The Ducati Desmo450 MX Arrives in North American Dealerships
Ducati North America has announced that the Ducati Desmo450 MX, the Italian brand's first modern motocross machine, is now arriving in participating dealerships across the nation. Those interested in more technical background of the desmodromic-valve-equipped MXer should take a peek at our detailed Ducati Desmo450 MX First Look.
The Desmo450's 449.6cc liquid-cooled four-valve DOHC Single-cylinder engine with a 96mm bore and a 62.1mm stroke produces impressive claimed figures, said to deliver 63.5 horsepower at 9,400 rpm and 39.5 lb-ft. of torque at 7,500. Although several models within Ducati's lineup have recently opted for conventional spring actuated valvetrains, the Desmo450 lives up to its name and sticks with desmo valves, due to its relatively high 11,000 rpm redline. In addition to its lightweight chassis, it comes replete with a host of advanced electronic rider aids, including ride modes, adjustable traction control, engine braking management, tip over detection, a quickshifter, and launch control.
As per the usual for Ducati models, its latest offering will arrive in dealerships supported by a host of Ducati Performance accessories, such as Akrapovič titanium exhaust systems, Brembo Racing components, and CNC-machined parts. Beyond that, Ducati branded gear is available from Arai, Alpinestars, and Spidi.
Begin Press Release:
Ducati Desmo450 MX Now Arriving in North American Dealerships
Sunnyvale, CA – August 6, 2025 – The all-new Ducati Desmo450 MX has started arriving in dealerships across the United States, marking a historic milestone as Ducati brings its racing heritage to American motocross for the first time.
Developed through elite-level competition, the Desmo450 MX embodies Ducati’s commitment to performance and innovation. The bike made its competitive debut with immediate success—claiming the 2024 Italian Prestige MX1 title with Alessandro Lupino and earning 2025 MXGP World Championship podium finishes with Ducati factory rider Jeremy Seewer.
Ducati received full AMA homologation in early July. With production bikes now reaching North American dealers, the brand’s entry into American motocross racing is on schedule for the 2026 season and will be led in partnership with Troy Lee Designs. More team and program details will be announced later this year.
Earlier this month, Ducati showcased its U.S. racing ambitions when nine-time World Champion Tony Cairoli returned to the gate, riding the Desmo450 MX at two AMA Pro Motocross Championship rounds—RedBud and Spring Creek. His appearances marked the first time a Ducati competed at a U.S. national motocross event, with Cairoli earning a top-ten finish in Moto 1 at RedBud and Moto 2 at Spring Creek.
“This moment is more than just a product launch — it’s the start of a new chapter for Ducati in North America,” said Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. “With the Desmo450 MX now at dealerships, we are one step closer to bringing Ducati Red to the starting line in U.S. motocross.”
Riders and enthusiasts can personalize their Desmo450 MX with an extensive catalog of Ducati Performance accessories, including Akrapovič titanium exhaust systems, Brembo Racing components, and CNC-machined parts—all accessible via the Ducati Configurator.
To complete the race-inspired look, Ducati also offers a full line of technical gear developed in collaboration with Drudi Performance, featuring apparel and equipment from Alpinestars, Arai, and Spidi.
The Ducati Desmo450 MX is now available at participating Ducati dealerships across North America. For more information, visit www.ducati.com.
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Wonder what the owner's manual has written in it under the periodic maintenance section. That's not to say, any MX bike is low maintenance, but in a comparative sense, and brand sense, I bet the Duc MX is goofy expensive.
He who knows nothing about desmo valves should shut up. I raced ama on ducks and only serviced valves once a year.