High performance racing vehicles of all types require specialized maintenance and precise tuning. Certain individuals and small companies specialize in this type of work. Yoshimura for Suzuki, Moriwaki for Kawasaki, Alpina for BMW, Irmscher for Opel and Abarth for Fiat.
The Ducati firm of Italy uses NCR (officially SCUDERIA N.C.R.), which is a small company started by three retired Ducati engineers named Nepoti Giorgio, Caracchi Rino and Rizzi Rinaldo, in 1959. These three men have become famous in the field of bike racing, and work only for the Ducati firm, preparing racers for competition. They tuned Mike Hailwood's bike that won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race, and also the world champion production Ducati of the Formula T.T. 2 race. This small firm also produces many tune up parts for production machines that are available to users world wide.
The NCR 900 racer, built for competition in the T.T. Formula 1 and endurance events, is actually composed of parts designed by many well known Italian makers. The frame was done by Verlicchi. Front and rear suspension by Brembo and the Carburetors by Dellorto. Wheels are by Campagnolo. The famous 90 degree "L" two cylinder engine of 863.9cc has been skillfully enlarged to 871.9cc by the NCR firm. This engine is fundamentally a SOHC design but uses the Ducati designed and engineered valve system known as Desmodromic, which both opens and closes the valves with cam action rather than using a closing spring. This allows a much higher engine RPM without valve float. With the exception of this valve system the NCR 900 does not employ any new or revolutionary techniques.
It has been widely regarded that the Japanese bikes pretty much dominate the large bore bike races, but this 900 NCR is right up there in the competition. The "L" engine formula allows for a lower center of gravity, and the light weight of the rest of the bike allows for much sharper cornering giving it an edge in serious competition. The SCUDERIA N.C.R. firms colors are Italian red and silver and their trademark is a comical wolf in helmet and racing goggles.
