DUCATI UNVEILS ENDURO MODELS & DESERTX

Earlier this year, when Ducati launched its all-new Desmo450 MX motocross bike, they made the point this machine was “the first of an entire family of off-road models”. And that wasn’t just a cute reference to moto mafia. No, it was a clear and confident indication to the market – and to other manufacturers – that this affordably priced 450cc MXer would soon be joined by more off-road capacities, plus enduro and cross-country models and, if you believe some rumours, even a 450cc Dakar Rally racer.

Right on cue, at Europe’s recent EICMA motorcycle show (where Ducati revealed a bunch of significantly updated road-going models), the 100-year-old Italian manufacturer also unveiled a tantalising preview of their all-new 450cc cross-country and enduro models. The off-road models will be called the “Desmo450 Enduro”, and available in “EDX” (Enduro/Cross-Country) and/or “EDS” (Enduro/Street) variations, depending on which worldwide market they’re sold in, it seems. Ducati also used the EICMA show to present their all-new Desmo250 MX quarter-litre motocrosser, which, along with the Desmo450 Enduro, will start to hit Ducati dealer floors from Q3 in 2026.

Also attracting a lot of attention on Ducati’s EICMA stand was the much-updated 2026-model DesertX adventure machine, which gets the next-generation and significantly lighter V2 IVT powerplant (an 890cc 90-degree twin-cylinder engine that moves away from Ducati’s trademark Desmodromic valve design in favour of more conventional valve springs), along with big suspension upgrades – including the move to a progressive rear shock linkage – to improve its off-road capabilities.

Ducati was scant on details about the 2026 Desmo450 Enduro and 2026 DesertX, only offering a top-line insight into what we can expect from these two landmark new models. Here’s what we took from that limited info…

2026 DESMO450 ENDURO MODELS

The Desmo450 EDX [the American market’s Cross-Country model, not currently available in Oz] is Ducati’s answer for riders looking to compete in enduro events. This new model is based on the Desmo450 MX, with an increased-range fuel tank, specifically tuned Showa suspension, and dedicated wheelset with an 18-inch rear wheel, which means that the Desmo450 EDX is ready to compete at cross-country events. You can check out all the details about the design of the new race-ready Ducati Desmo450 EDX here: https://www.ducati.com/us/en/bikes/of…

Meantime, to receive exclusive early updates about the Desmo450 EDS [the Australian market’s registrable Enduro model], click here: https://www.ducati.com/au/en/bikes/off-road/desmo450-enduro

Based on the images supplied by Ducati, it appears that the Desmo450 EDS also gets some additional protective parts (handguards and skidplate), headlight/tail-light, sidestand, instrumentation, and a larger (8.5-litre) clear fuel tank as standard equipment.

2026 DESERTX MODEL

In 2022, the DesertX marked the entry of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer into the world of maxi enduro bikes with 21-inch front wheels. Four years later, at EICMA, Ducati has unveiled a preview of the new DesertX, which claims to have improved off-road capabilities (thanks to the adoption of advanced suspension with progressive rear linkage), while maintaining the pleasure of riding on asphalt.

The DesertX 2026 is lighter than its predecessor, with a curb weight without fuel of 206kg, thanks to the technical base centred on the new V2 IVT engine, which makes it more versatile and powerful both on- and off-road. The maximum power of the 2026 DesertX is 110hp at 9000rpm, and torque is 92Nm at 7000rpm.

All the details of the new DesertX will be revealed by Ducati in February, 2026. The bike will arrive in European dealerships in May next year. Distribution will expand to the North American market in June, and then to Japan and Australia in August.