If you had told me three years ago that Ducati would soon dominate off-road, I would have said you didn’t understand the motorcycle industry. Thank heavens no one told me; otherwise, I’d have looked foolish.
Tony Cairoli, a nine-time Motocross champion recently retired to become a Ducati factory rider, spoke with MCN about Ducati’s off-road plans. The firm expects to release a road-legal Ducati Enduro 450 bike by 2027. However, other goals take precedence.
First, Ducati’s Desmo450 MX, which sparked the year’s craze, won’t be available until June 2025. While competing in select premier motocross events, Ducati is developing the Ducati Enduro 450 MX. Buyers must hope for a successful final bike development if they plan to sell it in June.
Before road-legal enduro bikes hit the streets, trails, and everything in between, Ducati must create and launch the 250 motocross platform, the next stage in its drive for off-road supremacy.
Only the Desmo450 MX will be the foundation for Ducati’s road-legal enduro, featuring an engine tweak specifically for enduro riding. Ducati plans to lower the rear wheel from 19 to 18 inches and alter the suspension.
I won’t criticize Ducati’s off-road efforts, but it’s legitimate to ask, “Why such a full-on push into off-road, and why now?” The answer lies with the aging cyclists.
Like the Hypermotard 698 Mono, the Ducati dumps ore into the off-road waters to entice youthful riders.
Ducati’s Global Sales and Aftersales Vice President, Francesco Milicia, stated, “Data shows riders are aging.” They do, however, tend to live longer and stay fitter… Of course, we’re looking into it, and the Hypermono goes this route.”
For more news and updates, keep visiting BikersInsider.
