Desmodromic Valves Explained

Desmodromic valves are a type of poppet valve used in engines where the valves are positively closed by a cam and leverage system, rather than by a more conventional spring. This system is most famous for its use in Ducati motorcycles.

Why use Desmo?

In high-revving engines, traditional valve springs can fail to close the valve fast enough, leading to “valve float”. The Desmodromic system forces the valve closed mechanically, allowing for much higher RPM limits and more aggressive cam profiles.