Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory Breaks Cover

Ducati, which largely focuses on tarmac-based machines, entered the motocross segment with the Desmo450 MX in April last year. Developed with the help of nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo450 MX made its debut in India last month at the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 finale in Calicut. 

The Italian bikemaker recently confirmed that the motocross bike is set to go on sale in India in the first quarter of 2026. Ahead of its launch in India, Ducati has globally unveiled a more hardcore version of the Desmo450 MX. Called the Desmo450 MX Factory, this version of the bike gets some upgrades over the standard Desmo450 MX.

Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory: What’s new?

The Desmo450 MX Factory weighs 800 g less than the standard model, tipping the scales at 104 kg (wet, without fuel), which results in an improved power-to-weight ratio suited to tight and technical motocross tracks. The weight reduction has been achieved through the use of machined and titanium components. It is built around the same aluminium perimeter frame, which is constructed using just 11 components.

The only additional update is the inclusion of a Com-Link Wi-Fi module, which enables smartphone connectivity via the X-Link app. As with the standard Desmo 450 MX, the Factory variant allows riders to customise riding modes by adjusting throttle response, engine braking, Ducati Traction Control, and launch control settings.

Also READ: Ducati Enters The Motocross Arena With The Desmo450 MX

Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory: What remains unchanged?

Powering the Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory is the same 449.6 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine churns out 63.5 bhp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm at 7,5000 rpm. The engine's redline is set at a very high 11,900 rpm and the motor uses titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves. This engine is paired with a full Akrapovič exhaust that helps deliver a progressive torque curve, strong low‑end pull, and steady mid‑range.

On the hardware front, the Desmo450 MX Factory is equipped with a 49 mm Showa upside-down front fork and a rear monoshock, both of which are fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of track conditions. Suspension travel stands at 310 mm at the front and 301 mm at the rear. Finished with premium Dark Kashima and TiO surface coatings, the suspension setup delivers smoother damping, enhanced durability, and improved control under demanding motocross riding conditions.