What is the Ducati Desmo450 SM?
Premium motorcycle maker Ducati, hailing from Bologna, Italy, has officially unveiled its first-ever racing supermoto, marking the brand’s debut in the competition-focused supermotard segment. The motorcycle is derived from Ducati’s Desmo450 MX motocross platform and features dedicated suspension electronics, braking hardware, and engine components, making it competition-ready.
The Supermoto was first previewed during World Ducati Week. The motorcycle was developed with input from multiple-time world champion Marc Reiner Schmidt and Team Undici, which took the motorcycle to victory in its world debut.
What chassis and suspension does it use?
The Desmo450 SM is Ducati’s first racing supermoto, or Supermotard, motorcycle. It is based on the Desmo450 MX but is not simply an off-road motorcycle; it uses a purpose-built lightweight aluminium twin-spar frame that offers maximum stiffness and strength without compromising on weight. It is paired with a cast-aluminium swingarm and billet-machined steering plates.
Suspension duties are handled by a fully adjustable 49mm Showa upside-down closed-cartridge fork at the front and a fully adjustable Showa monoshock at the rear. The front fork offers 280mm of wheel travel, while the rear suspension provides 295mm through a progressive linkage.
The Desmo450 SM uses 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, with Takasago Excel aluminium rims, wearing factory-fitted tyres that are Metzeler Racetec SM slicks, sized 125/75 R16.5 at the front and 165/55 R17 at the rear.
What braking hardware is fitted?
The Desmo450 SM uses a Brembo and Galfer braking system designed for the intense braking and controlled slides associated with supermoto racing. At the front, it features a 310mm Galfer floating disc with an aluminium flange and a Brembo Stylema radial calliper. At the rear, the motorcycle uses a 240mm Galfer disc and a Brembo floating calliper. Ducati says the system is designed to offer controlled modulation, allowing the rider to brake hard enough while maintaining controlled slides around the corner.
What engine powers the Desmo450 SM?
What electronics does Ducati provide?
The electronics package includes:
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Ducati Traction Control
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Launch Control
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Engine Brake Control
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Quick Shift
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Two Riding Modes
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Map Selector
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Ducati Fall Detection
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Hourmeter
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Optional Wi-Fi Module
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X-Link App Compatibility
When will the Desmo450 SM be available?
Ducati has announced the Desmo450 SM will arrive at selected European dealerships from December 2026, followed by other global markets.
