Ducati's Upcoming Models: A Sneak Peek at the 2026 DesertX V2 and Desmo450 EDS
Get ready for a thrilling ride as Ducati teases two of its upcoming models, the 2026 DesertX V2 and the street-legal Desmo450 EDS enduro machine. These prototypes, unveiled at the end of last year, are now set to make their grand debut with final designs leaked in design registrations.
The 450Desmo EDS design is a near-identical copy of the previewed version, which itself shares its main chassis and body parts with the competition Desmo450 EDX enduro. The street-legal EDS adds a headlight, but the leaked images reveal additional road-ready features not seen in the preview. These include mirrors, a licence plate bracket, and front and rear turn signals. The exhaust system also differs, with a longer header pipe and a catalytic converter mounted alongside the cylinder head, compared to the expansion chamber in the off-road versions.
Other minor adjustments include a heel guard behind the right-hand footpeg, guards over the front sprocket and chain on the left-hand side, and a small instrument pack and ignition key switch tucked behind the front cowl. These additions ensure the bike is fully street-legal and ready for everyday use.
The DesertX V2, another prototype unveiled at EICMA, sports a retro, Dakar-inspired design. It's built around a new monocoque-style alloy chassis, similar to Ducati's latest V2 machines, and powered by the same 890cc, liquid-cooled V-twin engine found in the Panigale, Streetfighter, Multistrada, Monster, and Hypermotard V2 models. This engine is more compact and lighter than the old 937cc Testastretta, and it ditches the Desmodromic valve operation for conventional valve springs, adding variable intake valve timing for enhanced performance.
The leaked designs of the DesertX V2 reveal additional features like mirrors, a street-legal exhaust, and a two-part seat, which were missing from the previewed version. These additions make the bike more versatile and suitable for various riding conditions.
Both models showcase Ducati's commitment to innovation and style, offering riders a glimpse into the future of their beloved brand.
