Ducati has priced the new Desmo250 MX from $14,925 in Australia, expanding its off-road range one year on from the Desmo450 MX that introduced desmodromic valve timing to motocross.
Developed on track in the Italian Prestige MX2 championship, the Desmo250 MX runs an all-new 249.7cc desmodromic single that produces 44.5hp at 12,500rpm and 28.3Nm at 8800rpm, with a 15,000rpm ceiling Ducati says is a benchmark for the category.
The engine weighs 24.7kg and features titanium intake valves, steel exhaust valves, a 44mm Mikuni throttle body and a completely new exhaust developed to meet international competition noise regulations.
Drive runs through a five-speed gearbox built specifically for the model, with a quickshifter on upshifts and a hydraulically operated Brembo clutch using a seven-plate pack and a disc spring.
Ducati has focused the tune on a sustained torque curve across the range, with responsive low-end delivery and over-rev intended to harness the desmodromic system at the start, on corner exits and through over-rev.
The chassis is based on the 450’s twin-spar aluminium perimeter frame and cast aluminium swingarm, with stiffness optimised for the 250. Suspension is 49mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down forks with 310mm of travel and Kashima coating on the fork legs, paired with a fully adjustable Showa monoshock offering 301mm of wheel travel.
Hydraulics have been developed specifically for this model to deliver neutral balance and minimise load transfer under braking, acceleration and cornering. Weight without fuel is 103kg.
Braking is shared with the 450, using a Brembo system with 260mm Galfer discs at the front and 240mm at the rear. The bike rolls on Takasago Excel aluminium wheels with Alpina spokes, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tyres.
Electronics are derived from the Desmo450 MX package and recalibrated for the 250. The bike offers two power modes and two riding modes configurable through the X-Link app, with Ducati Traction Control adjustable across three levels, engine brake control across two and launch control across three.
Ducati says its patented traction control calibrates power reduction based on actual rear wheel spin rather than a preset map, which it claims sets it apart from rival systems in the segment.
The Desmo250 MX also introduces predictive maintenance, with a Ducati Corse algorithm calculating a real-time engine stress index that adjusts service intervals based on use and displays them through the X-Link app.
Servicing runs to two schedules, with a MID service covering valve clearance checks at 45 hours and piston replacement between 45 and 60 hours, and a full engine overhaul generally between 90 and 120 hours depending on conditions and riding style.
The Ducati Performance catalogue allows owners to build a replica of the bike raced by Simone Mancini in the European MXGP, with every factory component available except the works Showa suspension reserved for the factory team.
Listed parts include billet triple clamps, a complete exhaust or Akrapovic titanium slip-on, Brembo Racing calipers and Showa Kit A suspension, alongside a Drudi Performance technical collection featuring Alpinestars apparel, an Arai helmet and Spidi rain kit.
Editorial Director at infomoto.com.au. Loves Rally bikes.
