Ducati Desmo250 MX unveiled

Nearly a year after unveiling the Desmo450 MX, Ducati has expanded its motocross line-up with the new Desmo250 MX. Designed for the MX2 category, the Desmo250 MX uses an all-new 249cc single-cylinder engine and shares its chassis, electronics and overall architecture with the larger Desmo450 MX.

1. New 249cc single-cyl engine produces 44.5hp
2. Rev limit stands at 15,000rpm thanks to desmodromic valves
3. Gets predictive maintenance and patented traction control

Ducati’s second MX model: what’s new?

The engine uses the same bore and stroke as each cylinder of the Panigale V4 R

Powering the Desmo250 MX is a new 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 44.5hp at 12,500rpm and 28.3 Nm at 8,800 rpm. It uses Ducati’s trademark desmodromic valve actuation, allowing it to rev to 15,000rpm. Interestingly, the engine uses the same 81mm bore and 48.4mm stroke dimensions as each cylinder of the Panigale V4 R’s, 999cc, engine, although it has been developed specifically for motocross use. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox with an upshift quickshifter.

The chassis comprises an aluminium perimeter frame and aluminium swingarm paired with fully adjustable Showa suspension featuring Kashima coating. Ducati says the suspension has been specifically tuned for the 250, while braking hardware consists of Brembo calipers and 260mm front and 240mm rear Galfer discs. The bike has a claimed weight of 103kg (wet weight, without fuel) and comes shod with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres.

The electronics suite includes two engine maps, three levels of traction control, three levels of launch control and two levels of engine brake adjustment, all configurable through Ducati’s X-Link app.

The Desmo250 MX also gets Ducati’s predictive maintenance system, which uses an algorithm to calculate engine stress based on riding conditions and adjusts maintenance intervals accordingly. Valve clearance inspection is due after 45 hours of use, while piston replacement is recommended between 45 and 60 hours depending on engine stress. A full engine overhaul is scheduled between 90 and 120 hours of usage.

The Desmo250 MX will go on sale in selected European markets from July 2026, with North American deliveries beginning in August. Ducati has not announced plans to introduce this MX bike in India. However, since the Italian marque launched the Desmo450 MX, it remains to be seen if the brand gets it here in India on a made-to-order basis.