Following a prolonged period of teasing , Ducati have finally launched their first enduro model, called the Desmo450 EDS.
It’s set to be priced at £11,245 and follows the arrival Desmo450 MX motocross bike in 2025. It was initially teased as a pre-production prototype at the Eicma trade show in Milan last November, and is now set to reach dealers next month.
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Unsurprisingly, the EDS takes its base from the MX model , however it’s now road legal to ride between the lanes and has been softened for longer stints in the saddle and varied terrains at a slightly less frantic pace.
At the heart of the bike is a 449.6cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine, complete with Desmodromic valve timing – said to be designed specifically for enduro use. It’s fed by an 8.5-litre transparent fuel tank, with a claimed 21.2bhp and 20.5lb.ft on tap.
Compared to the crosser, the EDS gets a 42mm throttle body (down 2mm), plus new camshafts, piston, and a lower compression ratio. The exhaust routing is different too – as is the con-rod assembly – with greater inertia on the crank and flywheel to assist with forward momentum and likely make things less snappy on the throttle.
It’s better protected for riding over obstacles too – with aluminium valve, ignition, and clutch covers – replacing the magnesium protectors on the MX. The clutch is said to be lighter too, with the six-speed ‘box reworked with a shorter first gear for technical sections, and a longer sixth gear for travel between the trails.
Work has also been done to the cooling system, with a special racing kit available for off-road use only, including a full Akrapovič exhaust system, intake components, dedicated engine maps, and more.
Although easier, it’s still competition focussed – with a full engine overhaul needed every 180 to 240 hours of riding – depending on how it’s been used.
The refreshed motor is used to carry a claimed weight of 110.5kg (without fuel) in its competition configuration – held in place via a minimalist aluminium frame.
This chassis is unsurprisingly also based on its motocross sibling, however the engine mounts have been re-worked to achieve better stiffness for this riding discipline. Made of just 11 parts and weighing under 9kg, it’s said to hold the engine in such a way to achieve the straightest possible intake and exhaust ducts for engine performance.
Suspending the bike is fully-adjustable Showa suspension at both ends, which feed down to a 21in front and 18in rear spoked Takasago Excel wheels – both equipped with Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tyres.
Up front you’ll find 49mm upside down forks, with a single monoshock at the rear – developed in tandem with five-time enduro world champion, Antoine Meo. Expect 310mm of travel at the sharp end, with 301mm at the back.
As you might expect, braking comes courtesy of Brembo, with a two-piston floating caliper up front equipped with a 260mm Galfer disc.
Finally, you’ll find an extensive electronics package including launch and engine braking control, as well as a quickshifter. There’s traction control, and two riding modes too, which riders can adapt via a mobile app.
The four-stage traction control package works on rear wheel spin and is able to work out when it shouldn’t intervene too, such as over jumps. It can be deactivated completely, if required.
We’ve been waiting for Ducati’s first enduro model ever since they confirmed plans to move into the off-road segment. Given their love of winning all things motorsport, it could lead to more rally-focused Dakar intentions in the future.
Dan is a fully-trained journalist, with a Gold Standard Level 3 Diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists. He has a passion for motorcycles of all capacities, but feels at home aboard a sportsbike. He's been working for MCN in print and digital for the best part of 10 years, with regular contributions to RiDE Magazine on the side.
News Editor, trackday fan, lover of 90s sportsbikes.