With the launch of Desmo 250 MX, Ducati has strengthened its foothold in the moto world. No, not the wider world of motorcycles, as it always has been. But the Motocross world, as the company now offers Motocross models in both 250 and 450 variants.
But what sets the Desmo250 MX apart from other small-capacity MX bikes is the powerplant, an all-new 249 cc Desmodromic engine, which the company says can rev up to 15,000 rpm. That’s a lot of revolutions.
The new motor is compact, light (only 54.4 pounds) and powerful – a claimed 44.5-hp at 12,500 rpm. It was designed by the Borgo Panigale brand with experience gained from the Panigale V4 R and shares the same bore and stroke dimensions (3.2 inches x 1.9 inches) as the superbike motor.
according to ducati“The fluid dynamics, duct geometry, valve timing profiles and flywheel mass have been developed to meet the specific demands of Motocross.” The motor features desmodromic valve timing as well as titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves, allowing the engine to rev up to 15,000 rpm.
Photo by: Ducati
A 44 mm Mikuni throttle body fuels the motor, while a new exhaust system, “designed to maximize performance and rideability while complying with international competition noise regulations”, exhausts the spent gases into the atmosphere. Mated to the motor is a five-speed gearbox developed specifically for the Desmo250 MX, which is equipped with a quick shifter (upshift only). A hydraulically operated Brembo clutch changes gears and features a seven-plate clutch and a disc spring “which ensures consistently precise and progressive acceleration.”
There’s a Showa fork at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, both of which were developed specifically for this model, and are said to provide neutral balance and minimal load transfer during braking, acceleration and cornering. The chassis features a perimeter frame with an aluminum swingarm, helping the Desmo250 MX save fuel by tipping the scales at just 227 pounds filled with essential fluids.
Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires provide ample traction and are wrapped around the 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. To slow things down, a 260 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear are squeezed by Brembo calipers.
Like all machines built at Borgo Panigale, the Desmo250 MX has its roots in racing. The new Desmo 250 MX was partly developed with the help of Alessandro Lupino, who competed in the Italian Prestige MX2 championship on a Desmo450 MX. That testing helped shape the new 250, which shares a lot of technology with its bigger brother.
Photo by: Ducati
The Desmo250 MX is equipped with an electronics package that features Ducati Traction Control, which can be adjusted to three levels of intervention. The system calibrates power reduction based on actual rear-wheel spin, providing quick and linear intervention. Additionally, engine braking can be adjusted at two levels and launch control at three levels. Two engine maps are also available, both of which are customizable via the Ducati X-Link app.
Maintenance of a 250-class racing machine should always be considered before purchasing a new bike. According to Ducati, thanks to their experience in Superbike and MotoGP, they have “developed a specific algorithm that calculates the engine stress index in real time depending on the operating parameters and conditions of use.”
This means that the system updates the Desmo 250 MX’s maintenance schedule in the X-Link app, so you never have to worry about missing an oil change. The service schedule is adjusted based on usage, with more frequent services required for those who spend their weekends racing, and a more intermittent schedule for riders who cannot make it every weekend.
Photo by: Ducati
In short, Desmo250 MX maintenance includes two service types: “MID” and “FULL.” MID service includes checking valve clearance, which may be required every 45 hours, followed by piston replacement, which may be required every 45 to 60 hours. A full service includes a complete engine overhaul, and can usually take around 90-120 hours, depending on track conditions and how aggressively you ride the Desmo 250 MX.
These are the same maintenance requirements found on the new Desmo450 EDS, the first street-legal enduro bike offered by the Borgo Panigale brand. And while they may seem extreme to the average rider, these are racing machines after all, built to tight tolerances and with high-end components. So, it’s a compromise. If you want a high revving 250cc motorbike, you will need to check the wells and replace the pistons from time to time.
But it’s definitely better than buying a new motor.
The Desmo250 MX will be available at select North American dealerships starting in September, with pricing starting at $10,595 USD.
