OK to run without headlight?

TomFoolery · Apr 11, 2022

Heading to COTA tomorrow, and will be hitting 170+ on the back straight regularly. This made me think if I overlooked something in my race build...

I have racebodywork with headlight removed. I did relocate the IAT sensor correctly so that's still functional. However, the race bodywork is essentially stock bodywork and does not have its own race air ducts. Meaning, I have a huge gaping hole in the front of the bike with the original air duct in place.

I have been running this way for several track days and so far no issues. However, with extended very high speed runs, I am now questioning if it will cause any overflow of air to airbox and/or lean condition. Can anyone confirm please?

burton · Apr 11, 2022

Just pure speculation but I think you will end up with less air.

My guess is that you will end up with low air pressure in front of the air filter without the funnels.

The funnels direct all of the intake air into the air box and will increase air pressure above ambient.

Probably not an issue though as the motor still runs fine at low speed/high RPM. At 170mph without the funnels it’s probably getting more air than it is at redline in first gear with the funnels.

airjawed · Apr 11, 2022

The bike uses MAP sensors to measure air pressure. It should compensate for whatever is actually coming into the engine. Air pressure, air temp, and selected gear are a few things used to determine fueling and timing. I would try to correct it because you are leaving some power on the table by not having the duct work in place.

TomFoolery · Apr 11, 2022

Thank you both. I will research it but in case you know - are there race air ducts that work with stock bodywork?? My "race" bodywork is just a set of Ducati OEM bodywork painted in a different color scheme....

BP PanigaleV4S · Apr 11, 2022

Wouldn't you just use a dummy headlight?

https://www.flamingocorse.it/en/pro...inted-matte-black-ducati-v4-r-s-speciale.html

TomFoolery · Apr 11, 2022

bp_SFV4 said:
Wouldn't you just use a dummy headlight?

https://www.flamingocorse.it/en/pro...inted-matte-black-ducati-v4-r-s-speciale.html

I have the dummy headlight - it came with the "race" bodywork kit. My preference would be to not run additional dummy items on a race bike and if there is a better air duct system, I'd rather mount that instead.

But I hear you, I will throw the dummy headlight in the trailer and if I get a CEL/limp mode or whatever extreme like that, I will put that on.

BP PanigaleV4S · Apr 11, 2022

I wouldn't think there going to be some detrimental air flow issue. Keep in mind the engine is sucking in a huge volume of air, so its pulling air into itself.

I'd be more worried about the highspeed air damaging the fairings by loading it in a way it isn't designed for.

OK to run without headlight?

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