Ducati is carrying the Desmo450 MX and Desmo450 MX Factory into the 2027 model year with changes shaped by the project’s first racing season. The underlying formula remains intact, but the update targets the areas that matter on a motocross bike: response, ergonomics, reliability and durability.

What changes on the Desmo450 MX

The standard Desmo450 MX gains a 51-tooth rear sprocket, intended to increase torque at the rear wheel and improve drive out of corners. The tips of the gearshift and rear-brake pedals have been reshaped, while the fuel cap grows to 40 mm. New Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres use 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear sizes. Ducati has also revised components including the starter-motor gear coupling, water-pump oil seal, exhaust manifold, chain-guide support and engine-mounting brackets.

The 449.6 cc single-cylinder Desmo engine produces 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Its aluminium twin-spar frame is paired with fully adjustable Showa suspension providing 310 mm of front travel and 301 mm at the rear. The electronics package includes two power modes, two riding modes, Ducati Traction Control, power launch, quickshift and engine-brake control. A predictive-maintenance system is also available through a Wi-Fi module, adjusting service intervals using riding data. The wheel sizes are 21 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear.

The Factory’s extra hardware

The Desmo450 MX Factory carries over the standard model’s updates and adds a more specialised competition specification. Its full titanium Akrapovič exhaust and dedicated mapping cut weight by 1.7 kg, while the Showa suspension receives special surface treatments. The equipment list also includes billet-aluminium triple clamps, a hole-shot device, front-disc and sump guards, and a gold RK MXU O-ring chain.

The X-Link app, used with the Wi-Fi module, allows adjustments to engine response, launch control, engine braking and Ducati Traction Control. For the first time, versions intended for the United States receive dedicated suspension settings and components, together with a 20 mm triple-clamp offset instead of 22 mm. The standard bike uses Ducati Red with black logos, while the Factory adopts the 2027 Ducati Corse colours. Deliveries have started at selected European dealers, with expansion to other regions planned later.