Ducati Desmo450 SM: The First Racing Supermoto from Borgo Panigale

Ducati has unveiled the Desmo450 SM, its first racing supermoto, bringing the technology and competitive foundation of the Desmo450 MX to a machine specifically developed for Supermoto racing.

Revealed during World Ducati Week, the Desmo450 SM is based on the Desmo450 MX platform, which has already demonstrated its potential in Supermoto competition. On its world racing debut, multiple world champion Marc Reiner Schmidt and Team Undici guided the platform to victory, underlining its competitive credentials.

For the Desmo450 SM, Ducati has extensively developed the platform to suit the unique demands of Supermoto. The suspension, triple clamps, wheels, braking system, final-drive ratio, slipper clutch and electronics have all been fine-tuned to work together, delivering precision, control and performance across a wide range of track conditions.

At the heart of the motorcycle is its 449.6 cc Desmo450 single-cylinder engine, producing a claimed 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 39.5 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm. The Desmodromic valve train allows the rev limiter to be set at 11,900 rpm, providing a broad operating range that enables riders to remain in each gear for longer while reducing unnecessary gear changes.

Ducati says the combination of engine character, chassis balance and electronic assistance is designed to make the Desmo450 SM effective for both professional competitors and amateur riders. The goal is to deliver strong performance with reduced physical effort, helping riders maintain consistency and efficiency over the course of a race.

Suspension development was a key focus of the project. For the first time in a supermoto application, Showa was directly involved in developing the suspension settings to deliver the support, precision and control required by the discipline. The motorcycle features a fully adjustable 49 mm Showa upside-down closed-cartridge fork with dedicated springs, 280 mm of travel and Kashima Coating on the outer tubes.

The front fork also incorporates a radial brake-caliper mount, while the billet-machined steering plates feature an extended centre distance to provide sufficient clearance for the larger front wheel. At the rear, a fully adjustable Showa shock absorber works with a progressive linkage and provides 295 mm of wheel travel, contributing to traction, stability and balance throughout the various phases of riding.

The bodywork and wheel configuration have also been adapted specifically for Supermoto use. Redesigned hand guards, a shortened front mudguard and shorter fork guards create additional clearance for the standard 125/75 front slick tyre. The motorcycle is equipped with 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear Excel rims featuring the Bartubeless system, which eliminates inner tubes and reduces rotating and unsprung mass by approximately 1.2 kg.

Metzeler Racetec Slick SM tyres are fitted as standard, matching the specification used in the World Supermoto Championship. The braking system has been developed to offer both powerful stopping performance and precise modulation, with a Brembo Stylema radial caliper working on a 310 mm Galfer floating front disc with an aluminium flange. At the rear, braking duties are handled by a 240 mm Galfer disc and Brembo floating caliper.

The lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame is shared with the motocross platform. Its design minimises the number of welds to optimise weight, stiffness and strength, while also allowing Ducati to create a direct intake duct for efficient engine breathing.

The transmission features an active Quick Shift system for upshifts and is paired with a Suter slipper clutch specifically calibrated for the Desmo450 SM. The clutch assists riders in managing rear-wheel slip when entering corners, a key element of Supermoto riding.

Ducati has also introduced a patented Traction Control system to the segment. The Ducati Traction Control system is specifically calibrated for Supermoto and is capable of estimating actual rear-wheel slip. It offers four levels of adjustment and can be deactivated, with the system intervening on engine parameters to improve traction and stability as grip levels change.

The electronic package also includes Launch Control and Engine Brake Control, with both systems offering adjustable intervention levels. These functions, together with Ducati Traction Control, can be linked to two Riding Modes and configured through the accessory X-Link app according to the rider’s preferences and track conditions.

Maintenance intervals remain in line with expectations for a competition machine in this category. Piston replacement and valve-clearance checks are scheduled every 45 hours, while a complete engine overhaul is recommended at 90 hours. Oil changes are required every 15 hours. Ducati has also simplified servicing by using metal gaskets for the cylinder head and rubber gaskets for the alternator and clutch covers instead of three-component sealing paste.

The Desmo450 SM also introduces predictive maintenance technology. Through the optional Com-Link module, riders can monitor component wear and assess the stress placed on engine parts based on usage, allowing maintenance intervals to be managed more accurately while helping preserve performance and reliability over time.

Finished in Ducati Red, the Desmo450 SM will be available at selected European Ducati dealerships from December 2026, with availability in other global markets to follow.

The Desmo450 SM represents Ducati’s entry into a new competition-focused segment, combining a high-revving Desmodromic single-cylinder engine, dedicated Supermoto chassis development and a sophisticated electronics package into a machine designed specifically for the demands of racing on both asphalt and off-road sections.