Ducati's motocross push now includes the 250 class. The Ducati Desmo250 MX, announced on June 18, 2026, is a 249cc single with desmodromic valves, a 15,000 rpm ceiling and traction control. Ducati's U.S. site lists it at $9,995.
Ducati planned European deliveries for July and North American deliveries for August 2026.
The short version
- Engine: 249cc desmodromic single that Ducati says revs to 15,000 rpm.
- Output: Ducati lists 44.5 hp and 28.3 Nm (21 lb-ft).
- Weight: 227 lb (103 kg) wet without fuel, per Ducati's U.S. page.
- Electronics: riding modes, traction control, launch control, engine-brake adjustment and an upshift quickshifter, per Ducati's launch announcement.
- Price: $9,995 on Ducati's U.S. site.
- Timing: North American distribution planned for August 2026.
What desmodromic means here
Most engines close their valves with springs. Ducati's desmodromic system closes them mechanically with a second set of rockers. Ducati has used it on its street bikes for decades, and it's central to how the company pitches the Desmo250's 15,000 rpm ceiling: valves that are closed positively rather than by springs don't depend on spring control at very high revs.
For a 250 four-stroke motocrosser, where riders keep the engine spinning hard, a higher safe rev ceiling is the point.
Power and the numbers
Ducati's U.S. page lists 44.5 hp and 21 lb-ft. Ducati's UK announcement lists the same 44.5 hp figure alongside 28.3 Nm. Ducati's own pages use different horsepower unit labels in places, so treat 44.5 as Ducati's headline number rather than a matched comparison with other brands' 250s.
The 227 lb weight is wet without fuel. That isn't a dry weight and isn't a full-tank weight, so compare carefully with rivals' published figures.
Chassis and electronics
Ducati's launch materials describe an aluminum frame, Showa suspension and Brembo and Galfer brake hardware. Electronics include:
- Riding modes
- Traction control
- Launch control
- Engine-braking adjustment
- Quickshifter for upshifts
Wi-Fi connectivity for adjusting settings from a phone is offered as an accessory, not standard equipment.
Service intervals
Like any race motocrosser, the Desmo250 MX needs regular engine maintenance measured in hours of use, not miles. Ducati says it uses a dynamic maintenance calculation, adjusting service timing to how hard the bike is ridden. Ask your dealer for the schedule and the cost of a top-end service before buying, since that's a real part of owning any 250F.
Off-road only
The Desmo250 MX is a closed-course competition bike. It isn't street legal. If you want to protect it, look at off-road or specialty coverage and ask how the insurer treats racing.
What we don't know
- U.S. dealer stock in your area
- Destination and dealer fees on top of $9,995
- Independent testing against other 250 motocrossers
Bottom line
The Ducati Desmo250 MX brings a 249cc desmodromic single rated to 15,000 rpm, traction control and launch control to the 250 motocross class. Ducati's U.S. site lists it at $9,995, with North American deliveries planned from August 2026.
References
- Ducati: Desmo250 MX announcement (June 18, 2026) — engine, rev ceiling, electronics, chassis, maintenance, timing.
- Ducati USA: Desmo250 MX page (checked October 7, 2026) — U.S. price, power, torque, weight basis.
- Ducati USA: Desmo250 engine explainer — desmodromic background.