how to spot a DESMO?

[the fuhz]

Im curious, without a sticker that reads 'desmo', is there a way to tell if a single is a desmo or not? Is there something on the head, or on the serial numbers maybe? I havent a clue, Im pretty new to Ducatis.
Thanks, tf

[Craig in France]

Hi tf,

The word 'Desmo' is cast in to the left side cam cover (along with the cc).

Can't find a photo now to show you what I mean, but it's pretty obvious in reality.

Ciao

Craig

[the fuhz]

Hi tf,

The word 'Desmo' is cast in to the left side cam cover (along with the cc).

Can't find a photo now to show you what I mean, but it's pretty obvious in reality.

Ciao

Craig

hmm, I think that I have seen those. Cant find a photo either.
However, is it possible to replace the cam cover with a non-desmo cover?
Also are there any other markings, or are all the 'desmo' parts essentially hidden internally? thanks again, tf

[Eldert]

yes you can replace a valve spring cover for a Desmo cover .
but there are other ways of I.D. ing a Desmo head
it is a differend casting : the tunnel where the camshaft in turns extends
deeper down to make room for the closer rockerarms

http://www.beneluxheads.com/album_showp ... c_id=12458

Eldert

[the fuhz]

yes you can replace a valve spring cover for a Desmo cover .
but there are other ways of I.D. ing a Desmo head
it is a differend casting : the tunnel where the camshaft in turns extends
deeper down to make room for the closer rockerarms

http://www.beneluxheads.com/album_showp ... c_id=12458

Eldert

thanks!

[MotoMark]

If all else fails, take the valve cover off. I found out the hard way when I bought a 350 basket case with the 'Desmo' cover on the cams, only to find out later that it was a valve spring motor.