Italian motorcycle giant Ducati has taken a bold new step in India by unveiling its first-ever motocross bike, the Desmo450 MX, at the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 finale in Calicut.
The Desmo450 MX is not a regular road-going motorcycle, but it is a pure motocross machine designed for dirt tracks, jumps and closed racing environments. Ducati chose the grand finale of the Indian Supercross Racing League to showcase this bike and the response from brand lovers was overwhelming. The loud cheers, packed stands and visible excitement made it clear that India’s interest in off-road racing is rising fast.
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Speaking at the event, Bipul Chandra, Managing Director
of Ducati India, said the reaction in Calicut was “phenomenal.” According to him, launching the Desmo450 MX at the ISRL finale was a strategic decision that reflects Ducati’s confidence in the Indian market. Ducati has confirmed that the official India prices for the Desmo450 MX will be announced in the first quarter of 2026.
However, it is important to know that motocross bikes like this are not street-legal. Just like rivals such as the Kawasaki KX450, the Desmo450 MX is meant only for race tracks and private off-road circuits and this makes it a specialised machine aimed at racers, motorsport academies, and serious enthusiasts rather than daily commuters.
The Ducati Desmo450 MX packs serious performance, as it is powered by a 449.6 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a massive 62.6 bhp and 53.5 Nm of torque. Ducati’s famous Desmodromic valve system allows the engine to rev all the way up to 11,900 rpm, ensuring sharp acceleration and quick throttle response. Impressively, 70 percent of the bike’s torque is available as early as 4,200 rpm, which helps riders power out of corners with confidence.
The motorcycle is built around an ultra-light aluminium frame weighing just 9 kg, keeping the total kerb weight at only 104.8 kg. Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable Showa units, while braking is taken care of by large disc brakes at both ends. High-end components such as Takasago Excel rims, Alpina spokes and Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres underline Ducati’s focus on professional-level performance.
