2027 Ducati Desmo250 MX – First Look

The Desmo250 MX is powered by a 249cc Single with Desmodromic valves. While it may be easy to assume the engine is just a smaller version of the 450, Ducati says it actually has a lot in common with its Panigale V4 R superbike engine. The Single-cylinder engine’s 81mm bore and 48.4mm stroke are identical to the V4 R’s measurements, and Ducati used knowledge  gained about fluid dynamics, duct geometries, valve timing, and flywheel masses from developing the Superbike to design the Desmo250 MX’s engine.

Like the 450 engine and the Desmosedici Stradale R V4 engine, the 250 uses Ducati’s signature Desmodromic valve timing. This allowed Ducati to control the titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves with enough precision to let the 249cc Single to rev up to 15,000 rpm, or 1,000 rpm higher than most other motocross bikes in its class.

Ducati claims the engine produces a peak of 44.5 hp at 12,500 rpm and 21 lb-ft. at 8,800 rpm, while still delivering a balanced torque curve across the rev range and a balance of low-end response and high-end power delivery.

The engine is matched with a new exhaust system, a seven-plate clutch, and a five-speed gearbox with an upshift-only quickshifter.

The perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm are based on the Desmo450’s chassis, with re-optimized stiffness for the 250. Ducati worked with Showa to develop the suspension specifically for the Desmo250, with the goal of minimizing load transfer during braking, accelerating, and cornering. The 49mm inverted fork is fully adjustable and uses a kashima coating for the outer tube. The rear monoshock is also fully adjustable.

The braking system is identical to the 450’s setup. The front uses a Brembo two-piston floating caliper and 260mm Galfer disc, while the rear wheel is equipped with a single-piston Brembo caliper and 240mm Galfer disc. Pirelli supplies the Scorpion MX32 tires.

The electronics package is derived from the 450, with settings optimized for the Desmo250 MX. The package offers two customizable engine maps, a three-level traction control system, two levels of engine braking, and three launch control settings. All of the settings can be customized using Ducati’s X-Link mobile app. Like the 450, the Desmo250 MX uses what Ducati calls “predictive maintenance” to calculate engine stress in real time based on operating conditions to determine when the engine needs servicing.

The 2027 Ducati Desmo250 MX will be available in U.S. showrooms in September, carrying a $10,595 price tag.