Ducati has expanded its line of off-road motorcycles with the presentation of the new Desmo250 MX, a model developed for the MX2 category and equipped with an unprecedented 249.7 cm³ single-cylinder engine with desmodromic valve timing. The news comes a year after the launch of the Desmo450 MX and announces a new phase for the manufacturer: that of motorcycles entirely focused on off-road.
Developed in partnership with rider Alessandro Lupino during the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship, the Desmo250 MX is designed to offer greater precision, control and reliability in motocross competitions.
Desmodromic motor spins up to 15,000 rpm
The main highlight of the Desmo250 MX is the new 249.7 cm³ single-cylinder engine, which weighs 24.7 kg and delivers 44.5 hp at 12,500 rpm and maximum torque of 28.3 Nm at 8,800 rpm.
According to Ducati, the engine uses solutions derived from the Panigale V4 R, including the same bore and stroke dimensions (81 x 48.4 mm). The set received specific development for motocross, prioritizing a linear torque curve and wide useful operating range.
The desmodromic timing system allows the engine to reach up to 15,000 rpm, using titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves. The feature allows you to keep each gear engaged for longer while riding.
The mechanical set includes a 44 mm Mikuni throttle body, an exhaust developed to meet international noise standards, a five-speed transmission with quickshifter for upshifts and a Brembo seven-disc hydraulic clutch.
Aluminum chassis and Showa suspension
The new Desmo250 MX uses an aluminum perimeter frame and swingarm derived from the Desmo450 MX. Ducati claims to have revised the structural stiffness indices to improve the behavior of the motorcycle, especially in braking and cornering.
The suspension is supplied by Showa, with a fully adjustable 49mm inverted fork, Kashima coating on the canes and 310mm of travel. At the rear, the monoshock is also fully adjustable and offers 301 mm of wheel travel.
Without fuel, the motorcycle weighs 103 kg.
The set is factory equipped with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires in sizes 80/100-21 at the front and 100/90-19 at the rear, mounted on Takasago Excel wheels with Alpina spokes.
Electronic package includes traction control
Ducati has equipped the Desmo250 MX with an electronic package derived from the Desmo450 MX, adapted to the characteristics of the new model.
Among the available resources are:
two power maps;
riding modes configurable by the X-Link app;
Ducati traction control (DTC) with three levels of intervention;
three-level launch control;
two-level engine brake control;
Quickshifter for upshifts.
According to the manufacturer, the Ducati Traction Control system uses its own algorithm that monitors rear wheel slippage to adjust power delivery continuously and precisely.
System monitors Ducati engine wear
Another feature present in the Desmo250 MX is the predictive maintenance system. Based on the experience gained by Ducati in Superbike and MotoGP competitions, the software calculates in real time the level of effort applied to the engine and adjusts maintenance intervals as used.
The information can be followed by the Ducati X-Link app.
The maintenance plan is divided into two levels:
MID: check the clearance of the valves after 45 hours of use and replace the piston between 45 and 60 hours, depending on the calculated wear;
FULL: complete engine overhaul between 90 and 120 hours, depending on conditions of use.
Ducati will also make available a range of Ducati Performance accessories to transform the Desmo250 MX into a replica of the motorcycle used by Simone Mancini in the European MXGP Championship.
Among the items available are machined steering wheels, full and silent Akrapovič titanium exhaust, Brembo Racing calipers, Showa Kit A suspension and a collection of equipment developed in partnership with Drudi Performance, Alpinestars, Arai and Spidi.
Availability of the Ducati Desmo250
Ducati has reported that the Desmo250 MX will arrive at select dealerships in Europe from July 2026. The commercialization in North America is scheduled for August, while the other markets will be served later.
Key Specifications of the Ducati Desmo250 MX
Desmo250 single-cylinder engine of 249.7 cm³;
Power of 44.5 hp at 12,500 rpm;
Torque of 28.3 Nm at 8,800 rpm;
Maximum rotation of 15,000 rpm;
Aluminum perimeter frame;
Weight of 103 kg (without fuel);
Fully adjustable Showa suspension;
Brembo brakes with 260 mm and 240 mm Galfer discs;
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