Ducati 450 Production Bike

[6IX]

And there it is...

[Proride Phil]

Another red bike?? Air filter access just like the KTM??

[6IX]

I'm curious as to the real weight. That engine looks rather portly. 

[B-dub#15]

I'm curious as to the real weight. That engine looks rather portly. 

According to Ducati - 231 lbs without fuel.  So add in roughly 6 lbs per gallon of fuel on top of that.

[Poolio]

Kind of hard to not like 

[6IX]

I'm curious as to the real weight. That engine looks rather portly. 

According to Ducati - 231 lbs without fuel.  So add in roughly 6 lbs per gallon of fuel on top of that.

We'll see how it goes on MXA's scales. They've had claims from the manufacturers that simply weren't true. Here's their current weight comparison and they always weigh without fuel...

[6IX]

The next question is... will they sign Roczen!? 

[JohnnyMac]

Are they going to make an electric one?

[Gator]

Really curious if their mechanical valve train will make more power than the current spring system.  What if it does? 

[Pokey]

Really curious if their mechanical valve train will make more power than the current spring system.  What if it does? 

Should rev higher

[socal18]

Really curious if their mechanical valve train will make more power than the current spring system.  What if it does? 

Should rev higher

I don't think I know anyone that can float the valves on any 450.

[6IX]

Tomac to Ducati. 

[shamus]

Really curious if their mechanical valve train will make more power than the current spring system.  What if it does? 

The Desmo usually still runs springs, but they're mostly to just close up the lash so it'll start. The real benefit of the Desmo valve train is it eliminates valve bounce that's bigger than the lash in the system.

That bouncing in the seat isn't what's called "valve float" as it's not because the valve train is being thrown off the cam lobe. It's the valve actually bouncing in the seat. It's what beats the shit out of the DLC coatings and cups out the valve face and hammers the seats, too.

What electronics (brand) are they using? That's the suspect stuff on Italian bikes.

Look how narrow that main frame spar is...

[Concep29]

I don't think Tomac or Roxzen nearing the end of racing careers want to deal with teething problems a new bike and team will experience. They are quite comfortable with their current situation. Barcia might for the paycheck but he's not a title threat anymore.

[6IX]

I don't think Tomac or Roxzen nearing the end of racing careers want to deal with teething problems a new bike and team will experience. They are quite comfortable with their current situation. Barcia might for the paycheck but he's not a title threat anymore.

I don't think Ducati wants to sign a Lawrence or Sexton and have them fail as it looks bad for the brand instantly. You have a top guy that isn't winning on it. A rider on his way out is the best because there are no real expectations. Tomac or Roczen fit that.

Plus riders like Tomac or Roczen captivate enough attention and are likely good test riders as well. It just makes sense. They won't command a top salary, but Ducati will still pay them well.