Ducati Desmo450 SM: the first racing supermoto from Borgo Panigale
POSTED: 21/09/2026
- The Desmo450 SM is Ducati's first racing supermoto, developed from the Desmo450 MX motocross bike
- 449.6 cc desmodromic single producing 63.5 hp, with Showa suspension and Brembo Stylema front brake
- Arriving at selected European Ducati dealerships from December 2026
Ducati has entered supermoto. The new Desmo450 SM takes the Desmo450 MX motocross platform and reworks the suspension, brakes, clutch and electronics for tarmac and short dirt sections. Unveiled at World Ducati Week, it is built for competition and aimed at professional and amateur racers alike.
Proven in competition
The MX platform had already shown its potential in supermoto before the SM arrived. Multiple world champion Marc Reiner Schmidt won on its world debut in supermoto racing, and Ducati then developed the bike further specifically for the discipline. The result is a dedicated supermoto rather than a motocrosser with smaller wheels.
Desmodromic single-cylinder engine
At its heart is the 449.6 cc Desmo450 single, the only engine in its class to use Desmodromic valve timing. It produces 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm, and revs to 11,900 rpm. A Suter slipper clutch, calibrated specifically for the SM, keeps the rear wheel settled under hard braking into corners, and an active Quick Shift handles upshifts.
Maintenance has been designed with racers in mind. Oil changes are due every 15 hours, piston replacement and valve clearance checks every 45 hours and a full engine overhaul every 90 hours. Metal gaskets on the cylinder head and rubber gaskets on the alternator and clutch covers make servicing quicker between sessions.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The SM shares its twin-spar aluminium frame with the MX and uses a cast aluminium swingarm. Ducati says Showa developed the suspension settings specifically for this bike, with a 49 mm fully adjustable upside-down fork offering 280 mm of travel and a fully adjustable Showa monoshock with progressive linkage giving 295 mm at the rear.
Takasago Excel rims, 16.5 inch at the front and 17 inch at the rear, run a tubeless system and reduce rotating and unsprung mass by 1.2 kg. They come fitted with Metzeler Racetec SM slicks, the same type used in the World Championship. Up front, a Brembo Stylema radial caliper bites a 310 mm Galfer floating disc, with a Brembo floating caliper and 240 mm Galfer disc at the rear.
Race-focused electronics
Ducati Traction Control offers four levels of intervention and can be switched off completely. Launch Control and Engine Brake Control both have adjustable settings, and two Riding Modes can be customised through the accessory X-Link app. An optional Com-Link module adds predictive maintenance, monitoring engine wear so you know when work is due.
Key specifications
| Engine | 449.6 cc single-cylinder, Desmodromic |
|---|---|
| Power | 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm |
| Torque | 53.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm |
| Weight (without fuel) | 109 kg |
| Seat height | 930 mm |
| Fuel tank | 7.2 litres |
| Suspension | Showa 49 mm USD fork (280 mm), Showa monoshock (295 mm) |
| Brakes | Brembo Stylema, 310 mm Galfer disc front; 240 mm Galfer disc rear |
| Tyres | Metzeler Racetec SM, 125/75 R16.5 and 165/55 R17 |
| Colour | Ducati Red |
Enquire about the Desmo450 SM at Ducati Stoke
To find out more about the Desmo450 SM, call the team on 01782 848191 or visit us at Pool Dam, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2ED. You can also send us an enquiry, request a finance quote, get a part-exchange valuation or browse the rest of the Hypermotard and supermoto range.
Opening times
