Desmo & Springer head differences

[IanHood]

Does anybody know if the desmo and springer head castings are the same. What I'd really like to know is if I can build a desmo head from a springer casting (my 450 Desmo, although an original, is running a springer head at the moment) or, if I'm a slave to originality, do I have to source a complete desmo head?

Ian

[Duccout]

Ian,

I believe that the Desmo has more material around the closing rocker spindle areas, but Nigel or Eldert will really know the differences and if you can convert a Springer to Desmo.


Colin

[Eldert]

the camshaft tunnel is deeper on a desmo . the closing rockerarms are under the camshaft .

Eldert

[blethermaskite]

Not the same casting, camshaft tunnel is a different shape to accommodate the closing rocker gear and the cam support bearing housing end of the head is different. I have been down the road of building a desmo head for my 350 mk3 from parts and frankly it would be considerably cheaper just to buy a complete head...... get a second hand RT head pref. from USA.
Cheers,
George

[IanHood]

Seems I have to go on the lookout for a Desmo head then. I'm in no hurry with a working springer head so I will see what turns up.

Thanks all

[themoudie]

Aye Ian,

If you are going to race the engine it might be worth the hassle, but in my opinion the max revs attainable by a road going 450 MKIII/Desmo don't warrant the grief of setting up and maintaining a desmo head for use on the road. Keep wearing the wee beastie out, the valve springs will be fine and cheaper to replace.

If you were running a race 350 or a road/race 250 then it might be worth the hassle.

Good health, "Curmudgeon"

[IanHood]

Me thinks you are absolutely correct however I would like to get a Desmo head at some point, even if I just keep it on the shelf. If and when I do eventually sell it, I can’t help thinking that a Desmo without a Desmo head makes it a much less attractive proposition to potential buyers. Doesn’t really bother me as my days of max revs are long gone…

Ian