Ducati has launched the Desmo450 MX in India, almost exactly a year after the model made its international debut. This motorcycle comes at a premium, but it also pushes the envelope for the Italian marque with some segment-first features.
- 449.6cc Desmodromic single makes 63.5hp and 53.5Nm
- Gets traction control and launch control
- Weighs just 104.8kg wet (without fuel)
Ducati Desmo450 MX India details
The Desmo450 MX is the brand’s first dirt bike
At the heart of the Desmo450 MX is a newly developed 449.6cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 63.5hp and 53.5Nm, with a rev limit of 11,900rpm.
The bike is built around a lightweight aluminium perimeter frame that minimises welds for improved structural rigidity while keeping weight down, resulting in a wet weight (without fuel) of 104.8kg. Suspension comprises fully adjustable Showa units with 310mm/301mm of travel (front/rear), while braking duties are handled by Brembo. The Desmo450 MX also features a comprehensive electronics package that includes traction control, launch control, engine brake control and two riding modes – all adjustable via WiFi through the X-Link app.
Built purely for off-road racing, it has no lights or mirrors and is not street legal. It also demands race-bike-like upkeep, with oil changes every 15 hours and piston replacement and valve clearance checks every 45 hours.
The Desmo450 MX is only the second proper, full-fledged European MX bike to be officially available in India after the KTM 450 SX-F, which is currently listed at Rs 10.25 lakh and is notably more affordable than the Ducati. That said, the price of the KTM 450 SX-F has not yet been revised on the KTM India website following the implementation of the GST 2.0 structure. While an increase is expected, there will likely still be a significant gap between the two.
The Kawasaki KX450 is another MX machine officially available in our market, and it is currently listed at Rs 9.92 lakh.
All prices, ex-showroom, India.
Ved Janve
Dinshaw Magol
