The Italian brand’s first-ever race-bred supermoto single packs desmodromic valve timing, Showa-developed suspension and slick-shod rims for competition use

Ducati has revealed the Desmo450 SM, a new production supermoto developed from its Desmo450 MX platform and aimed directly at competition use. The bike was shown during World Ducati Week and is claimed to be the only machine in its class to use Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve timing.

The Desmo450 SM has already made its competitive debut in supermoto racing, with multiple world champion Marc Reiner Schmidt and Team Undici taking a win at its first world championship outing. For the production version, Ducati has adapted the motocross-based platform with supermoto-specific changes to the suspension, brakes, wheels, gearing, clutch and electronics.

Power comes from a 449.6cc single-cylinder engine that Ducati claims makes 63.5hp at 9400rpm and 53.6Nm at 7500rpm. The desmodromic valvetrain allows a rev ceiling of 11,900rpm, which should give riders a broad spread of usable performance and reduce the need for constant gear changes.

The aluminium twin-spar frame is shared with the motocross model and is designed to balance low weight, rigidity and strength, while also allowing a straighter intake route. Fuel capacity is 7.2 litres.

Suspension is one of the key areas of change. At the front is a fully adjustable 49mm Showa closed-cartridge fork with 280mm of travel and Kashima coating, while the rear uses a fully adjustable Showa shock with progressive linkage and 295mm of wheel travel. Ducati says the settings were developed by Showa specifically for supermoto, with a focus on stability under heavy braking, precision on corner entry and control across changing surfaces.

Braking hardware is headed by a Brembo Stylema radial front caliper working on a 310mm floating Galfer disc, with a 240mm Galfer rear disc and Brembo floating caliper at the back.

The wheel package uses a 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear setup with Takasago Excel rims and Ducati’s Bartubeless system. Ducati says removing the inner tubes cuts rotating and unsprung mass by 1.2kg. Standard tyres are Metzeler Racetec Slick SMs, sized 125/75 R16.5 at the front and 165/55 R17 at the rear.

The gearbox includes an active upshift quickshifter and a Suter slipper clutch calibrated for supermoto use, intended to help manage rear wheel slide on corner entry.

Electronics include Ducati Traction Control, which has been calibrated specifically for supermoto and estimates actual rear wheel slip. It offers four intervention levels and can also be turned off. Launch Control and Engine Brake Control are fitted as well, and all systems are linked to two riding modes that can be adjusted through Ducati’s X-Link app.

Maintenance requirements reflect the bike’s race-first brief. Ducati lists oil changes every 15 hours, piston replacement and valve clearance checks every 45 hours, and a full engine overhaul every 90 hours. An optional Com-Link module is also available for predictive maintenance monitoring.

The Desmo450 SM will arrive at selected European dealerships from December 2026, with other markets to follow. Ducati has confirmed the bike in Ducati Red only.

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Type 449.6cc single-cylinder

PERFORMANCE
Power 47.3kW (63.5hp) @ 9400rpm (claimed)
Torque 53.6Nm @ 7500rpm (claimed)

ELECTRONICS
Two riding modes, Ducati Traction Control, Launch Control, Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control, X-Link app configurability

CHASSIS
Frame Aluminium twin-spar
Swingarm Cast aluminium

SUSPENSION
Front 49mm Showa USD closed-cartridge fork, fully adjustable, 280mm travel
Rear Showa monoshock, fully adjustable, 295mm wheel travel

WHEELS/TYRES
Front 16.5 x 3.5in Takasago Excel aluminium rim, Metzeler Racetec SM 125/75 R16.5 slick
Rear 17 x 5.0in Takasago Excel aluminium rim, Metzeler Racetec SM 165/55 R17 slick

BRAKES
Front 310mm Galfer disc, Brembo Stylema radial caliper, Brembo PR15x19 radial master cylinder
Rear 240mm Galfer disc, Brembo floating caliper

DIMENSIONS
Fuel capacity 7.2L

MAINTENANCE
Oil change every 15 hours, piston replacement every 45 hours, valve clearance check every 45 hours, full engine overhaul every 90 hours