Ducati Announces New Generation 250cc Motocross Machine "Desmo250 MX"! Equipped with an Engine Revving Up to 15,000rpm and Traction Control

Ducati has announced the new 250cc motocross machine, the "Desmo250 MX." The 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Desmodromic engine revs up to 15,000 rpm and is equipped with traction control and predictive maintenance functions.

To the 15,000 rpm realm with Desmodromic

DUCATI Desmo250 MX

Following the "Desmo450 MX," with which Ducati returned to the modern motocross market in 2023, Ducati has announced the new "Desmo250 MX" to expand its off-road model lineup. This model was developed by Alessandro Lupino in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship and inherits the strengths of the Desmo450 MX, such as precision, controllability, and reliability.

The new 249cc Desmodromic engine is compact and lightweight (24.7kg) yet delivers 44.5 PS at 12,500 rpm. Leveraging insights from the Panigale V4 R, the bore and stroke (81x48.4mm) are shared. By using titanium for the intake valves and steel for the exhaust valves, and with the high-precision control unique to the Desmodromic system, it achieves a performance capable of reaching 15,000 rpm. This sets a new standard in its class, allowing riders to hold each gear longer.

The engine breathes through a 44mm Mikuni throttle body and features a newly designed exhaust system that complies with international noise regulations while maximizing performance and rideability. The 5-speed transmission has been developed exclusively for the Desmo250 MX and is equipped with a quickshifter for upshifts and a Brembo hydraulic clutch with 7 clutch plates and disc springs. This ensures precise and progressive acceleration, capable of handling the wear and tear specific to this demanding discipline.

Confident Riding with a Chassis and Advanced Electronic Controls

The Desmo250 MX chassis is based on the 450 model's perimeter frame and aluminum swingarm, with meticulously optimized rigidity. This results in an excellent riding feel that gives the rider maximum confidence, especially during braking and cornering. The Showa front forks and rear monoshock feature a hydraulic system developed specifically for this model, aiming for a neutral balance that minimizes load transfer during braking, acceleration, and cornering.

Combined with a lightweight body weighing 103kg (excluding fuel), it offers intuitive performance that adapts to various surfaces. The original tires are Pirelli Scorpion MX32, providing high grip and enabling quick direction changes and corner entry. The braking system is shared with the 450 model, featuring Brembo calipers with 260mm front and 240mm rear Galfer discs, delivering uncompromising stopping power.

The electronic control package is also comprehensive, directly derived from the Desmo450 MX and optimized for the 250cc engine characteristics. It includes two engine maps customizable via the X-Link app, three-level Ducati Traction Control (DTC), two-level engine braking, and three-level launch control. Notably, the DTC is a patented system developed based on experience gained in MotoGP and Superbike, adjusting power according to actual rear wheel slip for effective, rapid, and linear intervention. This contributes to rider safety, reduced energy consumption, and improved lap times.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a predictive maintenance function. An algorithm developed by Ducati Corse calculates the engine's stress index in real-time based on riding conditions and updates the maintenance schedule. This allows for more frequent maintenance for professional riders and less frequent maintenance for amateur riders, enabling management beyond traditional fixed schedules. MID service (valve clearance check, piston replacement) is estimated at 45-60 hours, and FULL service (engine overhaul) at 90-120 hours.

The Desmo250 MX will go on sale in July 2026 at select dealers in Europe, followed by North America in August, and then globally.

Ducati: https://www.ducati.com/