After several teasers, Ducati has finally dropped the cover off its all-new motocross bike called the Desmo450 MX, giving us our first look at the Italian manufacturer’s off-road weapon completely unobscured. The prototype shown is draped in the racing livery it will sport in competition this year and opens up a new chapter for the brand which will include a complete range of off-road motorcycles available on the market in the next few years.

One of the most intriguing features of the new machine is its 450cc powerplant which includes Ducati’s renowned desmodromic valve system, used on all their sports bikes, including MotoGP. A first in the motocross segment, desmo valves eliminate the need for springs and allow for a higher-rev ceiling without valve float issues. “We can’t wait to see the Desmo in all its potential at work off the asphalt,” says the Bologna-based manufacturer.

The engine is housed in a double-cradle frame suspended on top-of-the-line Showa upside-down forks and a monoshock out back. Keeping things rolling is a set of 21”/19” Takasago Excel wheels shod with Pirelli MX 32 knobby tires, while stopping duties are carried out by a Brembo system. Other visible components include a double-sided aluminum swingarm, an Akrapovic exhaust and D.I.D chain. Not much more is known about the new bike as Ducati is yet to provide full specs, so far only revealing it will have “a very broad power delivery curve.”

As for when the Desmo450 MX will be available to the masses, Ducati says it will go into production in the second half of 2025. The target of this first season of racing is mainly to acquire data and information to contribute to the development of the motocross bike. It will be Alessandro Lupino who will take part in all the rounds of the Italian Championship, as well as in an intense testing program, in which he will be joined by Antonio Cairoli.

The race debut of the Ducati Desmo450 MX is planned for March 16 and 17 in Mantua for the first round of the Italian Motocross Pro Prestige MX1 Championship.