Ducati Reveals Desmo-Powered Dirt Bikes Coming & MX Racing Plans
The Italian manufacturer confirms a full line of off-road machines is in the works.
Ducati opens a new chapter in its storied history with the announcement of plans to enter the world of motocross next year. With that goal in mind, the Bologna based manufacturer has confirmed they’ve been working for two years on a prototype that will make its debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship.
Ducati’s multi-year enduro project is set to spawn a complete range of off-road engines and motorcycles. The models will gradually become part of a family of enduro motorcycles branded Ducati, starting with motocross. But racing at the highest levels is something the brand says is an important part of the development. “This strategy distinguishes Ducati in the development of its sportiest and most high-performance models, i.e. starting from racing competition and then creating series products capable of exceptional performance for the delight of its enthusiasts,” says Ducati.

The displacement of the upcoming bike has not been confirmed by Ducati, but several Italian outlets that forecasted the news of today’s announcement are reporting that a 450cc machine is ready to go. Ducati did reveal however that the off-road project is a combination of the “search for lightness pushed to the extreme, top-of-the-line components and engines characterized by a very broad power delivery curve.” They go on to say that this will be thanks to the use of the Desmodromic system, used on all their sports bikes, including MotoGP. Ducati is in fact the only company in the world that uses the same valve return system on its highest performing production motorcycles as it does on racing prototypes. “We can’t wait to see the Desmo in all its potential at work off the asphalt!,” adds Ducati.
The Bologna-based company has signed an agreement with nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli as a high-performance test rider for the new project and, thanks to his talent, speed and experience, he will give important input for the development of the new motorcycle.

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, commented: ”I am proud to announce Ducati’s entry into Motocross. A totally new world for Ducati in which we want to bring our talent in designing lightweight motorcycles, with excellent components and high performance and – above all – which can excite more and more motorcyclists. Just as we believe that the track is the best laboratory to develop and test the bikes that will then be available to customers and enthusiasts. This is why we have decided to cooperate with an undisputed champion like Tony Cairoli who, together with the passion and dedication of many of us here in Borgo Panigale, will contribute to making Ducati in off-road as capable in offering very high-performance products to its passionate customers as we have proven on the asphalt.”

Antonio Cairoli added: “I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world, and to begin this exciting new adventure, in an all-Italian project. Being able to make my contribution to the development of the Borgo Panigale motocross bike is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.”
Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock, which will be the reference structure for the MX racing activities and will take part in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, also contracted to Ducati as racing and test rider.
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FINALLY – a legitimate effort by DUCATI to to enter the world of DIRT!