Q. What is the "crankcase vent system"? How does it work?
A. The "crankcase vent system", also called the "crankcase breather system" (among other names) serves two basic purposes. First, it vents the engine crankcase to the atmosphere. This is nessissary to provide proper oiling in the engine, and it also improves efficency of the engine to some extent. Second, it is a means of reducing engine emssions. The engine is what produces power in your motorcycle. The lower part of the engine is called the crankcase. This is where most of the engine's moving parts are located--including the crankshaft, connecting rods, and the transmission. The crankcase is partially filled with oil, which lubricates and cools the engine. Ideally, the crankcase would be sealed, so that dirt cannot contaminate the oil. However, this is not possible. Becasue the pistons in the engine move up and down (the same process that makes power), the volume of the crankcase is constantly changing. If it were sealed, this would actually pressurize and de-pressurize the crankcase constantly. That would destoy oil seals, create oil leaks, and could "push" or "suck" oil away from key areas of the engine. Therefore, the crankcase needs to be vented. Of course, a simple hole in the crankcase would allow dirt to enter the engine. Therefore, we have the crankcase vent system. The vent system begins with a hole in the engine housing. There is a valve installed in that hole ("Breather valve" or "PCV" valve). This valve is basically a 1-way valve that allows air and fumes to EXIT the engine, but not ENTER the engine. This valve is used rather than a simple open hole becasue it can create a slight crankcase vacuum which is good for efficency. The "open" end of this valve needs to be open to the atmosphere--but it isn't so simple. Crankcase fumes, such as those vented out by this valve, consist mainly of air, but also contain oil mist and combustion gases that seep past the piston rings. The vent system routes a hose from the valve back to the air box, so that these fumes can be sucked into the engine and burnt alongside normal air. There is a "seperator tank" in the center of this hose which removes most of the oil mist from the fumes.
Q. Why is it on my bike? Is it illegal to remove it?
A. Simply put, the system is required by California law. Since Ducati (or any other bike/car manufacturor) doesn't want to make a different version of every bike to sell in each state, they build their U.S. bikes to the strictest emissions standards in the U.S. Since California has the strictest emissions laws, all Ducatis sold in the USA are built to California specs. Similar situations are true for other countries. For the USA, it is perfectly legal to remove the crankcase vent system if you live in any state but California. Technically, it is illegal to remove it in California, if you use the bike on public roads. However, this rule is very rarely, if ever, enforced.
Q. Why would I want to remove it?
A. There are several reasons. The most common reason is weight savings. The large rubber hoses, vent tank, etc. associated with the vent system are basically "free weight" that can be removed. Removing this extra weight makes the bike slightly lighter, enabling it to accelerate faster and turn harder. Many people also like the "race bike" look of installing a breather filter in place of the stock system. Other reasons include performance and reliability.
Q. What is this "race-type vent filter" (also called K&N vent filter)? What does it do?
A. As we discussed above, the crankcase MUST be vented to the atmosphere. It also must be vented "behind" some kind of filter to prevent dirt from entering the engine. The vent filter modification does just that. You remove the stock vent hoses and seperator tank, and install a small filter directly on the breather valve. This filter allows air to enter and exit the valve as needed and prevents debris from entering the valve. Most users prefer the K&N filter. K&N is the leading brand of air filters for racing and motorsports applications. The filter used here is made of oiled gauze and is warranted for 1,000,000 miles. It is washable and reuseable. Switching to a vent filter like the K&N saves weight and can improve the performance of your bike.
Q. Why will switching to a race-type vent filter improve the performance or reliability of my bike?
A. In stock configuration, combustion gases and oily mist is drawn out from the crankcase and is vented into the air intake of your bike. Your engine is designed to burn CLEAN AIR and GASOLINE, not some strange cocktail of oily mist and combustion by-products. These fumes are basically a contaminant in the air intake. In some cases they can have the same effect as running low-octane gas and can cause predetonation (knocking and pinging), poor power, and rough running--especially if your bike has a high compression motor. If you have a modified motor with aftermarket high compression pistons it will almost certainly lead to some degree of knocking. These fumes will create excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chambers in your engine, which can hurt both fuel economy and performance. Basically, removing the factory vent system will make your engine run cleaner.
Q. Will switching to a race-type vent filter affect how my bike runs? If I do this, will my bike run worse?
A. Not if done properly! The parts you would be replacing have nothing to do with the normal function of your engine. If properly done, you will NOT harm the performance of your bike in the slightest. In fact, you can actually IMPROVE it slightly. Note that we said "properly removed"! Like any work performed on a vehicle, it is possible for an amateur job to cause problems. We sell a kit designed so that anyone can install this filter like a pro. It has the directions and parts needed to do the job right.
Q. Is installing this filter difficult? Will I mess up my bike?
A. Installing a crankcase vent filter is very simple. If you can use a screwdriver then you can perform this modification. The key is to work slowly and carefully. Special tools an procedures are NOT required. If you follow the directions then you will not have any problems. This is a very quick job and will take about 10 minuites on the average Ducati.
Q. I notice that you are selling a "vent filter kit". Tell me about it.
A. Our vent filter kit is an easy and inexpensive way to replace your stock vent system with a race style filter. Central to the kit is the K&N filter itself. We purchase these filters wholesale. They are genuine, new, K&N filters and include all the K&N paperwork. We also include all the other parts you need to get the job done, including filter oil and a stainless steel clamp to mount the filter. We also include a set of airbox plugs. You will need a plug to fill the hole in your airbox that is left when the stock vent hoses are removed. These plastic plugs snap into place and prevent dirt from being drawn into your airbox and intake. We include three different sizes of plugs so that you can choose whichever one fits your bike the best. (different models and years, as well as variations from bike to bike, require different size plugs). We also include complete directions on installing the filter. Our kit works on ANY model Ducati, including supersports, superbikes, Monsters and ST bikes.
