- Leaked in a patent filed by Ducati
- It can function as a fully or semi-automatic system
- Likely to be employed in Ducati’s WSBK and WSS race bikes
Most of the big players in the global two-wheeler scene are working on their own automatic transmission system. Performance bike makers like Yamaha, KTM, and BMW have joined the party a long time ago. Brands that are still off that bandwagon will eventually join the fray. Ducati, for instance, has already started working on its automatic gearbox that, as of now, is meant for its high-performance sportbikes.
According to Ducati’s leaked patent filings, the Italian marque is working on a gearbox that works as a fully or semi-automatic system, depending on what the riders prefer to use. It’s similar to Honda’s E-Clutch system, which can be used as a fully automatic gearbox, but the rider always has the facility to override the system and take matters into their own hands. However, unlike Honda’s cable-operated assembly, Ducati seems to be using a hydraulically controlled system.
The leaked patent reveals two versions of the transmission system. Both variants share the same core components including a computer-control unit, electromechanical actuator, and a spinning threaded rod inserted into a ball screw assembly. These components are designed to be easily incorporated into existing bikes with a hydraulic clutch. Now, with some differences in the design and employed components, one of the variants is meant to completely take care of the clutch engagement and disengagement duties, while the other allows the rider to manually use the clutch and allow the automatic transmission system to act as a safety aid and prevent the engine from stalling.
Now, the fact that this system can also perform launch control duties by allowing quick starts off the line, it can be used for bikes in WSBK and WSS racing series, provided Ducati uses it in its homologated bikes, based on the race machines, that are meant for road use.
