A few weeks back, my buddy Andy reached out to me to saying he recently started working at Rahal Ducati Indianapolis. As it turns out, a mutual acquaintance was unpacking a new 2026 Ducati Desmo 450 EDX and suggested it would be a great time for me to visit.

In late 2023, Ducati announced its intentions to enter the off-road racing scene. Ducati finished in the top 10 of MXGP in Europe this year, with announcements for the factory supercross team for 2026 here in the States. On the heels of the motocross bike, their cross-country (hare scramble) machine is just starting to hit dealer floors, and presumably an enduro bike shortly behind it. As an amateur XC racer, I was anxious to see the new Ducati up close, including a better look under the covers, considering this is one of the first “EDX” (Enduro-cross) machines to be unpacked in America.

Looking over the details, I was struck by the smooth and tidy body plastics. As a shadetree mechanic, I immediately noted that some of the bolt-on details are also conveniently marked with torque values. The airbox cover is conveniently tool-less, while the seat requires an 8mm socket; some may bemoan the bolted seat retention, however I’ve seen no shortage of seatless race bikes returning to the pits in recent years. The Frame rails are adorned with integrated frame protectors to keep the boot scuffs at bay. Ducati fitted the EDX with a beefy kickstand, including a retaining strap which I appreciate, reminiscent of an Austrian alternative.

I’m told the frame and suspension of the bike might be a bit Honda-inspired; the 49mm Showa forks certainly coincide with that assertion. Looking closely at the details, the throttle body and intake boot are routed up and over the shock mount, versus the tight side-squeeze around the shock spring I’m more accustomed to seeing. While the MX and EDX aren’t equipped with a fan, there is an integrated coolant temperature sensor mounted to the head, and the radiators have all the mounting points integrated for a Ducati factory option that we’ll hopefully see offered standard on an enduro model.

Like the MX, as far as instrumentation, the EDX only has an EFI light and an hour-meter. The EDX bars don’t have any type of switch cubes, only the traditional electric start and engine stop buttons; however, there is a button panel for Traction Control (DTC) and Quick Shifter (DQS) adjustments. I’m told the wiring harness for all 3 models is identical, meaning there are connectors already in place for lights. After doing a little math from Ducati’s website, the fully fueled 450 EDX should be right around 249 pounds ready to ride and set buyers back $12,495 plus tax, title, and dealer fees which is right on par with their European competitors.

Looking forward

Motocross and Cross-country off-road racing may not be everyone’s forte, but I’m especially looking forward to the enduro model arriving on U.S. shores. A 450 moto bike may be a lot of machine for many of us dirt gumbies here on the East Coast, but I suspect many dual-sport enthusiast are much more anxious to get their hands on a big thumper that’s prepared to lug through the Appalachian hollers. I’m also told that, thus far, models arriving in the U.S. can be purchased with titles. As we wait to see if Ducati plans to bring a fully street-legal model to the States, I suspect potential buyers can get their hands on some light kits soon. I look forward to seeing these desmodromic 450 beasts in the woods. In the meantime, here’s a gallery of up-close photos peeking under the covers that is less available elsewhere.