This New Ducati Dirt Bike Revs To 15,000 RPM. Mama Mia!

With the launch of the Desmo250 MX, Ducati has solidified its foundation within the moto world. No, not the wider motorcycle world, that's been around forever. But the motocross world, as the company now offers motocross models in both 250 and 450 variants.

But what sets the Desmo250 MX apart from the other smaller capacity MX bikes is the powerplant, an all-new 249cc desmodromic engine, which the company says can spin up to 15,000 rpm. That’s a lot of revolutions.

The new motor is compact, lightweight (just 54.4 lbs), and powerful – producing a claimed 44.5-hp at 12,500 rpm. It was designed by the Borgo Panigale brand with experience gained from the Panigale V4 R and shares the same bore and stroke dimensions (3.2 in x 1.9 in) as the superbike motor.

According to Ducati, “fluid dynamics, duct geometries, valve timing profiles, and flywheel masses have been developed to meet the specific demands of motocross.” The motor features titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves, along with Desmodromic valve timing, which allows the engine to be spun up to 15,000 rpm.

Photo by: Ducati

Built in Borgo Panigale

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A 44mm Mikuni throttle body feeds fuel to the motor, while a new exhaust system, “designed to maximize performance and rideability while still complying with international competition noise regulations,” sends spent gases into the atmosphere.  Attached to the motor is a five-speed gearbox developed specifically for the Desmo250 MX, which is equipped with a quick shifter (upshifts only). A hydraulically operated Brembo clutch changes the gears and features a seven-plate clutch and a disc spring “that ensures consistently precise and progressive acceleration.”

There’s a Showa fork up front and a mono-shock at the rear, both of which were developed specifically for this model, and are said to provide neutral balance and minimal load transfer during braking, acceleration, and cornering. The chassis features a perimeter frame with an aluminum swingarm, which helps the Desmo250 MX tip the scale at just 227 pounds full of necessary fluids, save for fuel.

Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires provide ample traction and are wrapped around a 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheel. To slow things down, 260 mm discs at the front and 240 mm at the rear are squeezed by Brembo calipers.

Like all machines made in Borgo Panigale, the Desmo250 MX has its roots in racing. The new Desmo 250 MX was developed, in part, with help from Alessandro Lupino, who competed in the Italian Prestige MX2 championship on the Desmo450 MX. That testing helped shape the new 250, which shares a lot of tech with its bigger sibling.

Photo by: Ducati

The Desmo250 MX is equipped with an electronics package that features Ducati Traction Control, which can be adjusted to three levels of intervention. The system calibrates power reduction based on actual rear-wheel spin, providing prompt and linear intervention. Additionally, engine braking can be adjusted to two levels and launch control to three levels. Two engine maps are also available, both of which are customizable via the Ducati X-Link app.

Maintenance on a 250-class racing machine is always something to take into consideration before purchasing a new bike. According to Ducati, thanks to its experience in Superbike and MotoGP, they have “developed a specific algorithm that calculates an engine stress index in real time, based on operating parameters and conditions of use.”

What this means is that the system updates the maintenance schedule for the Desmo 250 MX in the X-Link app, so you never have to worry about missing an oil change. Service schedules are adjusted based on usage, with more frequent services required for those who spend their weekends racing, and a more spaced-out schedule for riders who might not make it out every weekend.

Photo by: Ducati

In short, maintenance for the Desmo250 MX consists of two service types: “MID” and “FULL.” The MID Service includes checking valve clearance, which may be necessary around 45 hours, followed by replacing the piston, which may be required at intervals ranging from 45 to 60 hours. The FULL service involves a complete engine overhaul, and may generally be required around 90-120 hours, depending on track conditions and how aggressively you ride the Desmo 250 MX.

These are similar maintenance requirements found on the new Desmo450 EDS, the first street-legal enduro bike the Borgo Panigale brand has offered. And while they may seem extreme for the average rider, these are racing machines after all, built with tight tolerances and high-end components. So, it’s a tradeoff. If you want a high revving 250cc motorcross machine, you’re going to have to check the vales and replace the piston from time to time.

 But that sure beats buying a new motor.

The Desmo250 MX will be available at select North American dealerships starting in September, with pricing starting at $10,595 USD.

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