The Ducati A Force to be reckoned with

Known for rich racing history and particular dominance in World Superbike competitions, Ducati motorcycles are a sporty line of lightweight bikes manufactured by an Italian motorcycle company in Bologna, Italy. What makes Ducati motorcycles some of the best known high performance motorcycles to ever hit the tracks? This is largely due to their large capacity 4-stroke 90 degrees twin cylinder that features a desmodromic valve design. This desmodromic valve design has been the hallmark of Ducatis for nearly 50 years now. The valves are closed in separate, dedicated cam lobe that causes the cams to open and close more quickly than in conventional valves and this causes less loss of power. Consider also another difference that has to do with the Ducatis use of dry clutches. Most other manufacturers utilize wet clutches or spinning parts bathed in oil. Ducati motorcycles however eliminate the power loss from oil viscosity by employing dry clutches in their current motorcycle models. While this has the negative effect of wearing out the clutch plates more rapidly and known to deliver a not-so-smooth engagement, the manufacturers and definitely the winning record proves that it is worth it.

Fueled by a passion for racing, Ducati motorcycles successes on the tracks owe much to World Superbike Champions for their continued success with the latest one being in 2007 where Casey Stoner, pushing a V-Four Ducati claimed the Grand Prix title, opening another avenue for the Ducati in the Grand Prix. But perhaps the mention of success of Ducati motorcycles would be incomplete without the mention of Neil Hodgeson, James Toseland and of course the legendary Troy Bayliss. Off the track, Ducati motorcycles have seen their sales reach new heights. The family of Ducati motorcycles has continued to be bestsellers with the current generation of air-cooled naked 696 and the 1100 stealing the show.

Probably the most powerful motorbike engine on the market currently is the Ducati Desmosedici RR. This $65,000 machine is a prototype engine that outputs above 200 horsepower. With the way things are going however, starting with the Desmosedici RR, it is likely that the V-Four engine is going to be replaced with the Twin. This loud and powerful machine however meets emission standards and there is even a version for the road as well. The latest in the line of Ducati motorcycles is but a glimpse of what is likely to come from the manufacturers who define the track and the road when it comes to these rollers.