11-12-2018, 01:45 PM
The whole Ducati scene has 3 typical hallmarks: SPEED / DESIGN / LIGHT WEIGHT or... dash / flash / and (low) mass.
Ducati SPEED is usually owing to:
1) very high engine revs, in this case up to 10,000 rpm redline (some other Ducati models even higher) made possible by their proprietary Desmodromic valving system - no springs, but mechanical levers that push and pull the valves up and down, open & close, to very high reciprocating speeds to avoid the "valve float" that usually arises with valve springs at very high engine rpm's - a system which can be very temperamental, and downright self-destructive, if not kept in perfect tune and timing sequence;
2) high cylinder compression due to the very tight Desmodromic valving system; and
3) very sporty ECU engine mapping that emphasizes rapid acceleration.
Ducati DESIGN usually showcases an Italian flair for sleek lines and proportions that suggest panache and sophistication all rolled into one edgy package.
The LIGHT-WEIGHT aspect of Ducati bikes is due to the extensive use of magnesium alloys and components along with minimalist sizing and scaling of rods, cylinder walls, engine blocks, trellis frame, rims, levers, etc.
While the reliability of Ducatis from a maintenance perspective has never been up to Honda standards, the racing pedigree of Ducatis has certainly bested far larger manufacturers often enough over the years. That all of this emanates from what is essentially a VW-funded mom & pop outfit in the small suburban town of Panigale (just on the outskirts of Bologna) is pretty remarkable when compared to the likes of H-D, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, KTM, and even the likes of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. Having toured the factory last year, it is pretty amazing just how much comes out of this somewhat modest location!
With this XDiavel sport-cruiser, it strikes me that Ducati is trying to broaden its product line to appeal to both a younger and older demographic. Whether they have the right combination to compete with better known and more plentiful cruisers from the likes of H-D, Triumph, Honda, among others, remains to be seen, but at least Ducati is giving this wider product band-width a serious go-round!
Only time will tell...!
-fritz
Ducati SPEED is usually owing to:
1) very high engine revs, in this case up to 10,000 rpm redline (some other Ducati models even higher) made possible by their proprietary Desmodromic valving system - no springs, but mechanical levers that push and pull the valves up and down, open & close, to very high reciprocating speeds to avoid the "valve float" that usually arises with valve springs at very high engine rpm's - a system which can be very temperamental, and downright self-destructive, if not kept in perfect tune and timing sequence;
2) high cylinder compression due to the very tight Desmodromic valving system; and
3) very sporty ECU engine mapping that emphasizes rapid acceleration.
Ducati DESIGN usually showcases an Italian flair for sleek lines and proportions that suggest panache and sophistication all rolled into one edgy package.
The LIGHT-WEIGHT aspect of Ducati bikes is due to the extensive use of magnesium alloys and components along with minimalist sizing and scaling of rods, cylinder walls, engine blocks, trellis frame, rims, levers, etc.
While the reliability of Ducatis from a maintenance perspective has never been up to Honda standards, the racing pedigree of Ducatis has certainly bested far larger manufacturers often enough over the years. That all of this emanates from what is essentially a VW-funded mom & pop outfit in the small suburban town of Panigale (just on the outskirts of Bologna) is pretty remarkable when compared to the likes of H-D, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, KTM, and even the likes of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. Having toured the factory last year, it is pretty amazing just how much comes out of this somewhat modest location!
With this XDiavel sport-cruiser, it strikes me that Ducati is trying to broaden its product line to appeal to both a younger and older demographic. Whether they have the right combination to compete with better known and more plentiful cruisers from the likes of H-D, Triumph, Honda, among others, remains to be seen, but at least Ducati is giving this wider product band-width a serious go-round!
Only time will tell...!
-fritz