Ducati unleashes its most race-ready motocross bike
This is Ducati’s all-new Desmo450 MX Factory motorcycle, which arrives lighter, more race-oriented, and with a price of £13,195.
Ducati’s motocross range has undergone major changes with the arrival of a brand-new Desmo450 MX Factory, which is lighter and even more race-ready than its Desmo450 MX sibling.
The new Factory edition carries over many of the same components from the Desmo450 MX, which arrived in the UK last July. That includes the same 449.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, which uses Ducati’s advanced desmodromic valve-train technology. It produces 63.6 hp (around 62.6bhp) at 9,400rpm and 39.5 Ib-ft of torque at 7,500rpm.
While weight savings are minimal with the new Factory model, it manages to shed 0.8 kg compared to its sibling, while offering a more premium spec than the standard MX. Its overall weight has dropped down from 104.8 kg to 104 kg.
The 2026 Factory model comes with a full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system as standard, which the Ducati Desmo450 MX does not. The Factory edition’s stopping power is handled by Brembo brakes both front and rear, while Galfer discs are found at both ends of the bike as well.
The two models differ slightly in terms of their suspension kit, with the Factory edition using a Dark Kashima coating on the front forks and rear shock absorber body. It also uses TiO superfinishing on the stems and rod. Kashima coating on the MX model is found on the front forks only.
However, the front and rear suspension systems are fully adjustable on both models, so there’s no change there, and Showa handles the hardware at both ends.
The Factory model also gets a holeshot device as standard, which operates by compressing the front fork. The system is used to increase stability and acceleration when taking off from the start line.
The new model has also saved 200 grams of weight thanks to billet Factory triple clamps, and has already landed in the UK and parts of Europe, with an RRP of £13,195.
Ducati’s motocross project began with the successful development of its Italian Prestige MX1, and it has already achieved podium success in the MXGP World Championship, despite being new to the series in 2025.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.