Ducati takes off in America with the Desmo450 MX

After debuting in the Italian Prestige MX1 Championship 2024 and planning to participate in the MXGP World Championship 2025, Ducati continues its expansion strategy by preparing for the AMA Championships. The partnership with Troy Lee Designs was unveiled on January 10, 2025, during the first round of the AMA Supercross season at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Alongside Ducati representatives like Tony Cairoli, brand ambassador and former world champion, and Paolo Ciabatti, Offroad General Manager of Ducati Corse, a Desmo450 MX bike in a special prototype version with exclusive graphics was also showcased.

The presence of Troy Lee Designs in Ducati Corse colors will be visible at a total of eight races of the AMA Supercross Championship 2025. A highlight is the display of a cutaway Desmo450 engine, which presents fans with a live demonstration of the desmodromic valve control system. Additionally, the Desmo450 MX will be showcased as part of a special exhibition on Ducati Island on March 30, 2025, at the Grand Prix of the Americas at the COTA circuit in Austin, Texas.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Ducati, one of the most prestigious brands in the motorcycle sector," said Troy Lee, founder of Troy Lee Designs. "Racing is a core part of our brand and allows us to develop products that meet the highest safety and performance standards. I look forward to making history together."

The unique feature of the Desmo450 MX lies in its desmodromic valve control - a distinctive characteristic in the motocross sector. This system, also used in Ducati's MotoGP and WorldSBK bikes, allows for higher revs than conventional spring-loaded systems. Other features of the Desmo450 MX include electronics developed with MotoGP expertise, as well as its class-leading low weight.

Starting in June 2025, the Desmo450 MX will be available at selected Ducati dealers in Europe.