Friday 17 October 2014

DVD of the world tour aboard Ducati 175s by Giorgio Monetti and Leopoldo Tartarini


I was told about this fabulous documentary by an Italian friend. It combines footage of the 1957/58 world tour aboard Ducati 175s by Giorgio Monetti and Leopoldo Tartarini with up to date filming of the pair reliving their experiences on the bikes today. And you thought the Motogiro was tough.  At a bargain 15 Euros (+8.50 euros shipping; say £20 the lot) you can buy the DVD here

1">http://vimeo.com/65475833">1 MAP for 2 - TRAILER
from POPCulthttp://vimeo.com/user6422155">POPCult> on Vimeo.https://vimeo.com">Vimeo.>

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Ducati's new Desmodromic Variable Timing

As predicted last week - Ducati's unfortunately named DVT in a refreshed Testastretta with ankle socks for the DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing); official blurb follows - sorry about the odd paragraph spacing...

 

Ducati presents the first motorcycle engine with variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

Named Ducati Testastretta DVT, Desmodromic Variable Timing, Ducati's new Desmodromic engine

is the first in the world with variable timing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, leading the way for

a whole new generation of such engines. The innovative, new design overcomes an engineering gap in current production motorcycle engines and underlines Ducati's strength in developing ground-breaking
engine and motorcycle technologies.

The variable timing system is able to continuously adjust valve timing, by acting independently on both the

intake and exhaust camshafts. The system optimises engine performance throughout the rev range and in

any operating condition, to guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery, muscular torque at low rpm

and reduced fuel consumption. With full Euro 4 compliance, DVT sets a new standard in the combination



of power, delivery and usability of motorcycle engines.

Ducati Testastretta DVT engine characteristics

Brand-new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system

Bore 106 mm, stroke 67.9 mm

Capacity 1,198 cm³

Max power 160 HP at 9,500 rpm

Max torque 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm

Desmodromic distribution

Dual Spark (DS) ignition

Anti-knock sensor

Euro 4 compliant


New generation

By independently adjusting both the timing of the camshaft controlling intake valves and the timing of

the camshaft controlling exhaust valves, the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine optimises high rpm

performance for maximum power, while at medium and low rpm, it ensures smooth operation, fluid power



delivery and high torque. This means that the vehicle's engine will adapt its characteristics according to rpm

values, while always ensuring compliance with exhaust emission standards and keeping fuel consumption

low.

When a new engine is designed, one of the most critical parameters to determine its 'character' is the

amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft



rotation, expressed in degrees, during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time.

This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke and is normally

a single value that does not change. However, the Testastretta DVT is not limited by a fixed valve overlap

angle.

Instead, the Ducati Testastretta DVT’s overlap angles can change, thanks to the introduction of the DVT

(Desmodromic Variable Timing) system: a valve timing adjuster fitted to the end of each of the two



camshafts per cylinder head. The DVT system consists of an external housing, rigidly connected to the

cam belt pulley, and an internal mechanism which is connected to the camshaft and can independently

rotate inside the housing. This rotation of the internal mechanism, either in advance or in delay with respect

to the housing, is precisely controlled by varying the oil pressure in special chambers of the mechanism.

The oil pressure is adjusted by dedicated valves and the timing of each cam is dynamically controlled by a

sensor located in the cam covers.


Desmo attraction

The Ducati Testastretta DVT engine uses the unique valvetrain that made the Bologna-based Italian



manufacturer a world-famous name. Thanks to this unique system, the intake and exhaust valves are

closed mechanically and with the same level of accuracy as they are opened. The term Desmodromic

derives from the Greek words “desmos=link” and “dromos=stroke, travel”; in mechanical engineering



terms, it refers to mechanisms designed to actuate valves both in the opening direction and in the closing

direction.

This system, used in all Ducati models, has also been extremely successful in Ducati Corse World



Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP motorcycles.

In the development of the DVT, the Desmodromic valvetrain represents a major advantage over a

traditional spring based timing system; the actuation of the valves at low engine speed requires less force,

not having to compress the valve springs, this allowed Ducati to limit the size of each cam phaser with

obvious benefits in terms of lightweight construction and compactness for a perfect engine integration.

Ever-present strong torque

With its 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke for a total capacity of 1,198 cm³, the newborn Ducati

Testastretta DVT engine produces a maximum power of 160 HP at 9,500 rpm, and a torque up to 136 Nm

at 7,500 rpm with a perfectly linear delivery curve. The torque is already 80 Nm at a low-range value of

3,500 rpm, and it remains consistently over 100 Nm between 5,750 and 9,500 rpm.

Despite an increase in power, however, the DVT system has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with

an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration.

Ducati's permanent research and development efforts applied to injection systems have repositioned



the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder

surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vapourisation improves combustion efficiency

and ensures a smoother delivery.

The Testastretta DVT is equipped with a Dual Spark (DS) system that uses two spark plugs per cylinder



head, providing a twin flame-front that ensures complete combustion across a very short period of time.

Each spark plug is managed independently, to optimise efficiency throughout the rev range and in all

conditions of use. An anti-knock sensor ensures safe engine operation even while using lower octane fuel



or in situations potentially detrimental to combustion efficiency, e.g. at high altitude.

In order to achieve a smoother cycle-to-cycle engine operation, Ducati has used a secondary air system



similar to that developed for extremely high-performance engines. This optimizes combustion without

increasing emissions, by completing the oxidisation of unburned hydrocarbonsto reduce HC and CO levels.

Suitable for any condition

Thanks to all these characteristics, the Ducati Testastretta DVT sets new standards for Ducati twincylinder

power units and introduces new, revolutionary parameters to achieve the best possible balance



among maximum power, smooth delivery, low-rpm torque, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions,

thus standing out as the most technologically advanced Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine on the planet.

The Ducati Testastretta DVT system does not affect the valve clearance adjustment schedule, and in fact

requires major services only at ownership-friendly 30,000 km intervals. This engine can be used in a wide



variety of conditions and locations, while

Saturday 11 October 2014

The Dunlop dynasty film "Road"- see it for free


Huh - I pre order the DVD to find that the film Road is on iPlayer and available for free until Monday 13 October for free (but possibly only in the UK). Narrated by Liam Neeson, it's follows the Dunlops incredible road racing legacy: he can tell you they don't have money. But what they do have are a very particular set of skills, skills they have acquired over a very long career (helps to have seen Taken to get that)
Very much a non-motorcyclists take, focusing on the danger and deaths far more than TT 3D. But still unmissable - you can watch it at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01jhws7/road

Friday 10 October 2014

Ducati announce a new (desmo?) variable valve timing system


Ducati have just announced they will unveil "DVT" on October 15th. DVT? Well, I guess it could be that the footpegs are so high on my 916 that they're warning of deep vein thrombosis. But then again the Italian blogs are guessing at Ducati variable (cam) timing. This would be the first real technology transfer from Audi and Ducati, because Audi already have such a system, having learnt from Honda’s VVT (variable valve timing).
 Audi's Valvelift system made its debut in the 2.8-litre direct injection V6 and is expected to be expanded for use in many other members of the 90-degree V6 / V8 family. The Valvelift system itself is a cam-changing type VVT as in the picture above. Compared with Honda's (or Toyota's) system, Audi's looks simpler and so more efficient and easier to squeeze into a motorcycle head. It does the variable lift without using complex intermediate parts such as hydraulic-operated lockable rocker arms, saving space and weight. And presumably makes a desmodromic version possible – because who’d expect Ducati abandon desmodromics?

 

Thursday 9 October 2014

Brand new 750SS a possibility as Ducati put bevel spares back into production


Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali dropped a bombshell in an interview with MCN this week - Ducati are going to put spares for their older bikes back into production, something Suzuki have already done. Or might they even build a few roundcase 750SS, and take advantage of that bike's six figure values? It certainly sounds possible, given that Domenicali mentions car manufactures, and Jaguar are currently building lightweight E-Types to order.

"Ducati Classic will be a plan we will work on to help the customers who own older bikes keep them working correctly" said Claudio Domenicali. "You can look at what some of the car companies like Porsche or Aston Martin do in this regard to see what is possible to factory maintain older vehicles. The used value of our older bikes, whether they are 15 or 25, or  even 50 years old, is very good. We want to help the owners of these bikes keep them running on the road and working as they should"

As I'm allowed access to my pension pot next year (thank you George Osbourne) I can feel the urge for a brand new 175 F3 coming on. And a brand new 450 Desmo. Or maybe a new 750 GT and 916. Can't wait.

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Mike Hailwood's first ride on a Ducati 750 - or is it a 500?


This photo is one of the many excellent images avialble from my favourite historian Ivar de Gier, who trades on eBay with his wife Amy as A.Herl Inc. Ivar's always been 100% right in my experience, but this time it's difficult to be certain. The photo was taken at Silverstone in August 1971, and was a test which explains why Mike's in the leathers he wore at Daytona racing a BSA/Rob North Rocket 3. Phil Read was also present testing the Ducati 500GP, which is what Ivar thinks this bike is. But is Mike really on the 500, or an early 750 as usually claimed in photos of this session? Of course he could have tried both, especially given that the 750 being tested was an early racer based on the 500 rather than the 750 GT which was rather sturdier as it was intended for production and road use. All thoughts gratefully considered. And I'll email Ivar

Friday 3 October 2014

Ducati Scrambler prices - cheaper than a Monster 696! Plus new photos


Ducati have just released prices for the new Scrambler. They look to be priced to sell by the shedload, undercutting not only the far less powerful Moto Guzzi V7 but even Ducati's own Monster 696.
The Icon in red is £6895 (oddly an extra £100 for the yellow bike) while the Full Throttle, Urban Enduro and Classic are £7995. Presumably they'll be a PCP deal that will make them the most affordable Ducati ever. Delivery starts in January and UK bikes will be built in Bologna. However the bike is also being built at Ducati's new factories in Brazil and Thailand, so who knows what the future holds.