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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
Trading Suzuki for Triumph, Beta, Ducati, Husky and GasGas isn’t a bad deal. 9 manufacturers instead of the old big 4 is a good thing.
I'm not a Honda fan boy, still have yet to own one, but good lord, they are good looking bikes!
It could bring in some new sponsors too.
Can they make a Desmo MX 350 please? I'll take one.
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Pretty disappointed with the way that head looks. Did they toss in sand with the mold? Even the motor mount has flaws in there milling of it
Agree, that does not look like up to pair with Ducati standard. Makes it feel like someone forgot the bike needed an top end for the launch, and 3d printer was the only option.
Wonder if that bike could even start if they tried.
I think the bikes that were shown are prototypes.
Given Ducati statement that the bike will enter production around 18 months from now (mid to late 2025), that sounds about right 👍
Prototype first race in 2 months, a lot of things can happen between now (prototype racing) and then (production bike), which is pretty much the point for Ducati.
I’m excited for the new valve train. Wont make a difference on the 450 but on a 250 or 350 they should be able to have the highest revving bike in the class. Designs have mostly converged at this point where 250s are dohc, finger follower cam assemblies, center port exhaust, downdraft intake. Its cool to have something completely different to choose from.
I'm thinking they might simply be mock-ups, not functioning prototypes.
A desmodromic valve is a reciprocating engine poppet valve that is positively closed by a cam and leverage system, rather than by a more conventional spring.
Need a Desmo 250 to jump small stuff. Even tho my old balls may be sagging a little, they arent as big as they used to be.
I had questioned earlier are these hydraulic lifters? I guess I am asking if hydraulic there is no need for adjusting valve lash?
What are the pros and cons of desmodromic?
The advantage is that the engines could rev higher. The disadvantages and why it hasn't been used that often is that there are many more mechanical parts that needed careful maintenance. It also made the engine heavier and particularly in bike racing that can be a disadvantage.
Looks low on oil.
YES!
Do we know what it weighs?
The weight that is added can be cleaned up with one, if not two titanium axles..
Pit Row
Prototype bike racing in Italian nationals, maybe preproduction bike racing in 2025 MXGP, before production bike released late 2025.
Honda won't have anything competitive with the desmo valve, they'll have to release their CR-E!
If these engines get any taller they'll be taking off the top of the "gas tank" to access the valve train.
Low center of gravity be damned!
Taking weight away from the axles won’t do anything for the center of gravity.
It will reduce the moment of inertia, and raise the center of gravity!
What would they use the higher revs for? 3-speed transmission?
I really don’t know how to say this other than saying this but, all this talk of this whole weight thing. Is non sense, have you seen how many championships and titles in on road racing they have since that valve-train was introduced? It speaks for itself, ole dirt bikin’s center of g spot ain’t ever gonna notice it’s even there.
I had a Ducati tech friend work out of my place for extra cash. There are twice as many shims of multiple types,and he would install a wedge/tool in there and spin the motor with a breaker bar and bang ,parts would fall out! Also,valve "clearances "are set at top and bottom...
You could leave it in 2nd, have lower gearing and still pull to the moon without giving up any mph while pulling harder from the gearing.
If you're not going to change gear, why not get a Stark?
Why does anything other than a stark exist I suppose.
Brand loyalty?
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