Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati introduced its first motocross offering, the Desmo450 MX, to the Indian market at the ISRL Season 2 finale in Calicut, with plans to launch in early 2026.
22 Dec 2025 | 1528 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
Ducati marked its entry into the Indian off-road motorcycle segment with the debut of the Desmo450 MX at the Indian Supercross Racing League finale on December 21 in Calicut.
The unveiling took place during the championship-deciding race of ISRL Season 2, the world's first franchise-based supercross league. The event ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Ducati marked its entry into the Indian off-road motorcycle segment with the debut of the Desmo450 MX at the Indian Supercross Racing League finale on December 21 in Calicut.
The unveiling took place during the championship-deciding race of ISRL Season 2, the world's first franchise-based supercross league. The event drew a substantial crowd of motorsports enthusiasts who witnessed the first public appearance of Ducati's latest off-road machine in India.
"The reception for the Desmo450 MX in Calicut was phenomenal," said Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India. "The passion and excitement from the fans were palpable, and it was the perfect welcome for our new off-road chapter."
The Desmo450 MX represents Ducati's first foray into motocross and features several technical innovations. The bike is powered by a 449.6 cc single-cylinder engine equipped with Desmodromic valve distribution, making it the only motorcycle in its category to utilize this technology.
According to Ducati, the motocross bike incorporates a lightweight aluminum frame and advanced electronics designed to accommodate both amateur and professional riders. Notably, the Desmo450 MX is equipped with what Ducati claims is the first traction control system in a motocross bike capable of precisely measuring actual rear wheel slippage, a feature for which the company has filed a patent application.
The technical specifications and design elements stem from Ducati's approach of developing and refining technologies through competitive racing environments. The company has maintained a presence in elite motorcycle racing series including MotoGP and WorldSBK Championships.
Ducati India confirmed that the Desmo450 MX will be launched in the Indian market during the first quarter of 2026. The timing of the unveiling at the ISRL finale reflects the company's strategic focus on the growing Indian motorsports market.
The Italian manufacturer, founded in 1926 and based in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, continues to expand its product portfolio beyond its traditional street motorcycle offerings. The company manufactures motorcycles at its Italian factory and competes in various international racing championships.
Ducati is currently the sole official supplier of motorcycles for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup through 2026, providing electric racing motorcycles for the MotoGP World Championship's electric class. The company operates under the management and coordination of AUDI AG as a sole shareholder entity.