Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > tell me about DD bikes

[Lily]

I am not very clued up on the differences in the non sports bikes for Ducatis so could someone please explain the differences in the models that can be raced in DD.

Ideal would be to know what the model is, what the engine is, approx bhp, years they were made, how common (spares etc) and then obviously the significant advantages/disadvantages of each.

[fil2]

Originally Posted by Lily

I am not very clued up on the differences in the non sports bikes for Ducatis so could someone please explain the differences in the models that can be raced in DD.

Ideal would be to know what the model is, what the engine is, approx bhp, years they were made, how common (spares etc) and then obviously the significant advantages/disadvantages of each.

get a bike and go race already.....LOL

[phil_h]

Starting with essesses, cos they are simpler ...
the 583 carb version was built from about 1993 up until 1998 when the injection engines started coming in, but a 620SS wasnt built until 2002ish and they were stopped in 2004ish so there are much fewer injection SS around.
The styling is obviously very different ! but the tank on the newer version sticks up more, so is not as comfortable.
The injection model also has a different frame, which is heavier.
The forks and rear swingarm and shock are very similar.
The steering is more stable feeling than a monster, and some find it feels slow to them.

The monster changed its engine and frame at different times, but the 583 ss and monster engines are the same, as are the 620 monster and ss engines.
The 583 carb engines give about 50 bhp @ 8000, and all you can do is change the jetting.
Spares are plentiful.
The 620 gives a bit more a bit higher, but its difficult getting anyone to admit what theirs is doing. Its also easyish to change via a power commander.
Spares are not a problem unless you need a new engine. What is a problem is the clockset - which is coded to the key and the immobiliser - break it and its hundreds to replace.
People are running lots of different pipes, but its more how they ride that is making the difference.

The monster chassis has remained pretty similar for its entire life, but the swingarm and linkage changed 2000ish. Is is more comfortable at first cos the std seat is quite narrow and lowish, but because its got a distinct dip in the seat its more difficult to move around on for racing.

[Chris Wood]

My old:
Older SS carb bikes -Cheap and loads of spares available from the SS range-400/900. - Needs - fresh well prepped engine, open pipes, new jets, SSie shock, refreshed forks, uprated m/cyl ,brakepads, race fairings. Bike £1000 - set up £500. HP from late 40's to 55.

My new;
2003 SSie 620ss - 6 speed box, powercommander, fairings, uprated shock, pipes, etc....£priceless or about £4k.

To ride them...
The 583's are like tractors and feel ready to explode at any minute, my 620 engine spins freely up and down, very different to ride back to back. The 583 needs to be hustled and like 250 2 stoke can't be allowed out of the rev range for long. I've not enough exp. on the 620 but will probably feel the same, corner speed, corner speed, corner speed.

Comparison wise, getting the new SS bike to turn quickly seems to be a challenge for all, bar placement and the wide tank gets in the way...

You know you want too....

[Lily]

cheers folks

under the rules are you allowed to upgrade forks and brakes or do these have to remain standard.

what about extras such as clutches - i assume these all have dry clutches?

are pc and quickshifters allowed?

[fil2]

Originally Posted by Lily

cheers folks

under the rules are you allowed to upgrade forks and brakes or do these have to remain standard.

what about extras such as clutches - i assume these all have dry clutches?

are pc and quickshifters allowed?

clutches are wet and slipper clutches are allowed and come std on later monsters.!

Pc' are allowed and readily used....and prolly required for proper set up of fuelling.!

quickshifters...i dont think so, but can see no benifit at all in them for the dd bikes

brakes have to be OEM..but MC's are free

No changes to forks other than springs....

all in the rules i can email you a copy if ya want.?

[Lily]

have just received them thanks

so does that mean if your bike has a signle disc you could not convert to dual?

is it only the 620 that have twin discs?

[couchcommando]

Originally Posted by fil2

brakes have to be OEM..but MC's are free

No changes to forks other than springs....

all in the rules i can email you a copy if ya want.?

As said calipers are free but you will struggle to better the brembo golds. Fork internals are free and maxton offer a cartridge conversion kit, don't think many have these as they are £300. A linear set of springs and different oil/levels is pretty much good enough.
On the 620's you can also change the base gasket but you have to have custom made ones, not much point really. On both engines careful set up of cam timing and clearances is vital to have the most hp
On the dyno I use the most they have seen is 65hp from a 620 and 55 from a 583 altho that was later toned down to 53 to get some midrange. A well worn engine gives more power. Rebuilding the engine and taking all tolerances out to max gives the same effect as a worn out engine.
A cheap non o ring chain is worth 1-2hp as are ceramic wheel bearings but I doubt anyone runs them at the cost they are.
Rules are strict and tbh the best gains are from weight loss, bike and rider lol
I suppose with little hp then aerodynamics could play a part ? I dunno but it's one of the few things that can be played with as is the airbox but that's a whole other subject

[TP]

Originally Posted by Lily

cheers folks

under the rules are you allowed to upgrade forks and brakes or do these have to remain standard.

what about extras such as clutches - i assume these all have dry clutches?

are pc and quickshifters allowed?

Fork internals are free, forks have to remain as homologated.

Brake Calipers are free, discs are not (I believe)

They all have wet clutches, but these are free as well.

You can add a PC, but no QS.

[TP]

And as usual fil2 beats me ...