Ducati in Supercross? The Desmo450 MX | What We Know

Ducati unveiled the Desmo450 MX prototype and the Ducati Corse R&D Motocross team. Learn what we know here.

[@patrickcaudill2939]

I think it’s a win-win for the entire sport. The Desmo valve system is a phenomenal way to control valves. Be excited to see the next step they take within the project. And yes, the bike you’re showing is gorgeous 👍🏼

[@KR15ING]

Get your $20k ready boys

[@LilSebastian_]

You can buy 2 450s for that price... its so f'ing stupid.

[@aries300x]

That is nonsense talk. Their new 698 super moto has way more tech and emissions hoops to comply with, and the entry is 12,995 . So no, it absolutely won't be 20k . As someone who owns Ducati I am betting 12,495 to 12,995

[@slayer6936]

Probably 30k. 😂

[@OneFatBraaap]

Dead wrong, ladies. Think husky prices

[@garymorrow1359]

😂😂😂

[@Isawapuddycat]

Strange seeing Tony not wearing Red Bull...

[@curtiscollins2174]

Very well done Mike. Always enjoy your point of view and informative video's.

[@vitalmx]

Thanks 👍

[@johnnynitro7523]

That is one of the most beautiful dirt bikes ever made...

[@staryotes]

It's a Honda

[@tannenbaum3807]

Looks like any other dirt bike but with a goofy front fender.

[@BlackGr0use]

IT'S RED, IT'S A HONDA!! 😂

[@tonn333]

Husqvarnas are the most beautiful imo... Even the stark varg is more beautiful than this Ducati

[@staryotes]

@tonn333 stark is the worst ( dirt bike ) ever made.... its not a dirt bike

[@waidrepik2895]

Great info. Most educational info so far. It's always good for more companies getting involved in MX. It does look good.

[@RideFishHunt]

I like it, triumph could learn a lot from Ducati on how to reveal a bike.

[@LilSebastian_]

Reveals dont win races...

[@nastysoda9212]

triumph is just a chinese made bike from a garbage corporation.

[@daneg]

The Triumph drip approach was rather obnoxious and did little to spark my interest...or spark anything other than annoyance and apathy.

[@josephschultz]

@@daneg Amen I'll second that

[@KacKLaPPeN23]

I honestly lost all interest after the second post. Found out they fully released it when I happened to stumble upon one standing in front of me lmao.

[@kirkdunn1379]

it looks good, well see how production bike looks and performs.....they always produce great motors so be interesting.....good to see more brands

[@brint649649]

Great looking unit right there

[@ChrisMaveric]

Cool looking for sure... excellent, informative video!

[@aauht]

if roczen does sign to ducati, instead of doing a testing deal for 2025, imagine we see roczen racing mxgp in 2025 debuting the desmo and then back in USA for 2026. Would be an incredible story

[@kimkristensen2816]

Cool looking bike from Triumph and Ducati to enter the MX world

[@marcissobadass]

It’s beautiful!

[@johngoodwin2384]

Never doubt Ducati ! ❤️🇮🇹🏍

[@jeffjackson8686]

Mike, i am impressed with your knowledge on the Desmo valvetrain and info overall on a unique bke. Ducati wouldn't be in MX if they didn't think they could win. Ducati is a company that will put unlimited money towards rider and bike to claim a #1 plate. In Motogp They had quick success in 2007, then It took them a minute (2022-2023) to get their 2nd and 3rd titles but hard work paid off and now they rule the MotoGP landscape. Just consider they have 8 motogp bikes on the grid at a approx Million plus for each bike. If they put half of that money towards MX/SX...... wow. The only downside to the Desmo system is that the valves will need adjusted pretty often.

[@docstomp5524]

Gorgeous bike

[@DrDanTDC]

Beautiful bike.

[@terencesingerline135]

I love Ducati and Triumph getting into the MX arena.. I can only hope it crosses over to both companies and making a 450 Adventure Bike..

[@chrisvozza6530]

If they make a production 250f with the desmo head I will buy it. Love the look of the 450. Can't wait to see what kinda power it has on the first tests . Super pumped for this bike and ducati

[@fireboltaz]

This basically a Honda with a Ducati badge

[@Buzdu22]

You can bet they'll get into every single class of MX. This is purely VW going after KTM to show them who's boss. Wait for it!

[@platin2148]

I highly doubt VW will pump as much money in there bikes on off-road also KTM probably has a lot more up there sleeves.

[@Buzdu22]

@@platin2148 that's what people probably thought when VW was pursuing building supercars... Now look at the Bugatti venture, and Lambo. The offroad market is large and mainly untapped by Ducati, thus the entry into MX. Like I said, wait for it.

[@s1mai]

cool to see Tony with a huge support he wished for. After all his titles on KTM and Red Bull they didn't want him to race US MX. So now he's home with his italian family. Awesome!

[@nickhowser7262]

It was released as a whole bike which is much better than the way Triumph went about it.

[@davesmith6754]

LOVE IT... awesome for the sport just get to AMA asap

[@dougnash6316]

Wow, looks like 3D printed cylinder and head. Very prototype. 👍👍 7 min in.

[@RobertJones-ix2hu]

Bike looks Rad AF 🤘🏻

[@Mavrick121]

Thankful for monster supporting the sport but for the love of god can we get a different sponsor for somebody? Triumph, Yamaha, Kawi, Ducati, there’s some Hondas with monster graphics. I know this is a dumb complaint but it bugs me lol

[@shanemc9495]

It would look cool if shell petroleum had their logo on it, the red Ducati and the yellow shell logo would go nice

[@doglover136_]

beta is sponsored by fiji

[@nevanrushing3608]

Awesome bike!

[@kennethhewish2455]

I think it's stunning and a step forward. Mind you I still believe that 2 strokes should be used everywhere aswel. Just like in the vmx it's awesome.

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Love to see Ducati branching out. Their new Super motard bike looks awesome and incredibly light and powerful, and now this. Ken would be a great get for Ducati if they could sign him, but would be a shame for Suzuki to lose him.

[@Buzdu22]

It's not Ducati that's branching out, you can bet that's VW... It's the way Volkswagen operates after the purchase of a brand, first quality improvement, then expansion. Just look at Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti or any other brand in the VW group.

[@quadrizeps1148]

Really looking forward to the desmodromic.. my only concern is the service time. Ducati says 7 Hours minimum for adjusting your valve clearance, it has to be really precise ...

[@matt290v]

For what it’s worth, you say “takes ques from other bikes, you’re not going to really reinvent the wheel”, which is true to an extent but the desmo valve system (albeit old) will be brand new to motocross and could prove to be a huge advantage. This will be the biggest change/new tech we’ve seen on any platform since Yamaha did the top down air intake in what, 2013? (correct me if im wrong?) For a decade now, our bikes have gotten marginally better, like 2 steps forward and 1.85 steps backward every couple years… Ducati entering the sport should be nothing short of astronomical, and if nothing else, will certainly put HEAVY pressure on the other manufacturers to up their game for the next decade (we’re looking at you Suzuki).

[@vitalmx]

We'd hope Suzuki finally releases an updated bike...

[@BigKidCasey]

Look what they have done in road racing and on the streets... they have put max effort in and are successful. I'm sure they will work and spend until they have great mx bikes and racing success.

[@dingoraysabath]

bike looks so sick i hope they top contenders

[@staryotes]

It's a Honda

[@Motosportz]

Yes! This, other than the lack of a trellis frame was what I was hoping for. Desmo allows radical cam lifts and high RPM. I like the tall / short motor. A high center of gravity but more centered front to back has proven superior many times on motorcycles. Mass centralization works. Its the opposite of why ADV bikes with tall rearward bags handle like shit. So cool they released the prototype... Adjustable shifter, data acquisition, CNC parts, cool stuff. Looks wise it reminds me of a vintage Maico somehow. Red with a yellow horizontal stripe. Fun! Love it. People are going to bitch when it is 16k, then go buy the crap out of them because they are cool and fast. Let's GO! ha ha ha

[@silvioroberti-wt3pl]

Love the bike let's get built for the new season

[@user-sg5ws7zw5h]

I like it. Would love to ride one.

[@cnosigamer]

Hi Michael, a great video! What about the two oil windows on inner clutch cover?

[@ropedb]

looks awesome

[@yukonjon5964]

about half of the resistance you feel when slowly rotating a 4-stroke is the valve spring force creating resistance as the valves open. they are placing constant load on each cam lobe making it difficult to rotate the cam. this drag coefficient is one reason we had to get used to early 250F's stalling easily. higher revving engines needed stronger valve springs than your old XR or TTR. people think of Desmo as increasing an engines capability to run higher RPM's before valve float destruction, and this is true. but the less noticed bonus of Desmo is increased HP across the board due to less parasitic drag. take the spark plug out and it will spin more like a 2-stroke. while only Ducati knows percentage gained per engine size, think of adding a mini supercharger to any 4-stoke and you get the idea. these engines will naturally have more torque, make more power and stall less without needing to rev any higher than normal 450's. but you can bet they will indeed rev higher as well.

[@judithwedge133]

Very insightful. From my understanding the Desmodromic system also allows the intake valves to be opened faster, held open longer and shut later. A more aggressive camshaft can be used without Valve-bounce. The same goes for the exhaust valves which can be accelerated more quickly to get the exhaust gasses out faster. Just a side note on your comment, desmodromic valve actuation is not a free lunch so to speak, there is more moving parts and there is friction and that friction increases with revs. Conventional springs do take energy to compress as you have said but a lot of that energy is returned as the spring decompresses. I am no authority on the subject I welcome your thoughts on the matter. Joshua / Aqualeon

[@yukonjon5964]

@@judithwedge133 yes, thanks. i concur that Desmo does create its own unique set of drag inducing issues including the spring that keeps the lifter arms contacting the cam. it does not rotate completely freely. just the cam chain creates load. my goal was to keep it simple for the sake of interest that the machine may outperform the competition without necessarily revving any higher than the other brands, which as most expect is the main purpose of the Desmo.

[@judithwedge133]

Yes you're right, i think there is springs (leaf springs ?) On all road Ducati bikes with the Desmo system. I'm led to believe this is to make sure the valves close fully and for better starting of the bike. I dont think the Motogp bikes bother with the springs and it would be interesting to know if the MX bike does have springs. I suspect it does. Maybe the race version omits them ? Anyway good to talk with you, it could be a monster of a bike !!

[@yukonjon5964]

@@judithwedge133 copy that. it's just encouraging that with all the hype about electric bikes, we have two manufacturers making new bikes!

[@judithwedge133]

@@yukonjon5964 absolutely ! Have a good day / evening bro 👊😎👍

[@bbarker5766]

I'm excited to see the new brands coming to offroad. Can they be competitive... it's Ducati, never underestimate them it will depend on the riders that they can get as other race teams do.

[@azdesertrider]

i like it , the bike sounds , now lets see who can really ride it..

[@Josh-py2pq]

She’s banging! I’d love to dial in the suspension and take in on the track for the day.

[@toddpillow3074]

How interesting that desmo has potential to boost low end grunt. Desmo on a 250 should provide killer top end revs and power. We all heard how Yamaha’s beefed up cam chain setup has hurt the YZ250F throttle response so maybe desmo will provide big gains everywhere?? I hope so…

[@vitalmx]

A desmo 250 would be insane! Or even a 350...Cairoli loves himself a 350.

[@daneg]

@@vitalmx 350cc should be the premiere class displacement. #shotsfired

[@S0RELOSER]

@@danegno it shouldn’t.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

As a longtime Ducati road bike fan and owner I have to pinch myself. I couldn't imagine a Ducati dirt bike.

[@JamieJohnson-vg4dm]

They look sweet. Badass looking I like them

[@tinolino58]

More brands and more diversity is good for the sport.

[@motoprofessor3546]

Great looking bike. Now, can we have rear number plates that hold numbers that are bigger than mailbox numbers?

[@Bt26x]

I dig it. The more OEM’s that get involved in dirt bikes in the better & It’s even cooler to see them get involved in motocross and Supercross. I really like the bike. Finally something that doesn’t resemble a KTM. Something unique. It looks more trick & works like. The technology sounds bad ass too. I’m just wondering how much these would cost by the time they get to production. 🤔

[@damonforrest1570]

Good information and I think the bike is amazing. I’m thinking the bike will be a real good bike. If you can afford it, dang it’s expensive.🤙✌️💯🇺🇸

[@joeybishop7604]

Just imagine all of the mud that’s gonna accumulate upon the top of that front fender. It’s like a shovel.

[@flyinfish7566]

At least it looks strong enough to be a shovel, cause its gonna be interesting in the mud.

[@BilobateDrip]

Good point.

[@fqeagles21]

Probably It Will change but it's like this for a reason

[@sk8city476]

ducati said the actual fenderswere 3d printed samples and they will modfy the fender design

[@DaveEPie]

It rains about 7 day a year here in the south west😁

[@justobservenow3480]

Would love to see 2 strokes back in racing with some serious R&D. Releasing luxury bikes like this is only going to cause the MX prices to skyrocket across all the manufacturers by a lot.

[@SauceyDad]

I want a Desmo 250…it’ll probly take a kidney or 2 but I’m prepared to do that lol I think the bike looks sick!! So weird seeing the 222 in Monster

[@NikoMoraKamu]

it looks like a fast machine

[@Jacob-64]

Engine looks huge in the frame compared to other manufactures

[@brianmartindale2221]

Looks pretty cool. Bodywork kinda reminds me of a pre-KTM Husky. Nice lookin bike though

[@camarov5456]

Husaberg lookin front fender imo

[@GCTV88]

I remember desmo valves on my old 748 had to do a valve job every 2500 miles. Hope that isn’t still a thing on these newer desmo motors.

[@phill4345]

Interesting they went with Showa as apposed to Öhens which seem to be on many of their other models

[@S0RELOSER]

Yep. Im surprised too.

[@vovancelo]

Ducatti - это хороший мотоцикл. Я думаю что Антонио Кайроли плохого не посоветует. В добрый путь к победам!

[@mxlocker]

🔥

[@lewiscassidy4895]

Ktm finally has someone to compete with them in the technology department

[@stevesmith756]

And price

[@Peter-ff1tp]

@@stevesmith756 Hey- this may come as a shock to you, but European stuff tends to cost a little more than Japanese stuff. But… I’d rather have a 911 than a Miata. Maybe it’ll run you 12k rather than 10. Big whoop. There are plenty of CRF450Rs on Craigslist for 4K or less. Have at em.

[@stevesmith756]

@@Peter-ff1tp haha yeah I’ll keep my 23 yz450f. It’s stone cold reliable

[@aaronmachado13]

Love more brands getting involved with the sport though would’ve been awesome seeing Öhlins join with a factory team as last team I remember them being associated with was the old traders racing Yamaha team

[@daneg]

omg. you said Ohlins and I confused it with Penske. Was about to rant about how horrible that Penske experiment was. 😄

[@S0RELOSER]

I was totally expecting this bike to have Ohlins.

[@darwinduquette3160]

Should be the ultimate bike some time soon.

[@GettingthruLife]

for non ducati riders Desmo means Desmodromic valvetrain. In a Ducati Desmo engine street bikes, the exhaust valves don't have return valve springs. It's all mechanical driven off the camshaft for intake and exhaust. In older engines before the more modern and latest valve spring metals that can handle higher rpm's, desmo engines offered the elimination for valve float.

[@vitalmx]

We explain that in the video.

[@GettingthruLife]

@@vitalmx Well then good for people who don't have the patients to watch all the video such as the ones I saw calling it a KTM motor or a Honda. The downside of the valvetrain like this is it's more complex, needs precision adjustment, more often adjust and ducati dealerships can charge big money for service. I have a ducati sportbike.

[@gregoryh4601]

Good Luck Ducati. Sweet looking Bike. Ducati you have to bring out a 250cc model too. Do it Right the First Time. Two Motocross Bikes are better than One.

[@manitolas]

Front fender reminds me the sxv-rxv

[@aidansmith1354]

I don’t mind it. What’s with the front fender?, is the air filter up in front of the gas tank or under the seat?

[@vitalmx]

Air filter is under the seat, similar to a Honda or Kawasaki 450.

[@PinkuStyle]

Man that color looks good. Darkerer red i thought it was candy coloreds.

[@staryotes]

They shouldn't be allowed to use red

[@PinkuStyle]

@@staryotes yea a bit 5o many. Like come on man Pink. PURPLES, ETC

[@jonah12]

That fender make me think of Steve Martin in the movie Roxanne! I’m sure it’ll carry at least an extra 20lbs in a mudder!

[@JustinDeClemente]

Waiting for the Ducati DX450RR Dakar Rally Racer.

[@vitalmx]

Same!

[@trutheye1]

That front fender looks like it will eliminate or at least minimize fender oscillations, which no one ever talks about. You can really see it during slow motion video where it must have some negative effects on how the bike handles.

[@orange1666]

Showa is a way better choice than ohlins and the whole package looks awesome , great job and I’m sure the motor will be amazing

[@stevesmith756]

KYBs would’ve been better

[@justsomeone6835]

Japan 🇯🇵 Bikes for life

[@tylerprokop]

I noticed the mousse ball stickers on the rims. As a enduro guy I am familiar with them but never knew that motocross bikes ran them. Any info on this?

[@Peter-ff1tp]

From what I understand basically all the top level Euro MX guys use mousse rather than air.

[@user-zx1ir7jt4c]

Desmodromic valves are not "infamous" they are famous. I've owned many desmodromic bikes and never had any problems. I doubt they will use them on a dirt bike tho.

[@Carbonx007]

Would be cool to come up with a new color..like teal or light gray or graphite

[@fflex2010]

a 32 year old KR94 would look awesome on that in '26 sx

[@Efemedio1]

ML512, looking very handsome young man! Did you get a haircut? Thank you for all the content and, of course, Pit Bits!

[@platin2148]

Hmm what stuff do they have on the Front on the Fender?

[@footlongfabo]

Was wondering the same thing

[@ProudMurican_PVT-GR137]

❤ 2 bad I really love 2 strokes but still❤️

[@Zackrey507mx]

No olhins suspension?

[@nevanrushing3608]

Gucci set to create mx gear!

[@ollihonkanen4965]

What is that thing on front fender?

[@HFord-vs6hi]

I'm in!! Where do I send my check?

[@21r1_tony2]

Gonna be hard getting me off my 23 KTM 350 SX-F. Especially at 20k lol

[@BuckC]

As you've mentioned before, Ohlins R&D still has a lot of work to do. I've now seen some of the feedback from teams using their offerings in the off road world. It makes sense that Ducati had to move to Showa. This unveil feels like they've already put more time and more money into development that Triumph ever could. I wouldn't be surprised if they were able to hire someone smart enough to say, 'If you're going to sell an MX bike for as much $ as you'd like to, it's going to have to be damn fast and a really good bike'

[@jacquescrusan9500]

the interesting thing about this is that the claims towards unreliability and lack of overall logistical support really don't hold up anymore. Ducati's been part of VolksWagon Group for over 10 years, and have greatly improved for it. Modern Ducatis also have increased their service intervals over the years to be well within touching distance of the big 4 in Japan. I'd hazard a guess and say that there's a possibility that this bike will end up in a similar spot as the KTM conglomerate bikes, but through entirely separate means and methods.

[@sxmNice]

18in reat wheel?

[@sammccall451]

Stark are racing the Italian MX series aren't they?

[@mrabrasive51]

They should give you one free when you buy a Panigali V4..😊

[@MrCyphermonkey]

From first view it looks to have more original / new designs than the Triumph bikes.

[@ROSE-by5su]

Imagine if Ducati went full MOTOGP mode on their MX/SX teams. Everyone in MOTOGP pits want to ride in a Ducati, If DUCATI able to reflect that on their off-road bikes that would be game changer

[@nope-ez3io]

How soon can we expect the triumph 450?

[@vitalmx]

2025.

[@roversberg]

is tony no longer ktm branded?

[@onetwotwo9848]

HA! I wonder how long you'll wait for OEM parts. Missed two motos and the season just started LOL

[@kennethwise7108]

20,000 rpms and 80hp!!! Can you say... "GAME CHANGER?"

[@user-yf2sx2ek9f]

I would like it if there was an enduro version of the desmo

[@wyatt982]

Is the triumph in production? How are they racing supercross. Might be stupid question but genuinely curious

[@vitalmx]

Their 250 has entered production, should be hitting dealerships in the next month or so.

[@astro8807]

We don't get du kart ee over here will ducati build these too?

[@Bigdirtbikeguy]

110 rear tire on the 450

[@stevesmith756]

Good luck with parts or service. And you thought KTM parts were expensive. Stand by!!!

[@gtestastretta1]

If you’ve never owned a Ducati how would you know? And if you can’t afford it just stick to jap bikes and stop crying.

[@C-24-Brandan]

If you look at it closely it's like a honda and ktm had a baby. If its anything like their super, sport and touring motorcycles itll be the best built, best quality as far as parts, reliable, comfortable and super fast compared to the Japanese & cheaper models of the 450s available on the market. Itll be more expensive, guessing in the 15-17k range but being a brand like Ducati, you pay for what you get and want. This will probably be the best all around bike the market and riders have seen/ridden In years, maybe to date.