Ducati developed their version of the 'Desmodromic,' or "Desmo" engine in 1956 (see: Ducati History), in order to increase the rpm range of their 125cc Gran Sport's small-displacement engine.
In late 1987, the Ducati 851 went into production with a desmodromic four-valve per cylinder engine, dubbed as the "Desmoquattro," or Quattrovalvole. The Ducati 851 with its fuel injected, and liquid cooled design was the precursor to the 888, 916 (designed by Massimo Tamburini), 996S, 996 Biposto, and 996SPS with Öhlins suspension.
Zoom: 1993 Ducati 888 Desmo
The Ducati Testastretta 996R & 999
The "Testastretta" engine was first used in 2001, on the 996R. The term "Testastretta," or "Tight Head" referred to the 998cc engine's reduction in valve-angle from 40º to 25º, shorter 63.5 mm stroke, and larger valve diameter due to the increased 100 mm bore.
Zoom: 2002 Ducati 998/999R Custom
Ducati's desmodromic valve system was designed by Fabio Taglioni - "Dr. T" as he was known by Ducatisti around the world. The legendary designer joined Ducati after the failure of his first venture, Ceccato Motorcycles, which he founded in 1949. Taglioni died on July 19, 2001, at the age of 80.
Ducati 999R
In 2003, the Testastretta displacement was increased to 999cc, and the new design by Pierre Terblanche was controversial with Ducati traditionalists. Ducati also produced the less expensive 749, 749 Dark, 749R, and 749S. Both were made in the 'naked bike' version known as the "Monster."
2007 Ducati 1098 S Tricolore Limited Edition in Red/White/Green Livery
In 2003, Ducati also introduced the "Desmotre," with three desmodromic valves per cylinder that was used on the ST3 sport touring model.
The Ducati Testastretta 'Evoluzione' 1098 S Superbike
The Ducati 'Evoluzione' 1098 and 1098 S Kyalami in South Africa, will be new for 2007. The term "Evoluzione" refers to the modifications to the engine specs that are responsible for increased power output. Ducati claims it to be the most powerful twin-cylinder engine ever produced.
Ducati SBK 1098 S Superbike - Technical Specifications | |
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Chassis
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Wheelbase: |
56.30 in (1,430 mm) |
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Weight (dry): |
377.0 lb (171 Kg) |
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Seat Height: |
32.20 in (820 mm) |
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Frame/Chassis: |
Tubular Steel ALS 450 Trellis Frame |
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Front Brakes: |
Front: Double Semi-Floating Disc w/ Brembo Monobloc 4 piston Calipers |
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Front Suspension: |
Öhlins FG511 43mm Upside-Down Fork with TiN |
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Rear Suspension: |
Progressive Linkage Single-Sided Swing Arm - Öhlins Monoshock |
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Engine
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Displacement: |
1099cc |
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Engine Type: |
L-Twin Liquid-Cooled DOHC 8 Valve Desmodromic |
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Power Output: |
160 hp @ 9,750 rpm (90.4 lb-ft Torque) |
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Transmission: |
Six0Speed |
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Price
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MSRP: |
1098 - $14,995 & 1098 S - $19,995 USD |
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Company Website - Specs: |
www.ducati.com |
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*Data subject to change without notice, and may not be up to date - Always check with mfg. website. Photo may not be actual specified product. |
The Ducati Desmosedici RR
The Desmosedici RR is Ducati's limited production, street-legal 'GP race-replica' version of their Ducati Corse Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6. The bike was launched in 2006, at the Mugello Italian Grand Prix.
Production is scheduled to begin in October 2007, features a 989cc 'L-Four' 4-cylinder DOHC engine layout, with an asymmetrical 'Twin-Pulse' timing configuration.
2007/8 Ducati Desmosedici RR
The RR's V-4 engine employs a Formula-1 style 'oversquare' bore/stoke ratio (104mm bore, 64.7mm stroke) that enables faster piston acceleration, and a significantly higher redline. The RR engine's 200hp is delivered to the rear wheel via a GP-style cassette-type 6-speed gearbox and dry multi-plate slipper clutch. The exhaust system uses a a 4-2-1 layout.
Old-world craftsmanship meets high-technology, with the RR's sand-casted magnesium engine covers, and sand-casted aluminum crankcase and cylinder heads. Titanium is used for its 16 valves and connecting rods. Fuel is delivered via four 50mm Magneti Marelli throttle bodies.
The Desmosedici RR chassis is a hybrid tubular 'trellis' frame. The electrical system is a CAN bus variety with computerized engine management. All of this is wrapped in a sumptuous skin of carbon fibre bodywork. How much you asy? MSRP is estimated at between $65,000 and &72,000.
Ducati Motor Holding, SpA is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, under the NYSE ticker symbol: DMH.
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