Italian motorcycle manufacturer enters competitive dirt bike market with 450cc model, partnering with Prelaunch.com for early reservations beginning July 2025
20 May 2025 | 1727 Views | By Angitha Suresh
Ducati announced its entry into the motocross market with the unveiling of the Desmo450 MX, the company's first purpose-built 450cc competition dirt bike. The motorcycle will be available for early reservation exclusively through product validation platform Prelaunch.com ahead of production beginning in July 2025.
The Desmo450 MX features a ...
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Ducati announced its entry into the motocross market with the unveiling of the Desmo450 MX, the company's first purpose-built 450cc competition dirt bike. The motorcycle will be available for early reservation exclusively through product validation platform Prelaunch.com ahead of production beginning in July 2025.
The Desmo450 MX features a 450cc single-cylinder engine with Ducati's Desmodromic valve system, producing 63.5 horsepower at 9,400 rpm. The motorcycle includes electronic features uncommon in the motocross segment, including traction control, launch control, and a quick shifter system for upshifts.
Developed by Ducati Corse Off-Road, the motorcycle has already seen competition success, winning in the Italian Motocross Pro-Prestige MX1 Championship during its development phase. The bike weighs 231 pounds without fuel, positioning it among the lighter options in the competitive 450cc class.
Component suppliers for the Desmo450 MX include established off-road racing brands, with Showa providing suspension, Brembo handling braking components, and Takasago contributing Excel rims. The motorcycle also features a lithium-ion battery to reduce weight.
In a departure from traditional motorcycle releases, Ducati is using Prelaunch.com to gauge market interest before full production. Customers placing early reservations will receive a customized Ducati x Alpinestars riding jersey with their name printed on it.
Ducati, founded in Bologna, Italy in 1926, has historically focused on street and track motorcycles, becoming known for its distinctive L-twin and V4 engines. The company has achieved multiple championships in road racing series including MotoGP and World Superbike.
The motocross market represents a significant shift for Ducati, placing the brand in competition with established manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Kawasaki. These companies have dominated professional motocross racing for decades with purpose-built off-road machines.
This expansion follows industry trends of diversification, as several motorcycle manufacturers have recently entered new segments to capture additional market share in response to changing rider preferences and increased competition in traditional categories.
Financial terms of the partnership between Ducati and Prelaunch.com were not disclosed in the announcement.