After revealing its first look during World Ducati Week, the Italian manufacturer has unveiled the Desmo450 SM supermoto, based on the Desmo450 MX platform. Ducati appears to be aiming it squarely at racing enthusiasts, with its equipment, design and maintenance centred around that use case. The lack of a headlight is another obvious sign that it's not meant to be street-legal.
The SM uses a Showa sealed cartridge 49mm USD fork with 280mm travel that is adjustable for compression and rebound. The monoshock at the rear has 295mm travel and is fully adjustable. The bike gets a 16.5-inch front rim and a 17-inch rear rim with a Bartubeless system, fitted with Metzeler Racetec Slick SM tyres.
The engine is a 449.6cc single-cylinder mill, delivering 63.5hp and 53.5Nm of torque. Thanks to the Desmodromic valve train, the rev limiter is set at 11,900rpm, offering a wide power band and flexible riding. With an empty fuel tank, the SM weighs just 109kg.
Braking duties are handled by a Brembo Stylema radial caliper with a 310mm Galfer front disc and a 240mm Galfer rear disc with a Brembo floating caliper. Other rider aids include Ducati Traction Control, Engine Brake Control, Launch Control, and an up-only quickshifter.