Like all key components on the Desmo450 MX Factory, the suspension is specifically selected. Developed in collaboration with Showa, this light, high-performance system is designed to guarantee best-in-class reliability and efficiency. The front comprises a 49 mm fork, adjustable in compression and rebound, complete with Dark Kashima coating on the leg, designed to bring performance closer to that of the factory bikes. 

At the rear is a compression-adjustable shock with progressive linkage. The fork and shock stanchions have a TiO coating, a solution that increases surface hardness by 60% and reduces friction by 10%, thanks to its superfinishing. This treatment also heightens the component’s resistance to chips and abrasions caused by sand, stones and other external agents. 

The Holeshot device rounds out the equipment and ensures more stable, rapid starts into the first turn.

The Desmo450 MX project continues to evolve through constant development and close collaboration with riders. This commitment has led Ducati engineers to create a dedicated setup for the North American market, specifically tailored to the characteristics of American motocross tracks. Updated suspension settings, a stiffer 50 N/mm rear shock spring and a dedicated 22 mm triple-clamp offset provide greater support over jumps and landings, improving stability, precision and rider confidence at high speed.  

The Desmo450 MX Factory mounts a RK MXU chain with O-ring, the same used by the Ducati Factory Team in the MXGP championship. This solution ensures greater reliability and durability over time, making it the ideal choice for racing use. The rear sprocket now features 51 teeth, up from 49 previously, increasing the torque delivered to the wheel to make the bike even more responsive. The Desmo450 MX Factory features a chain guard in high-resistance aluminium, for increased strength and reliability on more challenging terrain.

The Desmo450 MX Factory braking system is supplied by Brembo, an historic Ducati partner, and Galfer. At the front is a two-piston floating calliper, while the rear presents a single-piston floating calliper to ensure power and modulation in every situation.

Selected for their lightness, the Galfer discs measure 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear, for precise braking and better overall bike handling.

The Desmo450 MX Factory mounts new Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tyres measuring 80/100-21” at the front and 110/90-19” at the rear and developed to offer heightened grip and performance in all ground conditions.

The Desmo450 MX Factory is equipped with Excel wheels with cast aluminium hubs.

The chassis of the Desmo450 MX Factory makes for an even lighter bike. The use of machined and titanium components contributes to reducing the bike’s overall weight to just 104 kg, for a 0.8 kg saving with respect to the previous model.

The Desmo450 MX Factory adopts an aluminium perimeter frame, selected to allow for an intake duct that is as straight as possible, to optimise engine filling and performance. This configuration results in the use of aluminium and the development of a frame designed with innovative construction techniques to maximise stiffness, lightness and robustness. The frame comprises just 11 elements, minimising the critical points and significantly heightening the structure’s overall reliability.

The Desmo450 MX Factory introduces a new gear shift pedal tip, to improve ergonomics and ensure a more natural and precise shifting action. The new brake pedal tip, now with an increased contact area for the boot, ensures greater stability and control. 

The Desmo450 MX Factory flaunts a dedicated livery that ensures an even more striking and contemporary look, reinforcing the bike’s racing identity.

Designed by the Centro Stile, the bike’s external surfaces are conceived to minimise bulk between the rider’s legs and ensure maximum freedom of movement.

The side panels, frame protectors and lower part of the number holder feature a high-grip texture, designed to hold the inner thigh and rider’s boots during acceleration and vertically, through the jumps. 

The side panels and side number plate holders are designed to support a rider’s movements in various riding situations, without hindering them. The front panels encourage leg movement when taking the turn, while the side number plates are sized to correspond with the exhaust that, replicated also on the left side, offers a useful point of reference when the rider leans back.

All the Desmo450 MX Factory electronic controls are already configured in two standard Riding Modes. With the addition of the Wi-Fi connectivity module, the rider can connect the bike to a smartphone via the X-Link app and customise the Riding Modes, adjusting intervention levels for each control.

The settings created can be saved in the app and uploaded to the control unit based on the conditions of use. They are managed via a control panel on the left side of the handlebar, which can be used to change the selected Riding Mode, enable or disable the Traction Control and Quickshifter and activate Launch Control. The five LEDs on the control panel indicate the status of the electronic controls and Wi-Fi connection.

Traction control (DTC) manages actual rear wheel slip, offering concrete support in terms of both safety and performance, regardless of a rider’s experience level. On the Desmo450 MX Factory, Ducati Traction Control can be adjusted according to four levels, each characterised by a different degree of intervention. Low levels ensure minimal action and more free, direct feeling, while high levels increase stability by intervening in a more decisive way. The system can be completely disabled if a rider so chooses.

The Desmo450 MX Factory throttle response can be customised with two dedicated mappings. The Smooth mapping offers smoother, more progressive delivery, ideal for precise management of the more technical phases. Dynamic mode makes for a more direct, immediate response, designed for those seeking maximum responsiveness.

The Launch Control system, which can be adjusted according to three intervention levels, manages the rev limiter to allow the rider to fully exploit engine power off the line. Levels 1 and 2 offer less invasive intervention, ideal for those wanting greater freedom of management, while level 3 favours stability and safety off the line. The system automatically deactivates on reaching fourth gear or when the throttle is released.

Management of the engine brake is developed to ensure riders greater stability in more extreme conditions of corner entry, balancing the forces that act on the rear tyre when the engine generates strong retrograde torque during deceleration. The Engine Brake Control monitors the throttle position, selected gear, and crankshaft deceleration during the most aggressive braking, acting on ignition and advance to keep the forces applied to the tyre balanced. The system can be adjusted according to two levels.

The electronics controls on the Desmo450 MX Factory are managed via a control panel on the handlebar. Specifically, the rider can:

• Select one of the two Riding Modes uploaded on the control unit
• Activate Launch Control
• Enable or disable DTC and DQS
• Control the connection status of the accessory Wi-Fi module.