Ducati has unveiled its all-new 2027 Desmo250 MX, marking the next step in the Italian manufacturer’s off-road expansion and introducing a purpose-built 250 class motocross entry.

Developed in competition and tested in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship with Alessandro Lupino, the Desmo250 MX carries over the perimeter frame concept introduced on the Desmo450 MX coupled with a 250F motor.

Images: Supplied.

At the heart of the Desmo250 MX is a 249cc single-cylinder engine producing 44.5 horsepower at 12,500 rpm. Featuring Ducati’s signature desmodromic valve system, titanium intake valves and a lightweight 24.7 kg (54.54 lbs) engine package, it’s capable of reaching 15,000 rpm while delivering a broad torque curve designed to provide strong performance through starts, corner exits and over-rev conditions.

The motor includes a 44 millimeter Mikuni throttle body, dedicated exhaust system, five-speed transmission with upshift quickshifter and a hydraulically-operated Brembo clutch. Ducati says the combination is designed to provide consistent power delivery and rideability across varying track conditions.

The chassis centers around an aluminum perimeter frame and swingarm package paired with Showa suspension featuring Kashima coating and model-specific settings. A claimed weight of 103 kg (227.1 lbs) without fuel, combined with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 tires and Brembo braking components, is aimed at delivering agility, stability and predictable handling.

Images: Supplied.

Electronics are carried over from the Desmo450 MX platform and include adjustable engine maps, traction control, launch control and engine braking settings, all configurable through Ducati’s X-Link app. Ducati Traction Control offers three levels of intervention and measures rear-wheel slip to provide assistance only when required.

Also new is Ducati’s Predictive Maintenance system, which calculates engine stress in real time and adjusts maintenance schedules accordingly. Service intervals vary depending on usage, with valve inspections scheduled after 45 hours and full engine overhauls generally recommended between 90 and 120 hours.

Availability for the 2027 Ducati Desmo250 MX will begin in Europe from July 2026, with North American distribution commencing a month later ahead of a wider global rollout.