The Ducati Desmo450 SM is the first production racing supermoto packing desmodromic power, Showa suspension and a full suite of electronic rider aids.
The Ducati Desmo450 SM has been unveiled, a competition-focused supermoto built around its Desmo450 MX motocross platform.
First shown during World Ducati Week, the SM follows the platform’s successful supermoto race debut with multiple world champion Marc Reiner Schmidt and Team Undici. The production machine receives suspension, brakes, wheels, gearing, a slipper clutch and electronics developed specifically for supermoto racing.
For anyone picturing a new Ducati for the daily commute, the brief here is firmly competition. Slick tyres, a 16.5-inch front wheel and servicing measured in engine hours make its intended use clear.
Desmo power meets sideways action
The 449.6cc single-cylinder engine produces a claimed 63.5hp at 9400rpm and approximately 53.6Nm at 7500rpm. Ducati says it is the only bike in its class with desmodromic valve actuation.
The rev limiter is set at 11,900rpm, providing scope to hold a gear between corners rather than make an extra shift. An upshift quickshifter is standard, while a Suter slipper clutch has been calibrated specifically for the SM to help manage rear-wheel behaviour during corner entry.
The engine sits in the motocrosser’s lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame, designed to minimise welds while balancing weight, stiffness and strength. Fuel capacity is 7.2 litres.
Showa suspension, Brembo brakes
Showa worked directly on the suspension settings, with the aim of providing the braking support needed on bitumen while retaining control over supermoto’s dirt sections.
The fully adjustable 49mm closed-cartridge fork offers 280mm of travel, with dedicated springs, settings and Kashima coating. Wider billet-machined triple clamps provide clearance for the front wheel, while shortened fork guards accommodate the broad slick tyre.
At the rear, a fully adjustable Showa shock operates through a progressive linkage to deliver 295mm of wheel travel.
Braking hardware includes a Brembo Stylema radial front caliper, PR15x19 radial master cylinder and 310mm Galfer floating disc. A Brembo floating caliper and 240mm Galfer disc handle rear braking duties.
The Excel rims measure 16.5 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear. Their Bartubeless system eliminates inner tubes, which Ducati says saves 1.2kg of rotating and unsprung mass. Metzeler Racetec SM slicks are fitted in 125/75 R16.5 and 165/55 R17 sizes.
Electronics for the supermoto circuit
Ducati’s patented traction-control system has been calibrated for supermoto and is designed to estimate actual rear-wheel slip. Riders can choose from four intervention levels or switch it off.
Launch control and adjustable engine-brake control are also included. Electronic settings can be assigned to two customisable riding modes, with configuration available through the X-Link app.
Ducati says the combination of chassis, power delivery and electronics is intended to help amateur riders build confidence while giving experienced competitors the control needed to chase lap times.
Servicing and availability
Maintenance reflects the bike’s racing purpose: oil changes are scheduled every 15 hours, piston replacement and valve-clearance checks every 45 hours, and a full engine overhaul every 90 hours.
An optional Com-Link module adds a predictive-maintenance function, monitoring usage and engine-component stress to help manage servicing intervals.
The Ducati Red Desmo450 SM will reach selected European dealerships from December 2026, with other markets following. In Australia the Desmo450 SM will retail for $18,625. See the Ducati Australia website for more details.
