The Bologna manufacturer has been working for the last two years on a prototype that will make its debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship, with the aim of validating the technical solutions adopted on the bike on the track. This strategy confirms the approach that distinguishes Ducati in the development of its sportiest and highest performance models, i.e. starting with competition and then creating series of products capable of exceptional performance, to the delight of its enthusiasts.
This is a multi-year project that will see the creation of a complete range of engines and off-road motorcycles. The models will gradually become part of a family of off-road motorcycles under the Ducati brand, starting with motocross. Prototype video link
The Bologna-based company has signed an agreement with nine-time Motocross World Champion Antonio Cairoli as a high-performance test rider for the new project and who, thanks to his talent, speed and experience, will make an important contribution to the development of the new bike.
Antonio Cairoli added: “I’m extremely happy to be part of the Ducati universe, which has always been a symbol of the Italian spirit all over the world, and to start this new adventure on a totally Italian project. Being able to make my contribution to the development of the Borgo Panigale motocross bike is a dream come true and a source of great pride for me.”
Ducati has also signed a multi-year agreement with Maddii Racing, one of the most experienced teams in the motocross paddock, which will be the reference structure for MX activities in competition and will participate in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, eight-time Italian Champion and winner of the 2021 MXoN, also hired by Ducati as a test and competition rider.
The focus of Ducati’s off-road project is a combination of the search for lightness taken to the extreme, top-of-the-range components and engines characterized by a very wide power delivery curve. The latter is achieved thanks to the use of the Desmodromico system, used in all of the Bologna brand’s sports bikes, starting with MotoGP. Ducati is, in fact, the only company in the world that uses the same valve return system on its highest performance production bikes as it does on its racing prototypes.
Entering a specialized segment such as off-road represents a very important and challenging strategic choice for Ducati, made possible thanks to the excellent results achieved in recent years. A decision that confirms the desire to expand the brand’s presence in unexplored terrain. New young riders will be able to get closer to the brand from Borgo Panigale and thus become part of the large community of Ducatisti.
Performance is one of the brand’s three core values, along with Style and Sophistication. In Borgo Panigale there are many off-road lovers, and we’re looking forward to seeing the Desmo at its full potential in action off the tarmac!