I'm a Ducati fan, but does anyone know why, if desmo valves are so great, no other engine uses them. If you know of a manufacturer that does please share.
Mercedes used them back in the 50s on racing cars. The fact is that the Ducati system is patented and another manufacturer would likely have to develop their own. Plus, the main thing it was developed to combat, valve float and high speed control, has been alleviated in recent years with better spring technology and materials. It has become a differentiator for Ducati and so they persist with it, being the cheapest thing for them. But as the 1199/1299 shows, when something goes beyond its technical usefulness, even somethign as distinctive as the use of timing belts, will be dropped.
There have been loads. You might start by taking a look at this thread: Desmodromic Surprises | Ducati Forum
Patent elegance technical integrity marketing Not necessarily in that order. I think the reason belts have been dropped is also marketing, just like the dry clutch. Moving away from both attracts more buyers than it loses i bet. In addition, could you imagine Honda adopting a technical solution of a rival, their pride wont allow it.
By the way, does anyone know if Ducati has replaced the third-year warranty option it recently withdrew?
Good question. Given that some car manufacturers have gone to 5 and 7 year warranties 2 years just doesn't seem right on what is a premium product.
