Jet Powered Ducati

CC Cowboy · February 16th, 2017, 08:55 AM

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motor...tandhp#image=1

Did Ducati just patent a variable jet exhaust system? The World Wide Web was abuzz last week with rumors that Ducati had recently filed for a patent on a “salad box”-type of exhaust, similar to the kind used in the tailpipes of fighter jets. The system utilizes variable flaps to modulate exhaust output and control thrust. The story made the rounds on several user forums and moto-websites, and displayed as proof a couple of diagrams that showed interlocking petals surrounding the exit of an exhaust pipe that looks remarkably like that of the Desmosedici, mounted on a faired motorcycle that certainly appears to be a Ducati.

An array of interlocking petals surround the tailpipe’s exit, allowing the opening to be widened or narrowed and therefore controlling the force of the gas being expelled.*

But is it “fake news”? Many Ducatisti and in-the-know journalists including our renowned nuts-and-bolts colleague at Cycle World, Kevin Cameron, are skeptical of the story, pointing out the line drawings are unsourced and feature no trademarks or other designations. Adding to the mystery, a Ducati USA rep reached by email would neither confirm nor deny the existence of the patent application, adding that the company’s official response to the story is "Ducati is always pushing the developmental envelope of on-track performance.” So while the healthy skepticism is appreciated, the lack of official denial from Ducati is noteworthy. And considering the company’s history of racetrack innovation -- and the promise of a new Superbike in 2018 -- any revolutionary performance-enhancing technology from Bologna definitely seems feasible.

The advantages to a variable exhaust are apparent. Most of the time, a MotoGP or Superbike engine simply can’t transfer all of its available power to the rear wheel; either the tire simply spins or the immense thrust would lift the front tire off the ground and could flip the bike over backwards. Instead of forcing a race tuner to restrict engine performance upon acceleration, a variable exhaust system could allow the rider to give the bike (most of) all it’s got, (most of) all the time. Just like on a fighter jet, an array of interlocking petals surround the tailpipe’s exit, allowing the opening to be widened or narrowed and therefore controlling the force of the gas being expelled. Instead of increased speed, the main advantage of variable exhaust flow would be to allow engineers to tune the back pressure in the exhaust throughout the rev range -- as well as control thrust upon acceleration to discourage the front wheel from lifting off the ground, as those those now-banned winglets were intended to do. Without official comment from Ducati, it’s fun to speculate on the potential of this technology -- and to wonder how it could be used on street applications. But for now it’s little more than paddock chatter. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see what 2018 brings.

Ducati999 · February 17th, 2017, 05:31 AM

This is just my opinion and we all know what they say about opinions!
Lorenzo has stated that he needs the Power to be really smooth (quoted from the Moto GP.com site interview with GiGi) at small throttle openings for him to use his "corner speed" riding style that has made him a champion. Ducati is now working on improving "Mid corner turning" for their bike. I believe the exhaust is to make a variable restriction (just like the variable length velocity stacks) exhaust to help smooth out power where needed. Power can be manipulated by exhaust length and exhaust diameter so should the "petals" open wide for full power and then close up at the proper time to increase back pressure when more torque is needed/desired this could be a great advantage. All the new Ducati superbikes have an exhaust valve in the collector under the bike to add low end torque and also help with noise emissions. This might be a lighter more high tech solution to this valve.

Or I might be totally wrong but all the MFG's are using different ideas to adjust/smooth out the power band/delivery of their rediculosly powerful motors. Suzuki has Variable valve timing and they all use electronics so this may just be the next thing to try.

JohnnyBravo · February 17th, 2017, 07:51 AM

Jay Leno has had a jet bike for years though; why don't they just buy one instead of making fancy jet like non jet parts

February 16th, 2017, 08:55 AM	#1
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Jet Powered Ducati http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/motor...tandhp#image=1 Did Ducati just patent a variable jet exhaust system? The World Wide Web was abuzz last week with rumors that Ducati had recently filed for a patent on a “salad box”-type of exhaust, similar to the kind used in the tailpipes of fighter jets. The system utilizes variable flaps to modulate exhaust output and control thrust. The story made the rounds on several user forums and moto-websites, and displayed as proof a couple of diagrams that showed interlocking petals surrounding the exit of an exhaust pipe that looks remarkably like that of the Desmosedici, mounted on a faired motorcycle that certainly appears to be a Ducati. An array of interlocking petals surround the tailpipe’s exit, allowing the opening to be widened or narrowed and therefore controlling the force of the gas being expelled.* But is it “fake news”? Many Ducatisti and in-the-know journalists including our renowned nuts-and-bolts colleague at Cycle World, Kevin Cameron, are skeptical of the story, pointing out the line drawings are unsourced and feature no trademarks or other designations. Adding to the mystery, a Ducati USA rep reached by email would neither confirm nor deny the existence of the patent application, adding that the company’s official response to the story is "Ducati is always pushing the developmental envelope of on-track performance.” So while the healthy skepticism is appreciated, the lack of official denial from Ducati is noteworthy. And considering the company’s history of racetrack innovation -- and the promise of a new Superbike in 2018 -- any revolutionary performance-enhancing technology from Bologna definitely seems feasible. The advantages to a variable exhaust are apparent. Most of the time, a MotoGP or Superbike engine simply can’t transfer all of its available power to the rear wheel; either the tire simply spins or the immense thrust would lift the front tire off the ground and could flip the bike over backwards. Instead of forcing a race tuner to restrict engine performance upon acceleration, a variable exhaust system could allow the rider to give the bike (most of) all it’s got, (most of) all the time. Just like on a fighter jet, an array of interlocking petals surround the tailpipe’s exit, allowing the opening to be widened or narrowed and therefore controlling the force of the gas being expelled. Instead of increased speed, the main advantage of variable exhaust flow would be to allow engineers to tune the back pressure in the exhaust throughout the rev range -- as well as control thrust upon acceleration to discourage the front wheel from lifting off the ground, as those those now-banned winglets were intended to do. Without official comment from Ducati, it’s fun to speculate on the potential of this technology -- and to wonder how it could be used on street applications. But for now it’s little more than paddock chatter. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see what 2018 brings. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

February 17th, 2017, 07:51 AM	#3
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Jay Leno has had a jet bike for years though; why don't they just buy one instead of making fancy jet like non jet parts __________________________________________________

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February 17th, 2017, 05:31 AM	#2
Ducati999 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ant Location: Wooster Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 999 2012 Ninja 250r Ducati748 Yellow finally running 2003 SV650 S (SOLD) Posts: A lot.	This is just my opinion and we all know what they say about opinions! Lorenzo has stated that he needs the Power to be really smooth (quoted from the Moto GP.com site interview with GiGi) at small throttle openings for him to use his "corner speed" riding style that has made him a champion. Ducati is now working on improving "Mid corner turning" for their bike. I believe the exhaust is to make a variable restriction (just like the variable length velocity stacks) exhaust to help smooth out power where needed. Power can be manipulated by exhaust length and exhaust diameter so should the "petals" open wide for full power and then close up at the proper time to increase back pressure when more torque is needed/desired this could be a great advantage. All the new Ducati superbikes have an exhaust valve in the collector under the bike to add low end torque and also help with noise emissions. This might be a lighter more high tech solution to this valve. Or I might be totally wrong but all the MFG's are using different ideas to adjust/smooth out the power band/delivery of their rediculosly powerful motors. Suzuki has Variable valve timing and they all use electronics so this may just be the next thing to try.