Ducati guns for KTM

New 450cc motocross prototype proves Ducati are deadly serious about eating some of KTM's off-road pie

SUSPENSION Showa rather than Ohlins, presumably because of Showa's motocross pedigree (Honda'sfactoryteam run them). Incidentally, the Beta sticker on theswingarm refers to the tool company, not the rival off-road lot. FRAME Alloy beam frame with split front downtubeto allow a centre port exhaust. Want to see one in real life? Check out a Honda CRF450-it's almost identical. ENGINE All new 450cc single cylinder with desmodromic valve actuation rather than springs. Higher rev limit could push power close to a marketleading 60bhp. KTM bosses must be feeling rather picked on. Just months fter Triumph launched an attack on the Austrians’ off-road empire with a 250CC motocross bike, along come Ducati with a 450 complete with desmodromic valves, high-end components and lots of red paint. Though the Desmo450 MX you see here is a prototype, it looks remarkably finished,…

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BIKE United Kingdom (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2024

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