Ducati Desmo250 and Desmo450
Ducati's Desmo dirt bikes carry its racing method straight into the dirt, in a 250 motocrosser and a full 450 lineup.
Model shown: Ducati Desmo450 MX in Ducati Red, $11,495 MSRP
Starting at $9,995 MSRP
6 versions of the Desmo
Deciding between the Desmo450 MX and Desmo450 SM? Compare them
MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It does not include freight, setup, the $85 doc fee, taxes or registration; each bike in stock shows its total price.
The Desmo250 and Desmo450 for sale
Financing as low as 1.99% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26. on some of the bikes listed here, through October 31. Offer details
Financing as low as 3.99% APR on approved credit. Ends 10/31/26. on some of the bikes listed here, through October 31. Offer details
On approved credit through Ducati Retail Financing for qualified buyers. Not all buyers qualify.
See all Desmo250 and Desmo450 inventory
Total price includes freight, setup and the $85 doc fee on new bikes, and the $85 doc fee on pre-owned bikes. How our prices work
Key figures
- Engine
- 449.6cc
- Power
- 63.5 hp
- Torque
- 39.5 ft-lb
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Wet weight (no fuel)
- 231 lb
Figures for the 2027 Desmo450 MX.
Our take on the Desmo250 and Desmo450
The Desmo450 family carries Ducati's racing method straight into the dirt, and you feel it the moment you crack the throttle. At its heart is a 449.6cc single with desmodromic timing, a project born from know-how gained in MotoGP and refined at the track with feedback from real riders. On the MX and SM it screams to an 11,900 rpm limiter, so you can hold each gear longer out of a turn. That long, ferocious pull is thrilling, and it gives every version a sharp character that feels unmistakably Ducati.
Each version is built for its own job, and each one is seriously exciting. The MX makes 63.5 hp and rides on a fully adjustable 49mm Showa fork, a Showa shock, Brembo calipers with Galfer discs and an aluminum frame with a minimum of weld joints.
The electronics do a lot of quiet work so you can ride harder.
What the reviewers say
“On the track, the Ducati feels narrow and fairly light. It tips the official Dirt Bike scale at 234.5 pounds without fuel.”
Dirt Bike MagazineRon Lawson, November 2025Read the review on Dirt Bike Magazine (opens in a new tab) “There's more than enough torque to ride around in any gear in actual fact; it would pull fourth and fifth gears no problem without gear changes for a whole lap, even in the tight corners.”
Enduro21Enduro21 Team, July 2025Read the review on Enduro21 (opens in a new tab)
Which Desmo is right for you?
6 versions.
2027 model year
Desmo Desmo250 MX
$9,995 MSRP
For motocross in the 250 class, with a desmo single that revs to 15,000 rpm and makes 44.5 hp.
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, fully adjustable
- Wheels
- 21 in front, 19 in rear
- Comes with
- Traction control, quick shift up, Power Launch
- Ducati Red
Not in stock
2027 model year
Desmo Desmo450 MX
$11,495 MSRP
For motocross, with the 450 desmo single at 63.5 hp, MX traction control and Power Launch.
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, fully adjustable
- Wheels
- 21 in front, 19 in rear
- Comes with
- Traction control, Power Launch, quick shift up
- Ducati Red
2026 model year
Desmo Desmo450 MX Factory
$13,995 MSRP
For motocross racing, with Kashima-coated Showa suspension, a holeshot device and a skid plate.
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, Dark Kashima coated
- Wheels
- 21 in front, 19 in rear
- Comes with
- Holeshot device, skid plate, machined triple clamp
- Factory Livery, in stock
In stock
2026 model year
Desmo Desmo450 EDX
$12,495 MSRP
For cross-country racing, with an 18-inch rear wheel, a 2.2-gallon tank, handguards and a skid plate.
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, fully adjustable
- Wheels
- 21 in front, 18 in rear
- Comes with
- Handguards, skid plate, traction control
- Ducati Red, in stock
In stock
2027 model year
Desmo Desmo450 EDS
$12,995 MSRP
A street-legal enduro, with LED lights, an LCD dash, a 6-speed gearbox and Metzeler Karoo 4 tires.
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, fully adjustable
- Wheels
- 21 in front, 18 in rear
- Comes with
- Street legal, LED lights, 6-speed gearbox
- Ducati Red
Not in stock
2027 model year
Desmo Desmo450 SM
$12,995 MSRP
For supermoto, with a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear on spoked tubeless rims and a Brembo Stylema caliper.
- Seat height
- 36.6 in
- Suspension
- Showa 49 mm, fully adjustable
- Wheels
- 16.5 in front, 17 in rear
- Comes with
- Brembo Stylema, traction control, Power Launch
- Ducati Red
Not in stock
MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It does not include freight, setup, the $85 doc fee, taxes or registration; each bike in stock shows its total price. The full Desmo story at Ducati (opens in a new tab)
New for 2027
Shorter final drive
A 51-tooth rear sprocket replaces the 49-tooth one, sending more torque to the rear wheel for extra punch out of corners. Peak power stays at 63.5 hp.
Suspension tuned for US tracks
For the first time, US bikes get their own setup, developed through testing across the country: a revised fork shim stack and oil level with a low-speed valve, a different triple clamp offset, and a stiffer shock spring with revised valving. Ducati says it adds support on jumps and landings and keeps the bike steadier on fast tracks.
Predictive maintenance
With the accessory Wi-Fi module, the bike reads how it is being ridden and adjusts engine service intervals to match, so a lightly used bike goes longer between services.
Everything new
Bigger filler, new pedal tips
A larger 1.6-inch fuel filler speeds up refueling, and redesigned shift and rear brake pedal tips make it easier to move your feet around the controls.
Tougher parts
Lessons from the first race season brought revised starter gear tolerances, a Teflon-coated water pump seal, a reinforced exhaust manifold at the silencer joint, and stronger chain guide support, fork slider guards and front engine mounts.
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires front and rear, picked for traction on modern motocross tracks.
Specifications
Shown for the 2027 Desmo450 MX.
Engine and transmission
- Engine
- Desmo450, single cylinder, Desmodromic timing system 4 valves DOHC, hydraulic tensioner, semi dry sump, liquid cooled
- Capacity
- 449.6cc
- Bore x stroke
- 3.78 x 2.44 in
- Compression
- 13.5:1
- Maximum power
- 63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm
- Maximum torque
- 39.5 ft-lb @ 7,500 rpm
- Fuel system
- Keihin injector, Mikuni throttle body Ø 44 mm
- Exhaust
- Steel muffler with aluminum outer sleeve. Steel header with resonator
- Gearbox
- 5 gears with Quick Shift only up
- Primary drive
- Straight cut gears; Ratio 2.45:1
- Gear ratios
- 1=31/15, 2=30/18, 3=28/20, 4=26/22, 5=24/24
- Final drive
- Chain DID DMS 520, Front sprocket Z13, Rear sprocket Z51
- Clutch
- Multiplate clutch with hydraulic control
All specifications
Chassis
- Frame
- Aluminum welded, with cast, forged and extruded parts.
- Front suspension
- Showa upside down front fork Ø 49 mm fully adjustable. Outer tube with Kashima coating
- Front wheel
- Central spoked wheel, Takasago Excel rim 1.6'' x 21''
- Front tire
- Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft 80/100 R21''
- Rear suspension
- Showa mono shock, fully adjustable
- Rear wheel
- Central spoked wheel, Takasago Excel rim 2.15'' x 19''
- Rear tire
- Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft 110/90 R19
- Wheel travel (front/rear)
- 12.2 in / 11.6 in
- Front brakes
- Galfer Ø 10.2" single disc, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper
- Rear brakes
- Galfer Ø 9.44"
- Instruments
- Hourmeter
Dimensions and capacities
- Wet weight (no fuel)
- 231 lb
- Seat height
- 38.2 in
- Wheelbase
- 58.9 in
- Rake
- 27.3°
- Trail
- 4.7 in
- Fuel tank
- 1.9 gal
- Seats
- 1
Electronics
- Rider aids
- Riding Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Hourmeter, Ducati Fall Detection
- Ready for
- Wi-Fi module and X-Link App
Warranty and service
- Factory warranty
- 3 months
- Maintenance service intervals
- Oil and oil filter service 15 hours; Piston replacement 45-60 hours; Valve clearance check 45 hours; Main engine service 90-120 hours
What comes standard
- Riding Modes
- Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
- Engine Brake Control (EBC)
- Hourmeter
- Ducati Fall Detection
- Lithium-ion battery
- Quick adjustment buttons
- Quick shift up
- Power launch
2027 Desmo450 MX, from Ducati’s U.S. site (opens in a new tab) as of October 11, 2026, in US units. Specifications are the manufacturer’s and may change.
Ride it, own it, keep it running
Why buy it from SCM
We ride, so we understand
Ortega Highway, Angeles Crest, the track and the commute. Ask us about the bike, the gear or the route, and you get an answer from someone who has been there. Meet the team
Pickup or delivery
Pick it up here, set up and test ridden by our techs. Need it delivered? Ask us about delivery options. How it works
Questions riders ask
Which Desmo450 fits which kind of riding?
The MX and MX Factory are pure motocross race bikes, built to attack a track. The EDS is the street-legal enduro, with lights, a larger 2.2-gallon tank and a six-speed gearbox. The SM is a competition-only supermoto on a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear track wheel, built for exhilarating laps on a tight circuit.
What's the seat height?
Ducati lists 38.2 inches for the Desmo450 MX, MX Factory and EDS, and 36.6 inches for the Desmo450 SM, which runs smaller supermoto wheels and shorter suspension travel.
How does engine service work on the MX?
The 2027 MX uses predictive maintenance, which sets service timing by how hard the engine is used. It splits work into a MID Service, covering piston replacement and a valve clearance check, and a FULL Service overhaul. Oil and filter service is listed at 15 hours.
Compare two Desmo versions
Choose the SM if you race supermoto. It's Ducati's first competition-only supermoto, with 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless wheels, a 310 mm front disc and a Brembo Stylema caliper.
Choose the MX if your riding is on the motocross track. It's the motocross bike, with 21 and 19-inch wheels, for $1,500 less.
More on these two
Which one fits your riding
The Desmo450 MX: The MX is built for jumps, ruts and the motocross track.
The Desmo450 SM: The SM takes the same engine to the kart track and the supermoto paddock. It's a race bike, not a street bike, so it's for riders who'll trailer it to the track.
What the Desmo450 SM adds
Everything in the Desmo450 MX, plus:
- Tubeless spoked wheels, 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear
- A 310 mm floating front disc with a Brembo Stylema radial caliper
- Racetec SM K2 and K1 supermoto tires
The Desmo450 SM against the Desmo450 MX
- +$1,500 MSRP
- Same 63.5 hp
- −0.5 lb-ft
- Different front brakes
- −1.6 in seat
9 differences, shown first. Tap an underlined value for the full wording.
- MSRP
- Desmo450 MX: $11,495
- Desmo450 SM: $12,995
- Torque
- Desmo450 MX:
39.5 lb-ft
39.5 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm
- Desmo450 SM:
39 lb-ft
39 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpm
- Wheel travel (front / rear)
- Desmo450 MX: 12.2 in / 11.6 in
- Desmo450 SM: 11 in / 11.6 in
- Front brakes
- Desmo450 MX:
Galfer 260 mm single disc
Galfer 260 mm single disc, Brembo 2 piston floating caliper
- Desmo450 SM:
Galfer 310 mm single floating
Galfer 310 mm single floating disc with aluminum flange, Brembo Stylema radial caliper
- Rider aids
- Desmo450 MX:
5 listed
Riding Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Hourmeter, Ducati Fall Detection
- Desmo450 SM:
4 listed
Riding Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Fall Detection
- Wheels
- Desmo450 MX:
21 / 19 in spoked
Central spoked wheel, Takasago Excel, rim 1.6 x 21 in front, rim 2.15 x 19 in rear
- Desmo450 SM:
16.5 / 17 in tubeless spoked
Spoked tubeless wheel, Takasago Excel, rim 3.5 x 16.5 in. BarTubeless system front, rim 5.0 x 17 in. BarTubeless system rear
- Tires
- Desmo450 MX:
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft, 80/100 R21'' front, 110/90 R19 rear
- Desmo450 SM:
Racetec SM K2 125/75R420 front
Racetec SM K2 125/75R420 front; Racetec SM K1 165/55R17 rear
- Weight
- Desmo450 MX: 231 lb wet, no fuel
- Desmo450 SM: 240 lb wet, no fuel
- Seat height
- Desmo450 MX: 38.2 in
- Desmo450 SM: 36.6 in
- Instruments one side not stated
- Desmo450 MX: Hourmeter
- Desmo450 SM: Not listed by Ducati
- Engine same on both
- Desmo450 MX:
450cc
449.6cc, Desmo450
- Desmo450 SM:
450cc
449.6cc, Desmo450
- Power same on both
- Desmo450 MX:
63.5 hp
63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm
- Desmo450 SM:
63.5 hp
63.5 hp @ 9,400 rpm
- Front suspension same on both
- Desmo450 MX:
Showa upside down front fork
Showa upside down front fork 49 mm fully adjustable. Outer tube with Kashima coating
- Desmo450 SM:
Showa upside down front fork
Showa upside down front fork 49 mm fully adjustable.Outer tube with kashima coating
- Rear suspension same on both
- Desmo450 MX:
Showa mono shock
Showa mono shock, fully adjustable
- Desmo450 SM:
Showa mono shock
Showa mono shock, fully adjustable
- Fuel tank same on both
- Desmo450 MX: 1.9 gal
- Desmo450 SM: 1.9 gal
- Gearbox same on both
- Desmo450 MX:
5 gears with Quick Shift only
5 gears with Quick Shift only up
- Desmo450 SM:
5 gears with Quick Shift only
5 gears with Quick Shift only up
- Model year same on both
- Desmo450 MX: 2027
- Desmo450 SM: 2027
- Colors same on both
- Desmo450 MX: Ducati Red
- Desmo450 SM: Ducati Red
Not listed“Not listed” means the maker’s US page doesn’t name it for that version.
From Ducati’s US pages, read October 13, 2026. “Not listed” means the maker’s US page doesn’t say. MSRP leaves out freight, setup, the $85 doc fee, taxes and registration.
Choose the Desmo450 MX if…
- You race, or want to race, the 450 class.
- You want the big single's drive out of every corner.
- You like electronics that help you put the power down.
Choose the Desmo250 MX if…
- You race, or want to race, the 250 class.
- You love keeping a bike revving and carrying speed through the turns.
- You want a bike that rewards smooth, precise lines.
More Ducati models
Come see the Desmo250 and Desmo450
MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It does not include freight, setup, the $85 doc fee, taxes or registration; each bike in stock shows its total price. How our prices work
Tax, license, registration, government fees, any finance charges and any electronic filing fee are extra.