Ducati has officially entered a new era, with the first Desmo450 MX rolling off the production line in Borgo Panigale.
The launch marks the brand’s first-ever motocross model, signalling a major expansion into off-road racing after decades of road and track dominance.
Development of the Desmo450 MX began in 2022, with Ducati Corse Off-Road leading the charge. The bike made its competition debut in the 2024 Italian Prestige MX1 Championship before stepping onto the world stage in the 2025 FIM MXGP World Championship. Just two rounds into its Grand Prix career, the Desmo450 MX earned Ducati its first-ever MXGP podium, with Jeremy Seewer claiming third overall at the MXGP of Spain.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said the project was born from the company’s deep racing roots and a surprising amount of off-road passion already inside the factory. “All this has allowed us to present the Desmo450 MX: an easy and high-performance bike, for amateurs and professionals alike,” he explained.
Production models will be available with a range of Ducati Performance components, including factory-spec upgrades developed alongside the race programme.
The Desmo450 MX represents not just a new motorcycle, but a bold move into an entirely new racing frontier for the Bologna-based brand.
