2027 Ducati Desmo250 MX

Electronic Riding Aid Systems

• LAUNCH CONTROL: This system limits the maximum engine speed at the start, restricting power to the rear wheel and allowing the rider to concentrate only on clutch management.
• QUICK SHIFT ONLY UP: A system that allows you to shift gears when climbing, without using the clutch or closing the throttle.
• DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL (DTC): System that detects rear wheel slippage and automatically cuts power to limit or zero it, depending on the settings chosen by the user.
• ENGINE BRAKE CONTROL (EBC): System that allows you to control the level of engine braking when the throttle is released and choose whether to have more or less braking.

Electronics

• THE EVOLUTION OF OFF-ROAD ELECTRONICS.: The Desmo250 MX flaunts an electronics package that is highly advanced for the category. Deriving from that of the Desmo450 MX, it is calibrated to showcase the characteristics of the engine, for greater control, precision and usability lap after lap.
• ADVANCED AND ADAPTIVE DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL: Ducati Traction Control is one of the most advanced elements of the bike’s electronic package. Based on three intervention levels, the system interprets in real time what is happening beneath the wheels and progressively adapts torque delivery, stepping in only when strictly necessary. Already highly appreciated on the Desmo450 MX, this system enhances rider safety, reduces physical effort while riding, and can even improve lap times. Unlike systems currently available in the segment, the DTC fitted to the Desmo250 MX calibrates power reduction according to the actual rear-wheel slip, ensuring effective, responsive, and smooth intervention.
• INTELLIGENT DUCATI ELECTRONICS FOR PRECISE CONTROL - THROTTLE RESPONSE: Throttle response Throttle response on the Desmo250 can be adjusted via two different engine maps. Smooth mode delivers a more fluid and progressive response, while Dynamic mode ensures a more direct response.
• INTELLIGENT DUCATI ELECTRONICS FOR PRECISE CONTROL - ENGINE BRAKE CONTROL: Engine brake control has been developed to improve stability during extreme corner entry, balancing the forces on the rear tire under heavy engine braking. The EB monitors throttle position, engaged gear, and crankshaft deceleration in the case of aggressive braking, and adjusts ignition and timing to balance the torque forces applied to the tire. Engine Brake Control can be adjusted according to two levels.
• INTELLIGENT DUCATI ELECTRONICS FOR PRECISE CONTROL - QUICK SHIFTER (UP): The system that allows for upshifts without closing the throttle or using the clutch.
• TWO CUSTOMIZABLE RIDING MODES: The Desmo250 MX offers two riding modes as standard, which can be customized via the app so that each rider can define the ideal setup for every situation. Adjusting the Power Mode, Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control and Launch Control means shaping the character of the bike based on riding style, type of surface and track conditions. An advanced level of customization that comes into its own on track.
• HANDLEBAR SWITCHGEAR - 2 RIDING MODES AS STANDARD: All the electronic controls are preconfigured in two riding modes available as standard on the Desmo250 MX. By adding the Wi-Fi connectivity module, the Desmo250 MX can connect to a smartphone with the X-Link app. The rider can use the app to configure the Riding Modes as they choose, adjusting the control intervention levels. It is also possible to save customized Riding Modes in the app and upload them to the ECU based on the conditions of use. The Riding Modes are managed via the switchgear on the left of the handlebar, allowing the rider to change the selected Riding Mode, enable or disable Traction Control and Quickshifter, or activate Launch Control.
• HANDLEBAR SWITCHGEAR - DUCATI TRACTION CONTROL: Traction control on the Desmo250 MX is a system that can control wheel slippage, offering a tangible benefit in terms of safety and performance for riders of every level (patent pending). In a series of comparison tests, the DTC system delivered a lap time improvement of between 0”3 and 1”6 depending on rider ability, with an average improvement of around one second. When the same test was conducted on bikes with a conventional system, the improvement was between 0 and 0”5, or there was no improvement at all. DTC on the Desmo250 MX can be adjusted according to three levels, with a system-driven intervention logic. The lower levels mean less electronic intervention, while the higher levels are calibrated to offer the rider greater support. The system can of course be disabled.
• HANDLEBAR SWITCHGEAR - LAUNCH CONTROL: With three levels of intervention, the Launch Control system acts on the rev limiter to help the rider best exploit the engine power during the launch phase. Levels 1 and 2 indicate less invasive intervention, while level 3 guarantees more “safe and stable” behavior off the line. The system automatically deactivates when the rider engages fourth gear or releases the throttle grip.
• HANDLEBAR SWITCHGEAR - DUCATI QUICK SHIFT ACTIVATION: The Quick Shift is activated via the handlebar switchgear, allowing for rapid management also when riding.
• X-LINK APP: Available for iOS and Android, the Ducati X-Link App allows real-time monitoring of engine stress levels, calculated based on operating parameters and actual usage conditions. Based on this data, the system dynamically updates maintenance intervals, visible directly in the app, adapting the schedule to riding style and usage intensity: more frequent intervals for professional and racing use, longer intervals for amateur riding. If engine stress levels are lower than standard parameters, the app can calculate extended service intervals, offering a tangible economic advantage for the customer. *Only in countries where available; Wi-Fi module available as an accessory.

Engine

• DESMO250: THE BEATING HEART OF COMPETITION.: Compact, light and designed from scratch for ultimate performance. The Desmo250 MX engine with limiter at 15,000 rpm is the result of Ducati race experience and know-how gained with the Panigale V4 R, the technological benchmark of the range. More over-rev, less gear changes, greater benefit in a race, which makes even more difference in the 250 class.
• ENGINE WITH LIMITER AT 15,000 RPM: The heart of the Desmo250 MX is a 250 cc single-cylinder, designed specifically for motocross and developed without turning to solutions used on the larger engine. Compact, lightweight and high-performance, it weighs just 24.7 kg and adopts the exclusive Ducati desmodromic timing system, a technology that allows for very high engine speeds while maintaining precision and reliability. Able to rev up to 15,000 rpm, it offers progressive delivery, supported by a broad and very usable torque curve that guarantees acceleration, traction and control in every riding situation.
• THE BENEFITS OF DESMO: Thanks to desmodromic timing, the engine can rev up to 15,000 rpm, a benchmark value for the category, offering greater rev extension during launch. The absence of traditional valve springs enables more precise valve control, reducing friction and maximizing racing performance.
• A BROAD AND VERY USABLE TORQUE CURVE: To ensure effective performance during every riding phase, the engine is developed with a broad, well balanced torque curve across the entire power delivery range. A prompt response at low revs is combined with generous over-rev that fully exploits the potential of the desmodromic system at critical moments, such as launch and corner exit, and in situations where one less gear change makes the difference.
• DEDICATED 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION AND BREMBO HYDRAULIC CLUTCH: A specific 5-speed gearbox was developed for the Desmo250 MX, paired with a hydraulically controlled Brembo clutch, 7-disc assembly, and disc spring. A configuration designed to ensure precise gear engagement and consistent modulation, for progressive take-up and reliable performance even under the most intense conditions of use.
• PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE: Drawing on experience gained by Ducati Corse in Superbike and MotoGP, Ducati has developed an algorithm calibrated specifically for off-road racing, which can calculate engine stress levels in real time based on operating parameters and usage conditions. Based on the calculated parameters, the system updates the service intervals, visible via the Ducati X-Link App. In this way, the scheduling of inspection and maintenance activities is adjusted to riding style and the intensity of usage: shorter intervals for professional and racing use, longer intervals in the case of amateur riding, moving beyond the traditional maintenance concept based on fixed intervals.
• NOISE EMISSIONS: The noise emissions of the Desmo250 MX comply with current FIM and AMA noise regulations.

Features

• DEVELOPED ON THE RACETRACK, IN THE DUCATI TRADITION.: The Desmo250 MX was born out of a desire to expand and engage enthusiasts. Launched in 2021, it fully embodies Ducati's development philosophy: to experiment and refine in competitions solutions intended later for production motorcycles.
• INTELLIGENT MAINTENANCE, MORE HOURS OF RIDING.: The Desmo250 MX introduces an advanced approach to maintenance. An algorithm derived from the MotoGP and WorldSBK experience analyzes engine usage in real time: speed, load and intensity. In this way, service intervals adjust to riding style: more frequent intervals for intensive use, longer intervals in the case of reduced stress. A system designed to optimize costs and reliability over time.

Key Characteristics

• NEXT‑LEVEL ELECTRONICS: The Desmo250 MX leverages Ducati’s experience in the development of electronic control and rider assistance systems. It comes standard with two Riding Modes and Ducati Traction Control adjustable across three levels. Traction Control, already highly appreciated on the Desmo450 MX, represents the most advanced element of the electronic package. Drawing on experience gained in MotoGP and Superbike, Ducati has developed and patented a true traction control system. This system enhances rider safety and reduces fatigue while riding, and can also improve lap times.
• PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE: The Desmo250 MX also features innovative software that can calculate service intervals based on real-world engine usage intensity. The system analyzes the main operating parameters and the conditions of use, to generate a dynamic wear indicator that can extend service intervals by up to 33%.
• TAILOR-MADE SHOWA SUSPENSION: The Showa fork and monoshock flaunt hydraulics developed specifically for the Desmo250 MX, for a neutral handling balance that minimizes weight transfer and improves turn-in performance.
• UP TO 15,000 RPM WITH THE DESMO250: The Desmo250 MX engine is designed from scratch, harnessing the know-how gained with the Panigale V4 R, with which the Desmo250 MX shares vital engine parameters, but with completely revised geometries, masses and fluid dynamics in order to respond to the specific needs of motocross. Titanium intake valves, steel exhaust valves, and desmo control mean that the engine can rev up to 15,000 rpm. A reference for the segment, that allows the rider to maximize every single gear. For an engine that delivers power across every riding phase, Desmo250 MX presents an incredibly balanced torque curve at all speeds, promising a prompt response at low revs and an over-rev that exploits the full potential of the desmodromic system at critical moments, such as launch performance and corner exit.
• PIRELLI SCORPION MX32 TIRES: The Desmo250 MX mounts original equipment Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires that can guarantee a high level of grip and ensure greater agility when changing direction or entering fast turns thanks to a rear that measures 100/90-19.
• BREMBO / GALFER BRAKING SYSTEM: The Desmo250 MX shares the same braking system as the Desmo450 MX. The Brembo system with 260 mm front and 240 mm rear Galfer discs ensures uncompromising power and controllability.

Vehicle

• PRECISION. CONTROL. CONFIDENCE.: Confidence when riding makes the difference, and even more so aboard a 250cc bike: light, compact and designed around the rider. The Desmo250 MX promises immediate feeling and intuitive riding, allowing the rider to take on any situation with precision, control and confidence. A bike designed to support the rider in their relentless pursuit of ultimate performance, lap after lap.
• INTUITIVE AND PREDICTABLE IN EVERY SITUATION.: The Desmo250 MX chassis offers the rider maximum feeling in every riding situation. The frame, suspension and mass distribution work in perfect harmony to offer an intuitive bike to suit any track.
• ALUMINUM PERIMETRAL FRAME AND SWINGARM: With an aluminum perimetral frame and swingarm derived directly from Desmo450 MX, the Desmo250 MX is the result of meticulous work to maximize the riding sensation. Optimized engine supports make for a precise, responsive and balanced chassis, able to offer the rider real confidence and control across every riding phase, from hard braking and turn-in to cornering.
• SHOWA SUSPENSION: The suspension on the Desmo250 MX is developed specifically for this bike. The Showa fork and monoshock, designed specifically for this model, adopt a specific hydraulic calibration designed to ensure the best dynamic balance. The fork is a 49 mm USD closed cartridge. The shock is in black anodized aluminum with a 16 mm stanchion and 129 mm of travel. The result is a neutral handling balance that minimizes weight transfer and heightens precision, stability and control. A solution that makes for an intuitive and versatile bike that can express its full potential on tracks with different characteristics and lines.
• BREMBO AND GALFER BRAKING SYSTEM: The braking system of the Desmo250 MX is the result of collaboration with historic Ducati partner, Brembo. Brembo calipers and master cylinders work in combination with 260 mm front and 240 mm rear Galfer discs, chosen for their lightness, precision and resistance even in the most extreme conditions.
• PIRELLI SCORPION MX32 MID-SOFT TIRES: The Desmo250 MX mounts Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires that guarantee significant grip and performance on any surface. A rear measuring 100 makes for a nimbler and more responsive bike.
• LIGHT, AGILE AND EASY TO HANDLE.: Easy riding, natural control. The ergonomics of the Desmo250 MX create an immediate connection between bike and rider, facilitating movement in the seat and heightening the rider’s sense of control. A configuration designed to offer agility, handling and confidence right from lap one.
• 227 LB: LIGHTWEIGHT AND DYNAMIC: With a wet weight (no fuel) of just 227 lb, the Desmo250 MX promises a light, responsive and dynamic ride. A result that heightens the agility, control and feeling.
• SEAT: On the Desmo250 MX every element is designed to unlock the rider’s full potential. The clean lines and high-grip texture improve contact with the bike, offering support during acceleration and maximum freedom of movement. A package of solutions designed to ensure control, precision and responsiveness.