A new competition project made its debut at EICMA 2026 with the 2027 Dakar in its sights: the Ducati EDS 450 Rally by Rebel X. The machine starts with the new EDS 450, but its rally configuration was developed by Rebel X under Manuel Lucchese’s direction. Lucchese’s brand covers motorcycle development and production. Ducati clarifies that the result has Ducati origins, but is not a Ducati model in the conventional sense.

The race comes before the replicas

Turin’s Hyle Project created the motorcycle’s design, giving the build a distinct identity while addressing the demands of desert competition. Its first major test will come at the 2027 Dakar, where Tiziano Internò—better known in the rally scene as Rally Pov—will ride the prototype in the Original by Motul category. The information gathered from that effort is intended to guide the development of a small replica series.

The project also reflects Lucchese’s racing and business career. He is a Baja world champion and has competed in the Dakar’s Malle Moto category. Away from racing, Rebel X Sports focuses on motorcycle prototyping and development, while Dubai-based Gravity Global Technologies works in reverse engineering and motorcycle parts. Those businesses mainly help finance his racing and reduce his reliance on sponsors. After suffering a serious spinal injury in 2025, Lucchese has set himself the goal of returning to the Dakar in 2028.