The Ducati Desmo450 MX made quite a splash when it was first introduced, marking the Italian marque’s entry into the motocross segment and its first production off-road motorcycle. The bike proved competitive from the outset, winning the 2024 Italian MX1 Championship in its debut season. Since then, Ducati has expanded the platform with two more off-road-focused variants: the Desmo450 MX Factory and Desmo450 EDX. Here's what each has to offer.
Ducati Desmo450 variant breakdown
Desmo450 MX
The Desmo450 MX is the base model, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 17.24 lakh. It is a track-only motocross machine with no lights or mirrors, and weighs just 104.8kg without fuel. Hardware includes fully adjustable Showa suspension, with 310mm of travel at the front and 301mm at the rear. The bike rides on a 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheel. For 2027, it was updated with a 51-tooth rear sprocket (up from 49) and new Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres.
Desmo450 EDX
At Rs 18.55 lakh, the EDX is Rs 1.31 lakh more expensive than the MX. Ducati positions it as an option for riders looking to compete in enduro events. Changes over the MX include a larger 8.5-litre fuel tank, along with a different seat and tank shrouds. It also features a smaller 18-inch rear wheel and Pirelli Scorpion XC Mid-Soft tyres. While the suspension hardware and travel are shared with the MX, Ducati says the setup has been tuned for enduro and cross-country use.
Desmo450 MX Factory
The MX Factory is the most expensive variant, at Rs 21.26 lakh, and is a more competition-focused dirt bike. It shares the same 449.6cc single-cylinder engine as the other two models, producing 63.5hp at 9,400rpm and 53.5Nm at 7,500rpm, but adds an Akrapovič titanium exhaust as standard. The Showa suspension gets a Dark Kashima coating and titanium oxide treatment, and the bike weighs 104kg without fuel. It also gets a holeshot device, an RK MXU O-ring chain, a sump guard and a disc rotor guard.
Stephen Raj Antony
