliper
Front Tire 90/90-21 Metzeler Karoo 4
Rear Tire 140/80-18 Metzeler Karoo 4
Rake/Trail 27.3° / 4.6 in.
Wheelbase 58.8 in.
Seat Height 38.2 in.
Fuel Capacity 2.2 gal.
Weight (claimed, w/o fuel) 264.3 lbs.
