Dual sports, by nature, are motorcycles that can handle both off-roading and on-road duties. That makes them a bit of a compromise, especially if you’re looking for a proper enduro-level dirt bike with license plates and lights. In that case, the only real option you’ve had is the Honda CRF450RL.
This is about as serious as a dirt bike can get today; it combines proper enduro-bike off-roading finesse with equipment to make it road legal. But there’s a new player in town, and it doesn’t want to beat around the bush. This new dual sport comes with Italian panache and genuine off-road capabilities, and it’s looking to dethrone the CRF450RL.
The CRF450RL Is The Current Dual-Sport Benchmark
2026 Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa SKawasaki
Dual sports come in three varieties, starting with small-displacement options, like the Honda CRF300L or Kawasaki KLX230. These dual sport motorcycles are accessible off-roaders designed for riders who want to get their feet into the off-roading sport without committing to a full-fledged dirt bike. On the other end sit the 650cc thumpers, which combine old-school simplicity and brute force. These are ideal for riders looking for simplicity and function, but they are also heavy and arguably obsolete today.
Honda CRF450RL off-roading along a smooth trail, cinematic low-down shotHonda Powersports
The third category sits between the two, at least as far as displacement is concerned. These bikes offer a lot more performance from their single-cylinder mills and feature genuine off-road equipment. This niche category has been dominated by the Honda CRF450RL, which shares a lot of its DNA with the CRF450X trail bike, which is a derivation of the CRF450RX racer. But the RL has lights, indicators, and a number plate holder that make it street legal, so it can mingle with the general public.
Honda
Yet, the CRF450RL is already ready to unleash its wild side should you allow it. Thanks to its 450cc thumper engine that’s been around for two decades, combined with a tough-as-nails chassis and beefy Showa suspension, the CRF450RL can go anywhere. It’s almost as capable as a 450cc enduro, only toned down so it can be legal on the road. For motorcyclists looking for that kind of off-road capability and street legality, there’s hardly been a better option than the CRF450RL.
2026 Suzuki DR-Z4S with a rider on top, side profile viewSuzuki Cycles
Of course, many will point at the Suzuki DR-Z4S, which recently got its biggest update in over two decades. As good as this Suzuki DR is, it still offers less for less money compared to the CRF450RL. You could also point to Beta, which makes some good dual sports, like the Beta 430 RRR-S, but it’s niche and not as serious as the CRF450RL. Similarly, the Austrian specialist KTM offers the 500 EXC-F, a high-strung off-roader that’s more powerful and lighter. But you’ll probably go further with the Honda simply because the KTM (and its Husky counterpart) isn’t as reliable. They are also significantly more expensive than the CRF.
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The Dual-Sport World Changes With The Ducati Desmo450 EDS
Ducati
The CRF450RL has been reigning the 450 dual sport class for some time, but that’s about to change with the Ducati Desmo450 EDS, the Italian manufacturer’s first modern street-legal enduro bike. Ducati engineers started from the Desmo450 MX’ technical base, modifying and developing components and solutions to create a dual sport that is effective in tackling longer distances and more complex terrains. The result is the Desmo450 EDS, with EDS standing for Enduro Street Legal, which tells you everything you need to know about the bike.
Ducati
Ducati has designed the Desmo450 EDS with one purpose: to offer endurance, control, and the ability to adapt to any situation, including a tarmac ride without attracting cops. As such, the bike features a powerful engine that can be dialed up to 54 horsepower with the Ducati Performance Racing Kit. The thumper engine hangs in an aluminum perimeter frame, suspended on beefy Showa suspension and a 21/18-inch wheel setup. And then there’s the tech-fest you’d expect from Ducati, giving the Desmo450 EDS an edge over the Honda CRF450RL.
Ducati Desmo450 EDS Starts At $12,995
Ducati
The Ducati Desmo450 EDS is a thoroughbred enduro bike with plates and lights, and it will arrive at select North American dealerships from August 2026. Ducati has priced it at $12,995, which is quite a bit more than the CRF450RL’s $10,199 sticker price. That may seem expensive, but you are getting more for the price. Where the CRF450RL focuses on being reliable and trail-proven, the Desmo450 EDS is all about prioritizing sophisticated off-roading, complete with high-end features and torquer power delivery.
Powerful Single Cylinder That Focuses On Progressive Performance
Ducati
The EDS is built around the Desmo450 single-cylinder engine, displacing 449.6cc. The engine is an evolution of the Desmo450 MX engine, and on the EDS, it runs a 12.9:1 compression ratio, along with a unique piston, valve timing, and flywheel to deliver 42 horsepower at 6,750 RPM and 33 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 RPM. On the EDS, Ducati has tuned the engine to offer smooth and progressive performance that helps maintain traction, control, and riding continuity across a variety of low-traction surfaces.
New Six-Speed Gearbox
Ducati
Unlike the Desmo450 MX, the EDS gets an extra cog in the gearbox, making for a six-speed transmission. This new gearbox is developed specifically for enduro riding, with the first five gears being shorter to meet the demands of technical and demanding riding. The third gear is more elastic for better torque delivery, which should reduce the need for frequent shifting. The sixth gear is long, allowing the engine to run at a lower RPM while reducing stress on the rider and bike components alike.
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Desmodromic Valvetrain For Meatier Torque Curve
Ducati
The engine also uses a Desmodromic DOHC four-valve timing, which is said to allow higher acceleration compared to conventional systems. Ducati says this results in a broader and more consistent torque curve across the rev range. The Desmo system is chain-driven, and the lack of traditional valve springs enables more precise valve control, reduced friction, and better performance. With the Racing Kit, the engine revs up to 11,000 RPM and delivers extended over-rev.
Designed For Better Thermal Stamina
Ducati
The engine is also designed for better thermal stamina to withstand the rigors of technical off-roading. For starters, the bore and stroke have been defined to achieve optimal valve sizing. The titanium intake valves have a 40mm diameter, while the exhaust valves measure 33mm in diameter. The latter is made of steel with hollow stems filled with sodium to improve heat exchange. The bike also gets a cooling system with an integrated electric fan to keep the engine temps in check, resulting in higher thermal stamina.
Extended Service Interval With Predictive Maintenance
Ducati
Any bike as serious as this one will have higher service intervals. Even the CRF450RL, despite being a Honda, is no different. It requires an oil change every 15 hours and valve clearance checks every 30 hours. But Ducati takes this a step further by making the Desmo450 EDS’ maintenance easier, despite it having the infamous Desmo valvetrain, thanks to what the manufacturer calls predictive maintenance.
Ducati
Drawing on the competition experience gained by Ducati Corse, Ducati has developed an algorithm specific to enduro riding that calculates engine stress levels in real time. Using operating parameters, usage conditions, and terrain type, the system adapts the service interval as per your riding style and usage intensity. It stays shorter for professional and racing use, but amateur riding benefits from longer service intervals. Based on real usage conditions, maintenance includes two service levels: MID Service (piston replacement and valve clearance check every 90 to 120 hours) and Full Service (complete engine overhaul at 180 to 240 hours).
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Designed For Serious Enduro Riding
Ducati
Since the Desmo450 EDS is designed to go anywhere, Ducati has paid special attention to how much it weighs and how it handles that weight. Tipping the scales at 264 pounds, the Desmo450 EDS is 25 pounds lighter than the CRF450RL, which should make it feel more agile and intuitive, at least according to Ducati. The bike uses an aluminum welded, cast, forged, and extruded parts twin-spar frame that is engineered to tackle every terrain with precise handling.
Showa Suspension Designed For Enduro Riding
Ducati
The frame sits on beefy Showa suspension that is specifically designed for enduro riding. At the front, it gets a 49mm Showa USD fork, fully adjustable with Kashima coating on the outer tube. This fork shares the base architecture with that of the Desmo450 MX, but the spring rate is dropped to 4.6 N/mm from 5 N/mm, optimizing low-speed compression damping.
Similarly, the rear monoshock retains the same architecture as the MX but with a softer spring, from 46 N/mm to 44 N/mm. The monoshock also gets a new 1.5mm bypass hole in the piston to improve initial response, traction, and control. The suspension offers a wheel travel of 12.2 inches in the front and 11.9 inches at the back.
Metzeler 6 Days Extreme Tires And Galfer/Bremo Braking Setup
Ducati
The suspension holds onto Takasago Excel central spoked rims, measuring 21 inches front and 18 inches rear. The rims are shod in Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tires to deliver stability, traction, and precision on all terrains. Braking comes courtesy of Galfer rotors on both ends, gripped by Brembo floating calipers. Ducati says this braking setup is chosen for its lightness, precision, and resistance even in the most extreme conditions. Rounding out the package are the protection bits, including an engine guard, hand guards, and dedicated covers.
Tech Fest Enabled By The Ducati Performance Racing Kit
Ducati
As standard, the Ducati Desmo450 EDS does not offer much in terms of tech. You get a full LED lighting setup, along with Ducati Fall Detection and Quick Shift Up. The bike is, however, ready for Map Selector, riding modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), and Power Launch. You can get these with the optional Racing Kit, which also brings Ducati X-Link app support, which lets you adapt the bike to your riding style and terrain. With the optional Ducati Com-Link Wi-Fi module, you can also personalize, monitor, and manage your Ducati during off-road competition via the X-Link app.
Source: Ducati, Honda
