Ducati MX
Ducati announced overnight that they have been working on a new motocross bike for two years and that their new dirt-squirter will debut next season in the Italian Motocross Championship. They also have plans for enduro motorcycles and pretty much every discipline of off-road riding. Similarly, Triumph are also breaking new ground with their entry into the segment next year.
Ducati have been ‘the’ innovators in MotoGP in recent years and have also proven to have the fastest machine in Superbike racing. So, what innovation is there to be had in motocross..?
An industry standard has been developed over the years, single-cylinder, four-stroke, which is obviously somewhat mandated by racing class regulations around the world.
There have been a few innovations come and go; a counter-rotating crank, and/or various takes on the angle of the bore from vertical, pitched forwards or backwards. We have also seen instances where the induction comes from the front, converse to the general industry standard that sees the cylinder fed from the rear and the exhaust exiting from the front.
As a new player in this segment, one would expect Ducati to try and come with some standout innovation or feature that can be seen as unique to the Italian brand. It will be interesting to see what point of differences they will bring to the table to separate themselves from the competition, apart of course from the use of their desmodromc valve actuation system, which they have already confirmed.
The benefits of the desmo system is that the system allows steep ramp angles on cam lobes and much more aggressive valve opening and closing than possible via conventional valve spring systems.
Ducati have also largely led the way with traction control systems and engine braking management solutions.
Ducati’s involvement with MotoE will also have them well prepared to work on a next generation electric dirtbike.
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding
”I am proud to announce Ducati’s entry into Motocross. A totally new world for Ducati in which we want to bring our talent in designing lightweight motorcycles, with excellent components and high performance and – above all – which can excite more and more motorcyclists. Just as we believe that the track is the best laboratory to develop and test the bikes that will then be available to customers and enthusiasts. This is why we have decided to cooperate with an undisputed champion like Tony Cairoli who, together with the passion and dedication of many of us here in Borgo Panigale, will contribute to making Ducati in off-road as capable in offering very high-performance products to its passionate customers as we have proven on the asphalt. The project is possible thanks to the company’s excellent results in recent years and confirms our desire to extend our presence into new worlds, speak to new motorcyclists and therefore grow the Ducati Community.”
Antonio Cairoli
“I am extremely happy to become part of the universe of Ducati, which has always been a symbol of Italian spirit throughout the world, and to begin this exciting new adventure, in an all-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 the MX racing activities and will take part in the 2024 Italian Motocross Championship with Alessandro Lupino, eight-time Italian Champion and 2021 MXoN winner, also contracted to Ducati as racing and test rider.
