New Ducati engine

[Popeye the Sailor]

I don't know why Ducati would abandon desmodromic valve actuation.  I mean the advantage of being able to open the valves without the power robbing effect of fighting the valve springs and then mechanically close the valves as well seems so efficient. 

Yet smaller motors produce just as much power with the traditional design.....

[silentbob]

Yet smaller motors produce just as much power with the traditional design.....

Not for the same number of cylinders.  HP is work per unit of time.  Produce the same torque at a higher rpm and you'll have more HP.  Given the same displacement and bore to stroke ratio, the engine with more cylinders will rev higher and therefore produce more HP.  Right now Ducati makes the highest HP 2 cylinder engine.

[bulldogs2k]

What he said!

[Smitch]

All this talk of belt drives...

Ducati is a company with real actual racing heritage (not just brochure copy).  Now personally, I love belt drives for their easy of use and maintenance free operation.  But they don't allow gearing changes.

I think a belt drive with the proper ratio would be great on a new ST though!

I think you misunderstood.  They're talking about the cam-timing belts in the engine being changed to chain.

[Evil_Ductator]

I think you misunderstood.  They're talking about the cam-timing belts in the engine being changed to chain.

Yea, going back and looking again I think you're right, I was just not thinkin' straight