Modern cars, vans and motorcycles are all data hubs, generating info available for download at service time, or uploaded per day via apps of course. This concept from Ducati could well help insurers price risk far more accurately that MoT fails/advisories. Just saying.
Ducati is bringing a revolutionary innovation to the world of off-road motorcycling: predictive maintenance. After introducing to motocross the first Traction Control system capable of accurately determining the actual slip of the rear wheel, the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer has developed, for the Desmo450 MX, a brand-new software system for calculating maintenance intervals, based on the intensity of engine use. To access these new features, fans can simply visit your local Ducati dealer, where you can have the engine control unit updated free of charge.
Drawing on its experience in Superbike and MotoGP, Ducati Corse has developed a specific algorithm for the Desmo450 MX that calculates an engine stress index in real time, based on operating parameters and usage conditions. This index also takes into account the type of terrain on which the bike is being ridden, and continuously increases a percentage-based engine wear counter. The system then uses this counter to update maintenance schedules, which can be viewed via the Ducati X-Link app.
In this way, the intervals for inspection and servicing are tailored to the rider’s riding style, with more frequent servicing for professional or intensive use, or less frequent servicing for amateur riders, moving beyond traditional static schedules. If the stress on the engine is lower than that anticipated in the calculation of the maintenance deadline — based on Alessandro Lupino’s use of the bike — it is therefore possible to postpone servicing, offering a financial benefit to the client and longer intervals between services.
The interval for the MID Service, which involves replacing the piston and checking the valve clearances, can therefore vary between 45 and 60 hours, depending on the actual wear and tear of the engine. Similarly, a full engine overhaul (FULL Service) can take between 90 and 120 hours.
On the official Ducati website, you can configure your own Desmo450 MX or arrange a visit to your nearest dealership. All the information is available on the official Ducati website.
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