Big airbox?
You'll really only see the benefits of a bigger airbox at higher speeds. An engine will aspirate quite happily even when the bike isn't moving, however the idea behind an airbox is to generate a positive pressure to drive more air into the engine, especially when the bike moves and air is drawn into the system. The 748/916/996/749/999 and even the newer 848/1098 all have ram air induction and sealed airboxes in order to enhance this effect.
With a larger airbox the volume of air held inside it is greater, however this will mean that the pressure will not rise at the same rate as with a smaller airbox. Thus the airbox size on roadbikes can be the limiting factor and it is with this reason that race bikes have larger units fitted.
The essential message is that you need to be moving at great speeds in order to generate enough positive pressure (above 1 bar) in order to get the benefits from larger airboxes and this is why it is not always the most pressing upgrade to be made by most Ducati owners. Of greater benefit will be fitting tuned throttle bodies... larger bore or those with changed lengths
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