Ducati has been making serious waves in the off-road world lately, proving they’re not just about sleek superbikes and high-speed track domination. Enter the Ducati Desmo450 MX, the motocross bike that’s changing the game with its iconic desmodromic valve tech.
If you’ve been following the off-road racing scene, you’ve likely heard of this bike’s impressive debut in the 2024 Italian Prestige MX1 Championship, where Alessandro Lupino managed to bag the victory. And the momentum isn’t slowing down, with Ducati gearing up for the MXGP 2025 season with riders like Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini.
But going back to the machinery for a bit, the Desmo450 MX is more than just a bike; it’s a glimpse into the future. Borrowing from Ducati’s rich high-performance legacy, the bike brings desmodromic valve timing—something that’s become synonymous with the Ducati brand—to motocross. Thanks to Ducati’s desmo, the 450 MX is supposedly capable of higher revs and a healthier spread of torque across the rev range, giving racers a distinct advantage, particularly at the holeshot.
Now, if you’re into motocross, mountain biking, or any type of off-road activity, Troy Lee Designs (TLD) needs no introduction. It's a brand that’s known for its loud, adrenaline-fueled designs and high-performance gear. So, when Ducati announced a partnership with TLD, it sort of felt like a cosmic alignment—two iconic brands from different worlds joining forces.
The partnership was announced in grand style at the 2025 AMA Supercross season opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Ducati previewed a prototype Desmo450 MX decked out in custom TLD graphics designed by none other than the legend himself, giving spectators and fans a glimpse of what’s to come. In attendance were none other than Tony Cairoli, Ducati’s brand ambassador; Paolo Ciabatti, Ducati Corse Off-Road General Manager; and of course, Troy Lee himself, to announce the epic partnership.
“We are super stoked to be partnering with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in motorcycling,” said Troy Lee. “Racing is core to our brand and enables us to develop our products for safety at the highest performance levels. I look forward to making history together with this partnership.”
As you probably guessed by now, this collaboration isn’t just about racing. And you can bet it’s going to be equally about lifestyle, too. As such, we can expect TLD’s signature designs to grace Ducati’s off-road gear and bikes much sooner than later. This means ultra-sporty collections that are sure to become must-haves for die-hard off-road Ducatisti. Make sure to prepare your wallets, folks.
With all that being said, Ducati and TLD aren’t stopping at graphics and gear. Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see the Desmo450 MX up close, long before it starts racing stateside. The bike will be a centerpiece at Ducati Island during the Grand Prix of the Americas at COTA in March of this year, and a sectioned Desmo450 engine will be on display at seven more AMA Supercross rounds, so spectators can ogle at the tech while competitors cower in fear.
So, when will us mere mortals be able to get our hands on the Desmo450 MX and flex on all our buddies with a bike that’s leagues more capable than we ever will be? Well, Ducati says that the Desmo450 MX will hit select European dealerships in June 2025. But a release date for US Ducati dealerships has yet to be announced. Needless to say, the fact that Ducati and TLD are doing several roadshows showcasing the new MX bikes is more than enough proof that a stateside debut is coming, and it’s coming very soon.
Source: Ducati
