Ducati Desmo450 MX Makes India Debut at ISRL Season 2 Finale

Ducati has unveiled the Desmo450 MX in India. The first-ever motocross motorcycle from Ducati, the Desmo450 MX made its debut at the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 finale in Calicut. This marks the Italian bikemaker’s official entry into India’s growing off-road and motorsport culture.

Speaking on this occasion, Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, said, “The reception for the Desmo450 MX in Calicut was phenomenal. The passion and excitement from the fans were palpable, and it was the perfect welcome for our new off-road chapter. Unveiling the Desmo450 MX at the ISRL finale was the ideal decision, it confirms our belief in the immense potential of the Indian market, and we look forward to launching it next year.”

Ducati has confirmed that prices of the Desmo450 MX in India will be announced in the first quarter of 2026. When launched it will go up against motocross bikes such as the Kawasaki KX450. In all likelihood, the upcoming Ducati will not be street legal in India and only meant for closed environments just like the KX450.

Ducati Desmo450 MX: Mechanical Specs

Powering the Ducati Desmo450 MX is a new 449.6 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 62.6 bhp at 9400 rpm and peak torque of 53.5 Nm at 7500rpm. The engine is said to deliver strong yet manageable power, making it suitable for both professional racers and amateur riders. The Desmodromic valve system of this mill allows it to reach an impressive rev limit of 11,900 rpm, making it ideal for quick pickup. Further, Ducati claims that this engine produces 70% of maximum torque as early as 4,200 rpm for better drive out of corners.

Built on an ultra-lightweight aluminium chassis that weighs just 9 kg, the Ducati Desmo450 MX weighs just 104.8 kg (kerb). This frame sits on a fully-adjustable 49 mm Showa upside down fork and a Showa monoshock, offering 310 mm and 301 mm of wheel travel respectively. Braking duties are carried out by a 260 mm front  and a 240 mm rear disc brakes. The motorcycle rides on Takasago Excel rims paired with Alpina spokes and is shod with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres, sized 80/100 on the 21-inch front wheel and 110/90 on the 19-inch rear.

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