News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
Krämer Motorcycles USA Set an All-Time Sales Record in 2024
Krämer Motorcycles USA is proud to announce that it achieved an all-time sales record in 2024, more than doubling its unit sales volume compared to the previous year. Additionally, the company also doubled its gross revenue over the same period, quadrupling its business size in just three years.
This milestone cements Krämer Motorcycles as the go-to brand in North America for racers and track day enthusiasts seeking turnkey, dedicated track and racing motorcycles. It also confirms the United States as Krämer’s largest global market.
“We didn’t get a chance to brag last year about our record-breaking sales success in 2023, so to double those numbers now in 2024 is a huge achievement for the Krämer Motorcycles USA team, and something we wanted to celebrate. I am immensely proud of the team’s accomplishments last year, and 2025 is already looking like a banner year for Krämer as well,” said Jensen Beeler, CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA.”
Leading the sales surge was the special-edition Krämer GP2-890 RR, limited to just 125 units worldwide. With over one-third of the production run landing in the United States, the GP2-890 RR exceeded expectations, set a new standard for middleweight racing, and secured race wins across multiple clubs nationwide.
Similarly, the EVO2 platform continues to be a cornerstone motorcycle for Krämer Motorcycles USA in 2024, and retains its position as the brand’s most popular model in the United States. Based around a 690cc single-cylinder engine, the Krämer EVO2-690 R consistently shows itself capable of winning against top-level Twins Cup competitors, thanks to its 80hp peak power output, 276 lbs wet weight, and rigid road-racing chassis.
A new addition to the Krämer Motorcycles lineup is the roisterous Krämer GP2-890 XX naked bike. With its hooligan style and extremely limited quantities, the GP2-890 XX offers something unique and different to riders that are looking for a more relaxed and thrilling track experience. Announced at the EICMA show in Milan last year, and the first model to be part of Krämer’s new factory customization offering, the Krämer GP2-890 XX is already nearly sold out for the US market for the 2025 model year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Krämer Motorcycles USA aims to build on its success with the introduction of the Krämer APX-350 MA, which is purpose-built for the new MotoAmerica Talent Cup series. Catering to riders aged 14 to 21, the MotoAmerica Talent Cup will see the entire grid competing on the Krämer APX-350 MA, as these young racers vie for a chance to move into the Red Bull Rookies Cup, as an official part of the “Road to MotoGP” program.
“Being the spec-bike manufacturer for the MotoAmerica Talent Cup is a big leap forward for Krämer Motorcycles, and we aim to show that the Krämer APX-350 MA is the new reference point for rider-development motorcycles,” said Joe Karvonen, COO/Owner of Krämer Motorcycles USA. “Our success in the USA is built off the superior machinery and service that our team provides to amateur club racers, and we are excited to bring that level of performance and dedication to the professional racers in the MotoAmerica paddock this year.”
With more product and service announcements still to come this year, Krämer Motorcycles USA looks forward to 2025 being another breakout year.
Visit KramerMotorcyclesUSA.com for more information and the latest pricing.
Ducati Desmo450 MX: the first motocross bike from the Borgo Panigale manufacturer
It’s a historic day for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer: Ducati presents the Desmo450 MX, marking the debut of its first motocross bike. This bike is born from the philosophy that has always guided Ducati: experimenting and testing solutions in racing competitions to implement them in production bikes, building on the experience gained by Ducati Corse in MotoGP and Superbike.
Thanks to this approach and a careful analysis of the segment, competitors, and the technical regulations of FIM and AMA, Ducati has created a light and reliable bike with a high-performance Desmodromic distribution engine and electronic equipment that sets the benchmark in the category. The Desmo450 MX is thus capable of enhancing the riding skills of both professional and amateur riders, providing the confidence needed to push their limits further. Due to its engine power delivery, chassis, and innovative electronics, this bike offers high performance while requiring reduced physical effort.
The Desmo450 MX is the first model in a complete range of specialist off-road bikes, designed to introduce the Borgo Panigale company to new terrains, connect with new motorcyclists, and expand the Ducatisti community. To prepare to welcome all future knobby-wheeled Ducatisti into the family, Ducati has trained a selection of its dealers to ensure the highest level of professionalism and expertise in a segment completely new to the Borgo Panigale company.
“Over the past 18 months many people have asked me why Ducati decided to enter the world of professional off-road racing. The answer is simple: Ducati is a healthy company that generates resources, therefore has the opportunity to grow by opening up to a new segment of enthusiasts,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “We looked around, searching for the important uniqueness of our corporate culture and finding the one that I believe characterizes Ducati like perhaps no other company: the closeness between the world of racing and the world of production motorbikes. And discovering, at the same time, that we have an incredible resource within us in the form of so many off-road enthusiasts in the various departments. All this has allowed us to present the Desmo450 MX today: an easy, high-performance bike, for amateurs and professionals alike, which we will constantly develop through sporting activity at the highest levels, supporting it thanks to a sales network that speaks the language of motocross enthusiasts and truly understands all their needs.”
The Desmo450 MX features a single-cylinder 449.6 cc engine with Desmodromic distribution and stands out in the specialist off-road landscape. It offers the ability to maximize every gear ratio at the start and through corners, thanks to its particularly favorable power delivery, which combines torque at low and medium revs with impressive over-rev capabilities.
![2026 Ducati DESMO450 MX [1]](https://motorsportsnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2026-Ducati-DESMO450-MX-1.jpg)
The lightweight aluminum frame is designed to minimize welds, enhancing the solidity, lightness, and rigidity of the structure. These design choices proved immediately successful in the race with Alessandro Lupino, who became the national champion after winning the first race of the MX1 Italian Championship. The races helped define the bike that will go into production in mid-April and will serve as the best test bench for the ongoing development of the Desmo450 MX and all models that will become part of the range.
The Desmo450 MX also marks a milestone in the segment regarding electronics. It is the world’s first motocross bike equipped with Traction Control that can accurately assess rear wheel slippage (patent pending). This system recognizes the riding conditions in which it should not activate to avoid limiting the bike’s performance. Finally, the Desmo450 MX Traction Control can be quickly deactivated by the rider in situations requiring maximum engine output, and it will automatically reactivate shortly after.
The bike, available for order from selected dealers, will arrive in Europe starting in June, followed by its launch in the United States and the rest of the world.
Single-cylinder engine with Desmodromic distribution control
The design of the Desmo450 MX started from the engine, which features Desmodromic distribution, the same system used on all Ducati racing bikes, including MotoGP. This characteristic provides several advantages to the Desmo450 MX, chief among them the ability to operate the engine at very high revs, which enhances the likelihood of starting faster than competitors at the gate and winning the coveted Holeshot award given to the rider who exits the first corner first. This award was claimed by the two official riders, Seewer and Guadagnini, in their debut race in the Motocross World Championship in Argentina, utilizing a production engine equipped solely with the complete Akrapovič exhaust, the same one that Ducati offers to every enthusiast through its Performance catalog.
The Desmo450 MX also delivers a strong torque curve at low revs, ensuring abundant power out of corners, with a linear delivery and unprecedented acceleration for its category. This distinctive power delivery curve provides the rider with 70% of the maximum torque at just 4,200 rpm, making the Desmo450 MX less demanding and tiring than a traditional 450, which greatly benefits track performance and riding enjoyment. This capability stems from the Desmodromic distribution, which reduces the energy required to open the valves, enabling more aggressive lift profiles even with larger valve diameters.
Thanks to the bore and stroke measurements of 96 x 62.1 mm, 40 mm intake valves and 33 mm exhaust valves were indeed possible. The former are made of titanium, while the latter consist of steel with a hollow stem filled with sodium to enhance heat exchange, thereby increasing reliability and performance consistency.
Particular attention was paid to the cooling system, featuring rhomboid-shaped radiators. These represent a new feature for the segment and allow for a 6.5% higher radiating surface compared to a traditionally shaped solution, improving engine cooling while keeping the bike compact, thus offering the rider a high level of freedom of movement towards the front of the bike. Alessandro Lupino and Tony Cairoli competed in 2024 with the standard radiators, capable of guaranteeing high reliability even in the most extreme and prohibitive conditions, as seen in the race at Ponte a Egola. The event was dominated by the two Ducati riders but was interrupted due to excessive mud on the track, which forced most bikes to halt.
The maximum power of the Desmo450 engine of 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm, with a peak torque of 39.5 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm. The limiter intervention is set at 11,900 rpm, establishing a new benchmark for the category.
Chassis
The chassis of the Desmo450 MX is based on an aluminum perimeter frame. This layout was chosen to obtain a lightweight structure, which allows the engine to have intake and exhaust ducts as straight as possible, to guarantee the best performance. The technicians of the Borgo Panigale company have managed to create a structure weighing 19.7 lbs characterized by the least possible number of welds, thus hitting the desired targets of lightness, reliability, and rigidity. The frame contributes significantly to containing the bike’s weight, which, in a ready-to-use configuration but without fuel, stands at 231 lbs.
The frame of the Desmo450 MX consists of only 11 pieces, approximately half compared to the competition, and includes cast, forged, and extruded elements. The front section, which connects the steering column to the upper shock absorber attachment, is represented by a single cast component. This construction technology, which Ducati also employs in Superbike frames, enables total control of thicknesses, thereby utilizing only the necessary amount of material at each point and creating complex shapes without compromising weight or strength.
The extremely compact frame design was also designed to ensure the best ergonomics for the rider while facilitating quick and easy maintenance in the workshop or on the track, where tasks like disassembling the shock absorber can be performed swiftly.
The latter is positioned centrally and operates using a cast aluminum swingarm and a forged aluminum linkage. The progressivity of the link was established during the races held in the 2024 season.
The suspension and brakes of the Desmo450 MX were the subject of a targeted decision. Ducati relied on Showa’s extensive experience in racing competition, which was also selected to ease setup for amateurs due to its spring-based, rather than air-based, design for the elastic component. The fork is fully adjustable, featuring 49 mm inverted stems, 310 mm of travel, and a Kashima Coating treatment on the stanchions. The shock absorber is also fully adjustable, with a wheel travel of 301 mm. To further refine the setup, Alessandro Lupino competed in the initial part of the Italian Championship using standard suspension, confirming the reliability of the chosen equipment.
Regarding the braking system, Ducati has once again chosen to collaborate with its long-standing partner, Brembo, to develop benchmark braking systems in this area, as has been the case for many years with road bikes. It features a two-piston floating caliper at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear. Galfer brake discs measure 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear.
Electronics
The experience gained in MotoGP and Superbike, where Ducati serves as a technological benchmark, enabled the technicians at Borgo Panigale to introduce a real traction control system on the Desmo450 MX. This system provides benefits in terms of lap time, rider safety, and energy savings while riding. Unlike the existing systems in the segment, the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) integrated into the Desmo450 MX calibrates power adjustments based on actual rear wheel slip and inertial measurements of vehicle dynamics, ensuring effective, prompt, and smooth intervention. This system can recognize moments when it should remain inactive, such as during jumps, by automatically disabling itself. Additionally, if the rider identifies areas on the track where he wishes to utilize the engine’s full potential, he can deactivate the system with a light pull on the clutch lever. Control will automatically resume after a brief moment. Ducati Traction Control offers four different levels of intervention.
The electronic equipment includes Launch Control and Engine Brake Control, which, like DTC, can be configured at different levels of intervention. These features are associated with two Riding Modes that the rider can adapt to their needs and the characteristics of the track via the X-Link App. The gearbox is equipped with a Quickshifter for engagement.
Maintenance intervals
The maintenance intervals have been established to reduce related costs for the customer. Piston replacement and the valve clearance check are scheduled for 45 hours, while the total engine overhaul is established at 90 hours, which are benchmark values for the segment.
Accessories
Thanks to the Ducati Performance catalog, it is possible to create a replica of the Ducati Desmo450 MX ridden in the MXGP World Championship by Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini. In fact, all the details of the 450 MX Factory are available in the Ducati Performance catalog, with the sole exception of the official Showa suspension, which cannot be purchased by privateer riders.
The special parts offered include Factory components machined from solid such as wheel hubs, triple clamps, but also a complete exhaust or Akrapovič titanium slip-on silencer and Brembo Racing brake calipers. The list of available accessories will be progressively expanded.
Finally, the Ducati Performance catalog offers a technical collection created in collaboration with Drudi Performance to complete the Factory look. The offer consists of a complete Alpinestars jersey/pants/gloves/boots set, Arai helmet, wind vest, softshell and Spidi rain jacket.
Availability
The Desmo450 MX will arrive in North American dealerships in July and cost $11,495 in the United States.
The new Desmo 450 MX launch videos (beauty and dynamic) are available on the Ducati YouTube channel.
Desmo450 MX
- Colors
- Ducati Red
- Main standard features
- Desmo450 single-cylinder engine, 449.6 cc
- Maximum power of 63.5 hp at 9,400 rpm, Maximum torque of 39.5 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm
- Twin-spar Aluminum frame
- 1.9 US-gallon fuel tank
- Showa 49 mm upside-down forks, fully adjustable, 310 mm travel and Kashima Coating on the fork legs
- Showa fully adjustable monoshock, 301 mm wheel travel
- Cast aluminum swingarm
- Brembo braking system with single Galfer discs, 260 mm (front) and 240 mm (rear)
- Pirelli Scorpion MX32 Mid-Soft tires, 80/100-21” and 110/90-19”
- DID chain final transmission
- Takasago Excel aluminum rims with Alpina spokes, 21” x 1.60” and 19” x 2.15”
- 2 Power Modes, 2 Riding Modes
- Riding Modes configurable via the accessory X-Link app
- New generation electronics package with Ducati Traction Control (DTC); Power Launch; Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control.
- Piston replacement every 45 hours
- Valve clearance check every 45 hours
EAGLERIDER and Ducati North America Announce Premium Ducati Models in Rental Fleet
– EAGLERIDER, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company, in partnership with Ducati North America, is expanding its fleet with four distinctive Ducati models. This strategic partnership builds upon the company’s successful introduction of adventure motorcycles and on-road/off-road guided tours, bringing Ducati’s iconic Italian style, sophistication, and performance to EAGLERIDER’s already diverse fleet offerings.
“EAGLERIDER is committed to providing our customers with the most diverse and exciting motorcycle experiences possible. By introducing these exceptional Ducati models to our fleet, we’re answering the growing demand for premium bikes while staying true to our mission of delivering unforgettable riding experiences”, says EAGLERIDER CEO Sebastian Schoepe.
“Ducati motorcycles are built to inspire passion and adventure, and we are thrilled to collaborate with EAGLERIDER to make our brand accessible to all riders across North America,” adds Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. “Whether exploring America’s winding backroads or scenic countryside, our Ducati motorcycles consistently deliver an unmatched riding experience.”
The premium Ducati fleet expansion includes:
- Multistrada V4 Rally – Engineered for adventure and designed for the long route, this long-distance tourer is equipped with a 7.9-gallon fuel tank, semi-active suspension, and advanced rider assistance systems, offering exceptional comfort and endurance.
- Multistrada V4 S – A premium version of the Multistrada V4 featuring semi-active suspension, upgraded electronics, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection, combining sportbike performance with touring versatility.
- Ducati DesertX – Ducati’s adventure motorcycle built for off-road exploration featuring 21-inch font and 18-inch rear wheels, a rugged chassis, long-travel suspension, and Ducati’s signature performance and style.
- Scrambler Icon – This retro-styled motorcycle combines classic design with modern performance and features such as LED lighting and a TFT display. Lightweight and easy to ride, it’s perfect for urban commuting and casual adventure.
This exclusive Ducati fleet is now available at EAGLERIDER, offering enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to experience these exceptional machines across the American Southwest. Existing EAGLERIDER tour bookings can be upgraded to include any of the available Ducati models.
Comoto and the Motorcycle Industry Council Join Forces to Fuel the Future of Motorcycling
The Comoto Family of Brands, encompassing Cycle Gear, RevZilla, J&P Cycles and REVER, has partnered with the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) to further the Ride With Us initiative, a nationwide effort to introduce more people to the joys of motorcycle riding. This collaboration aims to break down common barriers to entry – such as obtaining a license, understanding safety gear and technology, and finding a riding community – by leveraging Comoto’s longstanding relationships with motorcycling communities across the country and its dedication to serving the rider.
“The Ride With Us campaign is designed to make motorcycling more accessible by providing non-riders with hands-on opportunities to experience the excitement of riding,” explained Steve Bontempo, Chief Marketing Officer of Comoto and President of RevZilla and J&P Cycles. “Through this partnership with the MIC, we’re empowering new riders with the resources, education and confidence they need to get on two wheels and join the riding community.”
The campaign’s tagline, “What does a motorcycle rider look like? Exactly like you,” underscores that motorcycling is for everyone and aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for new riders. As such, the Ride With Us campaign will connect those curious about motorcycling to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s RIDE Day program, where non-riders can try riding a motorcycle at an MSF-certified range, with training motorcycles, gear and coaching provided. Additionally, the campaign offers a six-part video series covering the fundamentals of riding, comprehensive guides on how to obtain a motorcycle license in every state, and links to Motorcycle Safety Foundation education courses.
The partnership also engages experienced riders through the “Recruit a Rider” program, encouraging them to introduce friends and family to motorcycling. Cycle Gear will further support Ride With Us through its Bike Night events, where people can learn more about the sport, and by hosting three Ride With Us Moto Intro events in 2025, providing free hands-on riding experiences for non-riders, again with bikes, gear, and coaching provided. The entire experience, from gearing up the riders, to the coaching, riding and post-ride gear-down, takes about 30 minutes. The first Moto Intro event is set to take place in May in Georgia.
“We’re very excited for this partnership because it connects all the dots for those looking to get into riding, providing a turnkey process to explore motorcycling,” said Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President of Market Expansion for the MIC. “With Comoto’s network of stores, online retail sites, and huge content subscriber base; to the training the MSF community can provide; to MIC’s resources and dealer connections, we will be able to inspire more people to ride and help smooth the journey for them. Growing powersports requires collaboration, and we’re excited to be working so closely with Comoto on this highly visible project which can help benefit our entire industry.
Motorcyclists and those interested in learning to ride can get involved by visiting https://www.cyclegear.com/ride-with-us to sign up for classes, attend a Cycle Gear Bike Night (find a local store) or sign up for the Cycle Gear mailing list to receive more information on the Recruit a Rider program.
Damon Accelerates Development of HyperSport Race Electric Motorcycle with Renowned Italian Engineering Firm – Engines Engineering
Damon Inc. (NASDAQ: DMN) (“Damon” or the “Company”), a designer and developer of electric motorcycles and other personal mobility products that seek to empower the personal mobility sector through innovation, data intelligence and strategic collaborations, today announced a strategic collaboration with renowned Italian engineering firm Engines Engineering, enabling the acceleration to market of the Damon HyperSport Race electric motorcycle. The collaboration with Engines Engineering, which has extensive MotoGP racing expertise, provides Damon with a capital-efficient approach to product development and rapid technology validation. Through this collaboration, Damon expects to validate its proprietary electric powertrain technology and AI-enabled systems in a high-performance track application on an accelerated timeline. The HyperSport Race program will serve as a technology demonstrator for Damon.
By leveraging its modular technology platform, Damon has streamlined its expected development costs to under $10 million – significantly below the $25-70 million typically required for road-going versions. This capital efficient strategy fast-tracks the validation of Damon’s advanced HyperSport systems, with initial product expected within 12 months.
“The HyperSport Race program provides an optimal platform for rapid validation of our HyperSport technology stack,” said Mr. Dom Kwong, Interim CEO of Damon. “This focused approach allows us to test our proprietary HyperSport electric powertrain architecture, advanced battery management technology and AI-enabled safety systems under extreme conditions, generating crucial data to advance our technology development,” stated Mr. Kwong.
“Engines Engineering is proud to collaborate with Damon in accelerating the validation of their advanced HyperSport electric mobility technology,” said Mr. Manfredi Fenici, CEO and Vice-President of Engines Engineering. “Our racing expertise combined with Damon’s innovative technology creates an efficient platform for pushing electric powertrain performance boundaries.”
The HyperSport Race program and strategic collaboration with Engines Engineering is the first step of Damon executing its updated strategic business plan, Damon 2.0, which has established four distinct potential revenue verticals – Data Intelligence, Personal Mobility, Licensing and Engineering Services, and Special Projects – creating multiple pathways for growth. The Company’s proprietary safety systems and electrification technology continue to be core differentiators in the market, supported by capital efficiency and economics. This approach optimizes the operational efficiency while advancing the Company’s mission in mobility innovation and data intelligence. Damon’s strategic focus in sustainable transportation solutions, combined with its diversified potential revenue streams, strongly positions Damon for long-term value creation.
