New Ducati Motor?

[Giannis]

Close, Mr. L'Smart, very close...

"Plain" (shell-insert type) engine bearings.
You know, like the ones in just about every other engine on the planet.
Which would require: A horizontally split crank-case -not a vertical split case like we have now
(the above picture shows no parting line/fasteners to facilitate a horizontal split)
Which, of course, would require a new design high-pressure oil system...
You'd toast bearings very quickly with the oil delivered the current system provides.
(roller main bearings can run with oil delivery "interuptions" -plain bearings start to go up in smoke almost instantly)

Roller bearings are used on the crankshaft mains now. 
Very low rolling friction once set up correctly -a nice benefit.
But: They can withstand only "so much" hammering before failure. 
They are heavy.  They cost (much) more. 
The machine work required to use them is hugely more complicated than plain bearings.
And you have to shim the crank for proper preload precisely to make them work...
That takes time, which equals money.  $$$

We'll save:
Time.  Money.  Weight.
Oh and we'll get better oil delivery too!   

Yes i heard that too about horizontial split cases which will save a lot of money in labor...

[RichD]

...And if they're re-thinking their approach to engines in light of contemporary technologies, what about traditional valve springs? 

Those are coming for some/all of the 2-valve motors.

[Cher]

Those are coming for some/all of the 2-valve motors.

Oh

My

God


 

[Ronr]

Those are coming for some/all of the 2-valve motors.

What for? Ugh

I wouldn't think they would change to springs on the SBK or GP either. I've read the desmo is an advantage that the GP guys are trying to counter with pneumatics.

[Ronr]

Would this new mythical engine be based on the Desmocedici engine? I've never seen any design details on that engine. Changing from the Pantah to horizontally split cases is almost a clean sheet design, unless the D16RR layout can be used. Its really pretty wild that the Pantah design has lasted this long, but its still working pretty darn good. Very interesting subject.