Ducati Reveals The Desmo450 MX, Brand’s First Motocross
Ducati has revealed the Desmo450 MX. It is the first motocross bike from the manufacturing plant in Borgo Panigale, Italy. This bike shows the commitment of the Italian marque to explore new market segments. The Desmo450 MX is also offered with a multitude of features, making it an appealing proposition.
What’s Unique?
The Desmo450 MX is developed by experienced motocross racers Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino, bringing enthusiasm to the table. It is the first bike in the motocross segment to offer a desmodromic engine, utilizing valves to open and close by cams and rocker arms as opposed to cams and springs. This gives them precise valve control and the ability to run at high revs consistently.
Engine
The Desmo450 MX is powered by a 449.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 62 HP and 54 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a quickshifter. It is a high-revving engine, going to a limit of 11,900 Rpm. The engine features a 96mm bore and 62.1mm stroke. The bike also offers several features such as Traction Control and two riding modes, launch control and engine brake control.
Structural Components
Ducati has built a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame, reducing welds and improving structural rigidity whilst maintaining low weight, when it comes to the Desmo450 MX. The bike weighs 104.8 kg (wet weight without fuel), which is one of the lightest in the segment.
Suspension & Braking
There is the presence of 49mm Showa forks up front, which are fully adjustable, offering travel of 310mm. At the rear, there is a fully adjustable monoshock suspension setup offering 301mm of travel. The braking is handled by Brembo, signifying the partnership between the two brands. In the front, there is a 260mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. At the rear, there is a 240mm disc setup, providing sufficient stopping power.
Maintenance Schedule
It will be necessary to replace pistons every 45 hours with a valve clearance check, and the total engine overhaul is set at 90 hours, considering it is a desmodromic engine.
Accessories
The Ducati Performance catalogue offers a plethora of accessories other than the official Showa suspension, not available to privateer customers. The accessories include machined wheel hubs, triple clamps, Akrapovic titanium slip-on silencer, Brembo Racing brake calipers and much more.
Additionally, the accessories can allow riders to create a replica of the Desmo450 MX raced in MXGP World Championship by Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini. It is a catalogue created in collaboration with Drudi Performance, consisting of a complete Alpinestars jersey/pants/gloves/boots set, Arai Helmet, wind vest, softshell and Spidi Rain Jacket.
Outlook
The Ducati Desmo450 MX is going to launch in the United States for the time being at a converted price of approximately Rs. 10 Lakh. There is no announcement regarding the launch in other markets as of now. However, after analysing the sales performance of the bike, it is possible that the Desmo450 MX can be seen in other markets.
