Seems like most you have them.

Are they only for "bling" or do they actually serve a practical purpose?

They allow the DucSoundâ,,¢ to escape into the wild, where it stuns nearby small children and squirrels, preventing them from running between the wheels and inadvertently causing a crash.

Seriously, though, it's a combo of visual and auditory bling.

They also allow rain to enter (doh!), and clutch dust to escape.  And there's a cooling effect, though you've got me whether that's at all necessary.

In my opinion it's 75% about maximizing an iconic Ducati sound, as described here http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=36325&page=2:

"I look at the dry clutch thing a different way: when your Ducati is sitting on its kickstand idling, it should sound like cement mixer, and when you stand next to it, the ground should be shaking; otherwise, it's not a Ducati."

My dry clutch is louder than my scorpion pipes at idle. It makes children cry.

its been said that the cooling effect prolongs the life of the clutch basket. Even if this was not true, its worth opening it up just for the improved sound. Not to mention all the Harley guys telling that you will burn up your clutch running it without oil!

It's worth it hearing the Honda guys say:  "Dude, that's doesn't sound too good."   

Check this out:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=6443.0

Its absolutely practical!


Practically the coolest thing ever you could do to your bike that completely really sets it apart from the jap bikes

Practically hilarious to hear guys ask you whats wrong with your bike because of the sound

And theres a distinct difference between an open and a removed cover

You can't beat the sound and looks of the dry clutch!

The only real benefit is an open clutch lets the dust out.  If you have the solid cover on the clutch will start to moan after a few thousand miles (give or take depending on riding style) when taking off from a stop.  You'll need to take the cover off and blow the clutch pack out with an air compressor to make the moaning sound stop.  Then do it again in another few thousand miles.  It's easy but a bit of a PIA.

With an open clutch this isn't necessary as the dust is allowed to escape.

in cali, its required by law to alert other motorists of your imminent aproach. 

hands free open clutch..... it's the law after July 1st

Quote from: Hedgehog on July 08, 2008, 07:13:57 PM
It's worth it hearing the Honda guys say:  "Dude, that's doesn't sound too good."   

had that very thing happen last Friday. except it was a Yamaha cruiser dude. i giggled to myself.

The motorcycle mechanic that inspected my bike so I could register it ask what the noise was.
Guess he wouldn't be the 1st one I'd get to look at it if I had a problem I couldn't figure out myself.

Its worth having also for that first time you bring home your brand new bike and a friend of yours goes "you gonna get that fixed?"