Ducati in MotoGP

Someone told me that Ducati actually run a V4 in MotoGP, not a V-twin. Which would explain how they seem to do so well (I thought it was dead impressive that a V-twin often was well placed with 4's and 5's)

Is someone pulling my leg or what??

Yup, it's a V4.
Some nice details and photos on the Ducati racing website.

Ta - slightly gutted though... when Capirossi got on the podium a few weeks back I was well impressed, thinking it was a V-twin Though it's still impressive that someone as "small" as Ducati can take on and beat the big jap boys.

Originally Posted by SVeeedy Gonzales

Ta - slightly gutted though... when Capirossi got on the podium a few weeks back I was well impressed, thinking it was a V-twin Though it's still impressive that someone as "small" as Ducati can take on and beat the big jap boys.

I understand that it fires like a twin though (2 pulses instead of 4) if that makes you feel better.

Disclaimer: I may be talking bolleaux!

Originally Posted by Scoobs

I understand that it fires like a twin though (2 pulses instead of 4) if that makes you feel better.

Disclaimer: I may be talking bolleaux!

Well that's the main thing... that Loris has that V-twin satisfaction as he piddles over all those Honda RC-whatsits

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Scoobs

I understand that it fires like a twin though (2 pulses instead of 4) if that makes you feel better.

Disclaimer: I may be talking bolleaux!

I think you are correct a mundo Scoobs, I know that the Yamaha fires in a similar way to and even though its an IL4 it sure as hell dont sound like one

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I think you are correct a mundo Scoobs, I know that the Yamaha fires in a similar way to and even though its an IL4 it sure as hell dont sound like one

I'm not sure if that's quite the same as the big-bang timing that yamaha use.
I'm not sure what their timing is, but I'm pretty sure it isn't pairs. I've heard that they have 2 lots of offset ignitions, but they could do pretty much anything, since it's just a case of altering the timing and moving the crank pins.

Originally Posted by Carsick

I'm not sure what their timing is, but I'm pretty sure it isn't pairs. I've heard that they have 2 lots of offset ignitions, but they could do pretty much anything, since it's just a case of altering the timing and moving the crank pins.

It's not quite that simple, but that is the gist. Cams would need to be changed as well. Also, it is not just a case of firing pairs of cylinders. If it was everyone would be doing it.

Originally Posted by Scoobs

It's not quite that simple, but that is the gist. Cams would need to be changed as well. Also, it is not just a case of firing pairs of cylinders. If it was everyone would be doing it.

I covered the cams in altering the timing. I realise it's not something they can just swap on a whim, but for a decent engineering dept it's not an issue.
The second bit of your post, I'm sure I said myself

Yeah, whatever

I just like the sound of my own voice.