Will Ducati Build a Desmo Single for Moto3?
The transition occurring at the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing will be complete in 2012 when the last two-stroke class, 125GP, will be replaced by Moto3 – a new class for 250cc single cylinder, four-stroke engines in bespoke chassis comes into being. Unlike Moto2, it will not be a spec engine class providing the tantalizing opportunity for Ducati to return to its racing routes with a Desmo single.
Despite much controversy the new Moto2 class is making believers out of detractors as 40 plus bike grids make for a racing spectacle on the multi chassis but spec Honda CBR600 based engined racers that is putting even MotoGP to shame. To give you some idea, at Le Mans, the first 27 riders were seperated by just 1 second on the grid!!!! This success is having its toll on the 125GP field, where some teams have moved up to Moto2. At Le Mans, the 27th 125 qualifier was some 5 seconds off pole.
The decision has been made in response to the thinning out of the 125cc grid this year, which has come about in part due to the arrival of the new Moto2 class, which has attracted large amounts of sponsorship, talent and public interest from the 125cc class.
link: Moto Matters
According to Motorcycle News, Honda already have a bike up and running and lapping impressively fast.
MCN understands Honda is already working on a 250cc four-stroke single motor that has been fitted into a race RS125 chassis for initial testing at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan. It’s understood that with minimal development work, the bike was 1.5s faster than a Grand Prix 125GP machine at the venue for the Japanese Grand Prix.
link: Motorcycle News
This speed can’t be coming from just a warmed over dirtbike engine as in the Moriwaki MD250, since these machines are 2-3 seconds per lap slower than 125′s at least on USGPRU circuits. In fact Honda patented a reverse cylinder design just last year showing how serious they are.
Ducati’s first taste of Grand Prix success came in the 125 class. After discovering that the 125cc valve spring single Bialbero racer was uncompetitive against MV Augusta, Mondial and Gilera, famed engineer Fabiuo Taglioni designed a Desmodromic head that allowed the bike to rev to 14,000rpm. In 1958 Alberto Gandossi riding for the factory Ducati team took 2 race victories finishing the season in 2nd behind Carlo Ubbiali on the MV Augusta. At Monza, teammate Bruno Spaggiari was victorious lapping at almost 97mph. Spaggiari would much later finish second behind Paul Smart at the inaugural 1972 Imola 200 on the 750 V-twin.
The 2012 Moto3 class will be a multi engine format with prototype chassis. The intent is to provide a cheap alternative to the current 125cc 2-strokers. Ducati for many years was the purveyor of highly competitive production racers and of course produced the all conquering Sound of Singles racer, the Supermono.
We will have to wait and see if Ducati decide to participate in this new racing opportunity but Ducati News Today would love to see a beautiful 250cc Desmo single take the grid in 2 years time. Wouldn’t you?
What do you think? Chime in with your views in the comments section below.
Background Research: ‘The Ducati Story’ by Ian Falloon & MotoGP.com archives
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I think it’s a great idea, but Ducati is too small to be able to afford developing a little engine like that with no high-volume market potential.
Taglioni’s move towards desmo was not at all that smart. Take a careful look at NSU’s Rennfox of 1954 : bore 60 mm versus 44 mm stroke, at least 14000 rpm and 18 hp. How about that? What ever you’re doing being a pimp or engine designer you’ve got to know the history of your trade.
Tada,
Bob