Ducati bikes has strengthened its off-road motorcycle portfolio in India with the launch of the new Desmo450 EDX and Desmo450 MX Factory. The Desmo450 EDX has been launched at Rs 18.55 lakh, while the Desmo450 MX Factory is priced at Rs 21.26 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.

The new motorcycles arrive in India less than a month after their international debut. Bookings are now open across Ducati dealerships in the country.

Both models are powered by the same 449.6cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine featuring Ducati's Desmodromic valve technology. However, they have been developed for different riding requirements. The EDX is designed for enduro and cross-country riding, while the MX Factory is aimed at motocross competition.

Ducati Desmo450 EDX and MX Factory: India Prices

The Ducati Desmo450 EDX is the more affordable of the two new launches, priced at Rs 18.55 lakh. The MX Factory costs Rs 21.26 lakh, making it Rs 2.71 lakh more expensive.

The higher price of the MX Factory reflects its specialised motocross equipment, including an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, upgraded suspension components, billet aluminium triple clamps and a holeshot device.

Ducati has also clarified that the standard 2027 Desmo450 MX has not been launched in India yet. However, the previous 2026 Desmo450 MX continues to be available at Rs 17.24 lakh (ex-showroom).

Ducati Desmo450 EDX and MX Factory: Key Specifications
 

Ducati Desmo450 EDX: Designed for Enduro and Cross-Country Riding

The Ducati Desmo450 EDX has been developed for riders who want to tackle different types of off-road terrain. Unlike a dedicated motocross motorcycle, the EDX is designed to handle longer riding sessions and a wider variety of surfaces, including rocky trails and uneven tracks.

One of its important changes is the larger 8.5-litre fuel tank. This is bigger than the 7.2-litre tank on the MX Factory and is intended to offer greater practicality during longer off-road rides.

The EDX also receives revised bodywork, a dedicated seat and an 18-inch rear wheel. It uses Pirelli Scorpion XC Mid-Soft tyres, which are designed for enduro-style riding.

Other equipment includes handguards, an engine skid plate and a side stand. These additions make the motorcycle better suited to trail riding and help protect important components when travelling over rough terrain.

The suspension setup is also tuned for enduro use, with revised spring rates and damping characteristics. Ducati quotes a weight of 107.1kg without fuel for the EDX.

Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory: More Focused on Motocross Performance

The Desmo450 MX Factory is the more specialised motorcycle in this launch. It has been developed for motocross competition and receives several upgrades intended to improve performance, handling and reliability on race tracks.

The motorcycle uses a lightweight aluminium frame and weighs 104kg without fuel. One of its major highlights is the full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, which helps reduce weight and works with dedicated engine mapping.

It also gets fully adjustable Showa suspension with Dark Kashima and TiO surface treatments. At the front, there are 49mm upside-down forks offering 310mm of travel, while the rear monoshock provides 301mm of wheel travel.

Other equipment includes billet aluminium triple clamps, a holeshot device, an engine guard plate and a front disc protector. These components are intended to support riders during demanding motocross sessions.

The MX Factory also receives a larger 51-tooth rear sprocket, replacing the earlier 49-tooth unit. This change is aimed at improving rear-wheel torque when exiting corners.

Engine and Performance

Both Ducati off-road motorcycles use a 449.6cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Desmodromic valve timing. This technology mechanically controls both the opening and closing of the valves rather than relying on conventional valve springs for closing.

The engine produces 63.5hp at 9,400rpm and 53.5Nm of peak torque at 7,500rpm. Ducati has designed the powertrain to deliver strong performance across demanding off-road conditions.

The motorcycles also feature a five-speed gearbox with an up-only quickshifter. Their lightweight construction and specialised chassis setups are intended to help riders maintain control over rough terrain and during competitive riding.

Electronics and Rider Assistance Features

Ducati has equipped both motorcycles with an off-road electronics package. The highlight is the closed-loop Ducati Traction Control system, which monitors rear-wheel slip and adjusts engine output to help maintain traction.

The system can also recognise when the motorcycle is airborne and suspend its intervention during jumps. Riders can temporarily override traction control through the clutch lever when additional wheelspin is required.

The MX Factory additionally comes with a Ducati Com-Link Wi-Fi module and access to the Ducati X-Link application. This allows riders to customise selected electronic settings and monitor certain motorcycle data.

Ducati Desmo450 EDX and MX Factory: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the two motorcycles depends mainly on the type of off-road riding a customer intends to pursue.

The Desmo450 EDX is better suited to enduro and cross-country use. Its larger fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, trail-focused tyres and additional protective equipment make it more appropriate for longer rides across different types of terrain.

The Desmo450 MX Factory is designed for riders who prioritise motocross performance. Its lighter weight, titanium exhaust, specialised suspension and race-focused components make it the more competition-oriented option.

The MX Factory costs Rs 2.71 lakh more than the EDX, but it offers a different set of specialised components and equipment.