Raine Devries | 21 April 2026
The motorcycle industry is firing on all cylinders in mid-April 2026, and Ducati is leading the charge. From a dominant desert victory with the new Desmo450 MX to the 2026 street lineup hitting dealer floors and the brand’s historic 100th anniversary celebrations gaining momentum, the past two weeks have delivered plenty of exciting developments for riders and dealers alike.
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Ducati Off-Road Momentum Builds with Desmo450 MX
Ducati’s push into competitive off-road riding is paying early dividends. In mid-April, the factory-backed Fasthouse Ducati team delivered strong results, headlined by Jordan Graham’s overall victory at the Biltwell 100 aboard the Desmo450 EDX variant in California’s Mojave Desert. Graham dominated with consistent lap times, finishing well ahead of the field and showcasing the bike’s durability in demanding desert conditions. Supporting performances from Calvin Vlaanderen and the squad in Nashville further highlighted the platform’s real-world capability as Ducati expands its presence in this segment.
2026 Street Lineup Rolls Out to U.S. and European Dealers
On the street side, Ducati’s 2026 models are landing in dealerships and generating positive early buzz. Nationwide U.S. Season Opening events took place April 10-12, giving riders hands-on access to test rides of standout machines including the updated Panigale V4 R, the refined Monster with its lighter and more approachable 890 cc V2 engine, the Diavel V4 RS, and the Multistrada V4 Rally. The refreshed DesertX is also reaching European showrooms this month, incorporating the same V2 power updates and chassis improvements. Early rider and reviewer feedback emphasizes better everyday usability while preserving the character that Ducati enthusiasts expect. Learn more about the season events at this link.
Ducati’s 100th Anniversary Celebrations Gain Speed
2026 marks a historic milestone for Ducati as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary. The year-long festivities are building toward the centerpiece: World Ducati Week 2026, scheduled for July 3-5 at Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”—with July 4 falling exactly on the 100-year anniversary date. Ticket sales are now open for what promises to be an epic gathering of Ducatisti from around the globe. In the meantime, initiatives like the Multistrada V4 Voyagers contest (running through early May) offer winners exclusive factory experiences, and limited-edition models such as the Superleggera V4 Centenario continue to underscore the engineering focus of the centenary. Get ticket information and full details at this link.
MotoGP Heats Up Ahead of Jerez
The premier class is delivering plenty of drama as the season heads into Europe. Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez (April 25-27 weekend), Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia continue to show strong form, keeping the championship battle tight as the paddock eyes the transition toward next year’s 850 cc regulations. Off-track, sim and gaming fans are gearing up for Milestone’s MotoGP 26 release on April 29.
BMW Motorrad Advances Entry-Level Adventure Segment
BMW is moving quickly on its accessible ADV platform. Pre-bookings are open for the new F 450 GS ahead of its official India launch on April 23. The locally produced 420 cc parallel-twin (48 hp / 43 Nm) features a bi-directional quickshifter, long-travel suspension, and multiple riding modes—aimed at entry-level adventure riders seeking premium features at a competitive price point.
Harley-Davidson Softail Recall Update
In other U.S. news, Harley-Davidson has issued a recall affecting approximately 16,994 units of certain 2025-2026 Softail models (FLHC Heritage Classic, FXBB Street Bob, FXLRS Low Rider S, and FXLRST Low Rider ST) due to potential rear brake line chafing against the Body Control Module. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V234000 was filed in mid-April, with dealer notifications sent on April 16 and owner letters expected between May 18 and May 25.
Riders, check your VIN here to see if your bike is affected.
Dealers should prioritize coordinating the free remedy for affected inventory and customers.
~Keep the shiny side up!
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