Ducati has officially presented the 2027 iteration of its inaugural off-road motorcycle, the Desmo450 MX, shortly after unveiling the Desmo450 SM. Alongside the standard model, the company has introduced the Desmo450 MX Factory, which boasts a distinctive aesthetic and enhanced features.
In a strategic move, the Italian manufacturer has reduced the prices for both models by as much as GBP 2,400, making them more accessible to off-road enthusiasts.
Key Enhancements for 2027
Focusing on performance and durability, the 2027 Desmo450 MX has undergone several modifications aimed at enhancing functionality. One of the most notable changes is the upgrade to a larger rear sprocket, now at 51 teeth compared to the previous 49. This alteration is designed to improve torque at the rear wheel when exiting corners.
In addition to the sprocket upgrade, Ducati has refined the gear and brake lever tips to provide better ergonomics, facilitating smoother foot movement during gear changes and braking. The manufacturer has also reinforced various components to boost overall reliability. A noticeable visual change for the new model is the updated livery, which now features black logos instead of the earlier white ones.
Desmo450 MX Factory Features
The Factory version of the Desmo450 MX comes equipped with several additional features while also shedding 800 grams from its overall weight. Given that the standard model weighs 104.8 kg when unfilled with fuel, this weight reduction is significant for the Factory variant.
Along with the enhancements found in the standard model, the Factory version includes a dark Kashima coating on its 49mm fork and monoshock, as well as a titanium oxide treatment to enhance wear resistance. A full Akrapovic exhaust system, exclusive to the Factory model, contributes to an additional 1.7 kg weight reduction. The triple clamp is machined from a single billet, further minimizing weight.
This variant also comes standard with a sump guard, a disc rotor guard, and an RK MXU chain featuring O-rings. A unique holeshot device has been added, which helps riders manage acceleration and stability during starts. Moreover, the introduction of a WiFi module allows for predictive maintenance and personalization of the motorcycle’s ride modes through the X-Link mobile app.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing for both the Desmo450 MX models has seen a significant reduction in Europe. The 2027 Desmo450 MX is now available for GBP 9,495 (approximately Rs 12.02 lakh), while the Desmo450 MX Factory is priced at GBP 10,795 (around Rs 13.67 lakh). This represents a decrease of GBP 1,750 (about Rs 2.22 lakh) for the standard model and GBP 2,400 (around Rs 3.04 lakh) for the Factory version compared to their 2026 counterparts.
These models are already reaching various dealerships across Europe, with plans for a global rollout. However, the USA will not receive these models, as it will exclusively offer the limited edition MY26 variant. In India, the 2026 Desmo450 MX is available for Rs 17.23 lakh (ex-showroom). Currently, neither the 2027 Desmo450 MX nor the 2027 Desmo450 SM has launched in the Indian market, and it is uncertain whether similar price adjustments will occur upon their eventual release.
Source: Autocar India
