One of the oddest news reports in recent memory was the announcement that Ducati, a brand synonymous with lusty Italian sportbikes, was planning to enter the world of motocross. A race-ready prototype of their contender broke cover soon after, before being fielded in a handful of events throughout the course of last year.
Now the Borgo Panigale brand has unveiled the production version of their first-ever motocross bike—the Ducati Desmo450 MX—and we’re intrigued.
The most pertinent question is why the almost 100-year-old marque is diversifying, and why they’ve chosen the world of off-road racing as their next stomping ground. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali’s official statement offers reasons (once you’ve waded through the marketing speak).
“Over the past 18 months many people have asked me why Ducati decided to enter the world of professional off-road racing,” he says.…