- Powered by a 450cc single-cylinder engine
- Loaded to the brim with electronics
- Extensive list of accessories
Ducati has officially entered the enduro racing scene with the all-new Desmo450 EDX, a machine designed to build on the success of the Desmo450 MX while adding long-distance off-road capability.
The EDX borrows its bones from the championship-winning Desmo450 MX, but Ducati has given it a full enduro makeover. The bike gets a larger 8.5-litre fuel tank, unique seat and shrouds, a different wheelset featuring an 18-inch rear wheel, and Pirelli Scorpion XC Mid-Soft tyres for improved traction over tricky terrain. As standard, it also comes with dedicated enduro suspension, handguards, a skid plate, and a side stand; essentials for off-road endurance racing.
At the heart of the EDX is Ducati’s Desmodromic 450 cc single-cylinder engine, producing 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. Like its MX sibling, it revs high and hard, but Ducati has tuned the power delivery to make it less demanding in tight, technical terrain. In fact, 70 percent of peak torque is available from just 4,200 rpm, making the EDX easier to manage during low-speed sections and long rides. The rev limiter cuts in at 11,900 rpm.
The steel perimeter frame weighs just 8.96 kg, and the overall ready-to-use weight (without fuel) stands at 107 kg. The suspension setup features a fully adjustable Showa closed-cartridge fork with 49 mm inverted stanchions, 310 mm of travel, and Kashima-coated tubes for reduced friction.
At the rear, a Showa shock absorber provides 301 mm of wheel travel with a spring rate of 44 N/mm, tuned specifically for enduro riding. The wheelset is also bespoke to the model, comprising Takasago Excel aluminium rims with Alpina spokes, sized 21 × 1.60 inches front and 18 × 2.15 inches rear.
Perhaps the biggest leap forward for the EDX is its dedicated electronics package, a rarity in the enduro world. Ducati has developed a true closed-loop traction control system (DTC) that actively measures rear-wheel slip and vehicle dynamics, adjusting power delivery with precision.
Uniquely, the system can detect jumps and automatically disengage to avoid cutting power mid-air. Riders can also temporarily disable traction control via the clutch lever and choose between four intervention levels. The EDX also comes equipped with launch control, engine brake control, and a bi-directional quickshifter, all of which can be customised across two riding modes using Ducati’s X-Link App.
Ducati says the maintenance schedule has been tuned to balance performance and practicality: piston replacement and valve clearance checks are required every 45 hours, while a full engine overhaul is due at 90 hours. As ever, there’s an extensive catalogue of optional parts, including Akrapovič titanium slip-ons, Brembo Racing calipers, and lightweight hubs and triple clamps as well.
