New Ducati Motocross Bike Unveiled

https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/ducati-unveils-its-desmo450-mx-motocross-racebike/

Neat. I guess Ride Red might take on a new meaning.

 

I can't wait for the deluge of "is it just a rebranded KTM?", or "ah, that's just a KTM motor because of the (insert generic cosmetic detail they fixated on)" from all the MX experts out there.

 

It's a deep pool to be jumping into. They and Triumph have alot of work cut out for themselves. Hope to see them do well but they will need to poach some big name talent to make serious inroads over here.

 

Anyone wanting to call it a KTM of any kind just needs to have a look at the frame.

 

A quick read shows desmo valves, nothing else on the market like it in orange.

 

The triumph is really similar to the KTM. The Ducati is totally different it seems

 

I cant wait for the Ducati boys to show up to all the MX tracks, meet the locals, and use the shitters that make the old Nelson Ledges look like Caesars Palace.

 

The Duc looks like a Honda if anything. At least the frame.

 

I haven't followed SX/MX since the Jeremy Mcgrath and Ricky Carmichael era. I'm trying to get back into, partly cause I need something to watch right now. And partly cause I'm interested to see how Ducati does.

 

MX keyboard jockeys (smh)...when the 97 CR250 came out with the aluminum frame (wish I still had mine), all the Compuserve jocks promised assuredly that they would all crack and explode on the first triple. Did I just date myself?

 

Kinda bummed they went with showa suspension, was really hoping they would go the KYB route. I don’t know what it is about showa but every bike I’ve ever owned with it only feels good if you’re riding hard, back off a tad and the bike feels horrible. The KYB stuff seems to work well in a broader range.

 

They sure cracked and exploded a bunch of riders.

 

Aluminum frames are very stiff compared to steel (in general). That’s my experience anyway. I really disliked the feel of my aluminum CR250R and CRF250 vs. my Suzuki frame (RM125). Kind of like driving vehicles on very low profile tires at high pressure vs. more normal profile tires.

 

Hopefully they won't go the Cannondale route (trying to reinvent the wheel). I had always hoped to see the Buell MX bike, or at least where they had gotten to when it was shut down. Anyone know Dave Osterman (former Yamaha of Troy manager that was working on the project at Buell)? I would guess any NDA's would be done by now.

I am constantly amazed at the companies that want to get into MX. From my (limited) years in the moto industry, it seems that europeans always are enamored with SX/MX. IMHO the money is in the off road/dual sport bikes. I am not up on current trends but I'd be curious to see where the money is going in those segments, MX or DS? Seems the off road and dual sport riders usually is a bit more flush with cash vs the usual motocross rider?? maybe it's just my opinion and it's wrong.... I get the marketing and the younger fans for SX/MX but when it comes to spending money on bikes and gear, I think KTM and Klim have it figured out.

 

I really enjoy watching it but unfortunately find myself without the time to really keep up with it so the era you speak of is really the last time I paid much attention, even though I've attended some races since. If I read the article correctly though, it seems you might be waiting awhile to see them here. Looks like it will only be competing in the Italian Championship for now and production isn't even planned to start until the end of next year (and inevitably there are always delays). Bet it's at least a couple more years before we see them stateside, racing or otherwise.

 

I want to see the first Desmo valve systenmodern single 450

I want to see a technical drawing of this motor!

 

Finally, an MX engine with road-going engine repair costs.

 

I'd posit that MotoGP is the deepest pool of all. Ducati seems able to tread water there.