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/1547197
P96 RIDE REVIEW I 2027 DUCATI DESMO450 EDS Ducati added nice dual sport features such as fold-down mirrors and handguards. Tires, however, leave a lot to be desired for riding in the dirt. For those seeking more adjust- ability and performance, however, Ducati offers optional electronics and upgrades. A basic electronics kit, priced at approximately $260, unlocks selectable engine map- ping, traction control, launch con- trol and engine-brake control. Addi- tional racing packages are planned to reduce weight and increase horsepower. With the appropriate Ducati Performance Racing Kit installed, claimed output reaches 54 horsepower, with exhaust op- tions offering even more. You'll be able to manage these features via Ducati's X-Link app. Ducati says its traction-control system is unique in that, when unlocked, it is designed specifi- cally for off-road use. Rather than simply cutting power whenever the rear wheel spins, it distinguishes between useful and excessive wheelspin. It can also recognize situations, such as jumps, when intervention isn't desirable. The system offers four inter- vention levels and can be tempo- rarily overridden with a light pull of the clutch lever. We couldn't test these features because our bike wasn't equipped with the kit, but the technology is intriguing. These modifications may affect street legality, depending on where you live, so check before handing over your credit card. For those seeking more adjust- ability and performance, however, Ducati offers optional electronics and upgrades. A basic electronics kit, priced at approximately $260, unlocks selectable engine map- ping, traction control, launch con- trol and engine-brake control. Addi- tional racing packages are planned to reduce weight and increase horsepower. With the appropriate Ducati Performance Racing Kit installed, claimed output reaches 54 horsepower, with exhaust op- tions offering even more. You'll be able to manage these features via Ducati's X-Link app. Ducati says its traction-control system is unique in that, when unlocked, it is designed specifi- cally for off-road use. Rather than simply cutting power whenever the rear wheel spins, it distinguishes between useful and excessive wheelspin. It can also recognize situations, such as jumps, when intervention isn't desirable. The system offers four inter- vention levels and can be tempo- rarily overridden with a light pull of the clutch lever. We couldn't test these features because our bike wasn't equipped with the kit, but the technology is intriguing. These modifications may affect street legality, depending on where you live, so check before handing over your credit card.