Ducati showed a pre-production, road-legal Desmo450 at EICMA 2025, and it’s set to be launched abroad in July 2026

Ducati showed a pre-production, road-legal Desmo450 at EICMA 2025, and it’s set to be launched abroad in July 2026

14 Nov, 2025

Tanmay Kulkarni

The model arrives earlier than expected, as it was originally projected for a 2027 launch

Based on Ducati’s 450 motocross platform, but adapted for road-legal use with lights and other bits

Changes include an 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, handguards, larger 8.5-litre tank (1.3-litre over the MX).

The 449.6cc ‘desmodromic’ single-cylinder engine is retained but expected to run softer, low-end-focused tuning

The MX version makes 64.4PS at 9,400rpm and 53.5Nm at 7,500rpm - redlines at 11,900rpm

A six-speed gearbox is expected, along with a bidirectional quickshifter

Reported to have a heavier flywheel and revised fuelling - likely lower peak output compared to the MX

Electronics aren’t confirmed, but traction control and selectable power modes are expected

The digital console from the concept bike will mostly carry over

Will probably have similar Showa fully adjustable fork (49mm) and monoshock from the MX

Suspension travel isn’t given, but is expected to be pretty generous for off-road fun

Styling elements will include a high beak, and headlight design somewhat similar to the Hypermotard range

Unlikely to come to India; the only road-legal dual-sport bike available in the country is the Kawasaki KLX230

Read more about the KLX230 here