The Desmodromic Valve

The Desmodromic valves are a type of valve mechanism used in internal combustion engines to control the intake and exhaust of air and fuel. In a typical engine, the valves are operated by a camshaft that opens and closes them at specific times in the engine's four-stroke cycle.

Desmodromic valves, on the other hand, use a different method to control the valve opening and closing. Instead of relying on a spring to close the valve, the desmodromic system uses a separate cam to close the valve, ensuring that it fully seats and doesn't bounce or float at high engine speeds.

The word "desmodromic" comes from the Greek words "desmos," meaning "bond" or "tie," and "dromos," meaning "running." This refers to the way the valve is mechanically tied to the camshaft, rather than relying on a spring to return it to the closed position.

Desmodromic valves were first developed by the Italian automaker Ducati for their motorcycles, but have since been adopted by other manufacturers for high-performance engines, including some race cars. They are known for their precise valve control, allowing for higher engine speeds and greater power output.

We've seen it in action in Ducati's motogp.

There are several factors that contribute to the high top speed of Ducati's MotoGP bikes. Here are a few:

Engine: Ducati has a reputation for building high-performance engines, and their MotoGP bikes are no exception. They use a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 1000cc V4 engine that produces upwards of 250 horsepower. This engine is designed to deliver power across a wide range of engine speeds, making it well-suited for both straight-line acceleration and high-speed cornering.

Aero package: Ducati's MotoGP bikes are known for their distinctive "winglets," which are small aerodynamic devices attached to the fairing. These winglets generate downforce at high speeds, which helps keep the bike stable and planted on the ground. This allows the rider to maintain a high speed through corners and onto the straight.

Chassis: Ducati's MotoGP bikes feature a unique "twin-spar" aluminum frame, which is designed to provide maximum rigidity while still being lightweight. This frame is combined with high-quality suspension components to ensure that the bike remains stable and predictable at high speeds.

Rider position: Ducati's riders are known for their aggressive riding style, which involves tucking in close to the bike to reduce wind resistance. This can make a significant difference at high speeds, allowing the rider to maintain a higher top speed than their competitors.

Overall, Ducati's MotoGP bikes are designed to be high-performance machines that can compete at the highest levels of motorcycle racing. While their top speed is certainly impressive, it's just one aspect of what makes these bikes so successful on the track.