New Ducati engine

[krolik]

I read in the October issue of Cycle World that Ducati is working on a new engine design, one that's not based the L-twin Pantah.  They even claim that some versions will springs instead of desmo.   According to the article, "If our information is correct, you won't see this engine prior to the 2010 model year."

[sugarcrook]

I guess some updates are to be expected.  After all, what would we be left with if engine technology never changed? 



Right.  Harley Davidsons. 

[kopfjäger]

Yeah, Harley Davidson Technology like Ducati has never changed. 

[aaronb]

i read that article.  if it is true it may be the end of the 'L' s it sounds like they will stand it up for better packaging...  oh oh but i did get excited about cam chains

[blue tiger]

I guess some updates are to be expected.  After all, what would we be left with if engine technology never changed? 



Right.  Harley Davidsons. 

I have a good article from a few years ago that details just how much HD engine designs have changed over the years. I mean no one rags on GM or Ford for having ancient pushrod V 8's. That's because they are continually upgraded with better technologies and things like computer management and FI. Just like HD.

I may ride nItalian now but have owned several Harleys and thouroughly enjoyed each one. They got me into mC's in the first place.

[ADG]

A Briggs & Stratton minibike introduced me to world of motorcycles at three years of age....I've grown up since then.

[Latinbalar]

Even though the basic principle of the Ducati Desmo L-twin hasn't changed it has been tweaked and modified to produce more power and better control.  i.e. the new 1098 has a traction control system.  Last time i checked guys and gals that is progress.  Now if Ducati switched to spring valves then i could accept that my wallet would be grateful (cheaper service). but i would not get any new ducs if they went away from the L-twins it wouldn't seem right.

[Raux]

SOOOOO for all those who bash 696 for the changes... wonder what you guys will say about this latest change 

[Murdered Monster]

Ahhhhh...... I love change. 

[superjohn]

If the engine is in a bike that I'm in the market for and is better than the competition, I'll consider it. Otherwise, it'll be something else.

That said, I wonder why Ducati would go to a conventional (valve spring) motor? When I think of Ducati, I think of Desmo. A Ducati without a desmo L-Twin is like a Corvette without a V-8. It just seems wrong somehow.

[Raux]

wasn't the original Vette a 6 cyl 

[ADG]

I'm disgusted that a Corvette was even mentioned in this thread.

[Duck-Stew]

wasn't the original Vette a 6 cyl 

Yes, in '53 and '54 there were no other engine options then the 'Blue Flame' inline 6 with three carbs on it.  In '55, however, they did offer Chevy's *new* small block at 265cid with a 3-speed manual transmission in addition to the 6.  (H.S. autoshop teacher had a '54 is why I know this BTW.)

As far as a new Ducati engine goes: It's about damn time.  The original belt-drive L twin we all enjoy started life as 350cc's and made like 30-40hp.  It shares precious little with any modern Duc L twin so evolution has occured....a shit-ton of evolution as a matter of fact.  I see this as a good thing for the company.

They need to break things up a bit and if done properly (and that's really the key to this IMO), it will work.  Hell, they may even introduce a belt-drive system or some other non-"Ducati" thing.  You never know man....you may just actually LIKE the new Ducatis...

[Raux]

Honestly, the way I see it, Italians always do things differently. As long as it is Italian works of art coming out of Ducati, I'm good with it.

[MotoCreations]

Ducati used springs to close the valves for a few decades on the single cylinders bikes.  A few of the vintage racers prefer the valve springers over the Desmo heads due to the fact -- modern spring technology is so much better.

Imagine a base model Ducati v-twin engine with valve springs with 24K miles between adjustments?  Your maintenance bill for those who use dealership service is greatly reduced.  Ditto for the belts and adjustment.  Add in a belt drive for the rear wheel.  Modern electronics for the fuel injection system that is "smart" and properly compensates for exhaust or mild engine modifications.  And gets better gas mileage while making more horsepower than the previous displacement version.  It would still be a "Ducati" no matter what anyone thinks.  Look at the incredible sales of the 696 even with the hardcore detractors commentary.  The only "loser" with such a bike is the Ducati dealerships themselves who are dependent upon service fees to stay afloat.

I still think Ducati should have a solid low maintenance base model (@700cc) that is their large volume model as it were.  Then have a larger displacement (1000/1100cc) version of it with some suspension upgrades.  Then a yearly "limited edition" version of the large displacement engine with a SSS and the Desmo head.