HDid you see Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini sprinting into the first corner on their Ducati Desmo450 MX in Argentina last Sunday? We don’t want to say it’s the “Duc’s” unique valve system, but it shows the Italians have their act together.
Ducati has shaken up the motocross world with the introduction of the Desmo450 MX. Equipped with the Desmodromic valve system, this model promises not only innovation, but also a technical edge over the competition. What makes this system so unique and why is it a game changer in motocross? In this article, we take a deep dive into the operation, benefits and impact of the Desmodromic valve system on the Ducati Desmo450 MX.
The origin of the desmodromic valve system
The concept of the Desmodromic valve system dates back to the early 20th century. The first patents for a mechanically operated valve system appeared as early as the 1910s, but it was Fabio Taglioni, an Italian engineer at Ducati, who perfected the system in the 1950s and implemented it in the brand's motorcycles. Ducati first introduced the Desmodromic system in their racing bikes, where it quickly demonstrated its advantages by offering higher revs and better reliability than conventional valve systems. Since then, it has become a trademark of Ducati and has been further developed for both road and racing motorcycles.
What is the desmodromic valve system?
The Desmodromic valve system is an exclusive Ducati technology, in which the valves are not only opened by a camshaft, but also closed mechanically. This is in contrast to conventional engines in which valve springs close the valves. This system eliminates the need for conventional valve springs and reduces so-called “valve flotation” at high revs.
How does the system work?
The desmodromic system works with a double cam mechanism:
- One cam operates the opening of the valve.
- A second cam operates the closing of the valve.
- Two rocker arms work together to open and close the valve in a controlled manner.
This allows the valve to close faster and more precisely than a traditional system, resulting in higher efficiency and reliability, especially at high speeds.
The application on the Ducati Desmo450 MX
The Ducati Desmo450 MX is Ducati's first motocross machine to use this technology. This is a groundbreaking move in the world of off-road competition, where reliability, engine response and weight saving are crucial. Ducati has optimised the system to make it suitable for the harsh conditions of motocross.
Benefits of Desmodromic Valves in Motocross
- Faster Throttle Response
- Eliminating valve springs reduces reaction time, resulting in instant throttle response. This is essential for motocross riders who need quick acceleration.
- Higher Speeds without Power Loss
- Traditional valve springs cannot close the valves quickly enough at extremely high RPMs, leading to valve flotation. The desmodromic system prevents this, allowing the engine to reach higher RPMs without losing performance.
- Improved Durability
- In a conventional system, valve springs can fatigue over time, leading to loss of performance or even engine damage. The mechanical closing system of the Desmo450 MX eliminates this factor, extending engine life.
- Lower Friction and Less Energy Loss
- Because there are no valve springs constantly pressing against the camshaft, less energy is wasted on internal friction. This increases the efficiency and power of the engine.
Challenges and Innovations
Although the desmodromic valve system offers many advantages, it is not without challenges:
- Complexity of the Design: The system requires more precise components and more complex assembly than a traditional suspension system.
- Maintenance sensitivity: The additional moving parts mean the system requires more precise adjustments and maintenance, especially under the extreme conditions of motocross.
- Weight and Space Restrictions: Ducati has paid a lot of attention to weight saving and compact construction to ensure the system performs optimally in a motocross bike.
To address these challenges, Ducati has employed advanced materials and production processes, such as light alloys and titanium components, to minimise weight and maximise reliability.
Impact on the motocross world
The introduction of the Desmodromic valve system in the Ducati Desmo450 MX has the potential to bring about a major change in the motocross industry. It is a revolutionary step that puts Ducati in a unique position, compared to manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Kawasaki, who still use conventional valve springs.
This could change the way manufacturers design and tune motocross bikes. If Ducati is successful with the Desmo450 MX, it could encourage other brands to rethink their valve systems. While the original concept is no longer exclusively patentable, Ducati has likely patented specific design and manufacturing improvements over the years. This means that other manufacturers can use the basic principle, but cannot simply copy Ducati's specific execution without infringing on their intellectual property.
Conclusion
The Ducati Desmo450 MX's Desmodromic valve system is a technological breakthrough in motocross. It offers squicker throttle response, higher revs, improved durability and reduced energy loss. Although more complex and maintenance-intensive than conventional valve systems, Ducati’s innovative engineering and dedication to performance technology prove it to be a valuable addition.
With the Desmo450 MX, Ducati sets a new standard in motocross, and it will be interesting to see how this technology develops and how the competition reacts to it. One thing is certain: with this innovation, Ducati has raised the bar for the future of motocross bikes.
Photos: Ducati Corse on Wikipedia
Tekst: Danny Hermans
