Does ECU monitor cam chain, sprocket wear?

[ionbeam]

Heck, why not just use solenoids to actuate the vales and do away with the cams completely.

Believe is or not, traditional solenoids would not give the speed of actuation and degree of control...It really is an elegant solution to valve actuation...gears are the most reliable.

In fact, initially it was difficult to design and fabricate electrical fuel injectors, another form of solenoids.

Look at some forms of racing and you will find pneumatically actuated valves.

 

[mike25]

Heck, why not just use solenoids to actuate the vales and do away with the cams completely.

There are running prototypes using no camshafts as we speak.

Just imagine how much power it consumes to rotate the cams and

valve springs.

Than add in the fact that you have optimal valve control (opening,

closing, and lift), also there is no need for throttle bodies (fly by wire).

Smaller, lighter engines producing more power with better fuel mileage,

with very WIDE powerbands.

I can't wait.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

'Aasland': I think someone should make a kit to retro-fit our FJR's with gear-driven cams.

'Fred W': <snippage>...The story I heard was Honda ditched the gear drive to make the bike quieter. :huh:

And... a lot cheaper, too. I've always felt that all the gear-driven-cams Interceptors were 'under-priced' for such an exquisite engine design.

'Fred W': (on Desmo/Ducati) The belt drive to the (later) cams, not so beautiful. High maintenance (replacement called for every 16k, but done @ 10k if you're smart)

Actually, I think rubber toothed belt is/should be the way to go. Two things (at least) are against it -- on motorcycle engines, the desire for small physical size, especially in the cylinder head, forces small sprockets; which, in turn (given the 2:1 ratio), force even smaller (way too small, I think, not much tooth contact) for the crank sprocket. And, secondly, the rubber belts age/deteriorate and need periodic replacing -- which most owners are loathe to do (or, have done).

I'm not sure what the knock was with the bevel drive in the earlier models.

I would think price, again (expensive machining) and (maybe?) noise.

'mike25': Smaller, lighter engines producing more power with better fuel mileage, with very WIDE powerbands.

When watching (and, especially, listening to) the 1st & 2nd place Yamahas in the most recent MotoGP -- they sure seemed to have wide powerbands.

Alot like the FJR....