Ducati heads to X Games as Tyler Bereman joins Desmo450 MX programme
Ducati's off-road ambitions continue to grow, with freestyle motocross star Tyler Bereman set to compete aboard the Desmo450 MX at this weekend's X Games League in New Orleans.
Ducati's motocross project is about to step into a very different spotlight, as the Italian brand prepares to make its X Games debut this weekend with freestyle star Tyler Bereman.
The multi-time X Games medallist has signed with Ducati North America and will compete aboard the factory Ducati Desmo450 MX in the Moto X Best Whip contest at the MoonPay X Games League event on July 24. It marks the first time Ducati's new motocross machine has been used in X Games competition, expanding the bike's exposure beyond the motocross paddock.
It's another significant step in Ducati's off-road push, after the Desmo450 MX already made headlines in traditional motocross, but putting the bike underneath one of freestyle motocross' biggest names introduces it to a completely different audience. Bereman has built his reputation through Best Whip and QuarterPipe competitions, as well as events like Red Bull Imagination, where style, creativity and bike control matter just as much as outright speed.
Bereman said the Desmo450 MX immediately stood out once he rode it, praising its power delivery, handling and overall character. He said:
"I've been lucky enough to ride some incredible motorcycles throughout my career, but the Desmo450 MX immediately felt different ... I’ve always been a fan of the Ducati brand and seeing them enter the off-road industry immediately sparked my interest. Once I threw my leg over the Desmo 450, I was instantly a fan of its power delivery, handling, and overall character. It felt fitting for the way I like to ride. The Ducati culture feels like a natural extension of my style, and that's what makes this partnership so exciting. I'm honored to join the Ducati family and can't wait to show everyone what this bike can do."
According to Ducati North America CEO Jason Chinnock, the relationship began after meeting Bereman at Red Bull Day in the Dirt last year. Chinnock said Bereman's passion for riding, drive to push the sport forward and influence within motocross made him an ideal ambassador as Ducati continues expanding its off-road ambitions.
The partnership won't be limited to competition either. Bereman will also appear at Ducati riding events, create digital content for the brand and front a new Ducati x Fasthouse riding gear collection.
The limited-edition range will include jerseys, trousers, gloves and a technical riding jacket, with the collection due to go on sale in October 2026.
For Ducati, the move underlines that the Desmo450 MX isn't simply being built to race motocross; the company is making it clear it wants to be part of every corner of off-road motorcycling, not just the starting gate.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
