Ducati’s All-New V-Twin: 890cc, the Lightest V-Twin Ducati has Ever Made

All-new Ducati V2; 890cc, liquid-cooled, 90-degree, 120 HP and 115 HP versions. The lightest v-twin Ducati has ever made.

Ducati’s rise has been transformational since its acquisition by Audi in 2012. The boost their R&D has received is visible in the motorcycles they’ve been making in the last 10 years. Likewise, the company’s success in MotoGP is equally remarkable.

Today, Ducati makes some of the best sportbikes a man can buy if money is no objection. Their bikes have become more dependable, more accommodating, with technological advancement that are second to none. And Ducati doesn’t rest, they are constantly improving and regularly updating their motorcycles even if their ongoing motorcycles are above the rest.

On that note, just last year, Ducati introduced its latest v-twin engine which would power the next generation of the Panigale V2 (already introduced) and other motorcycles as well.

All-New Ducati V2

Ducati's lightest v-twin at 54.4 kg

The all-new 890cc, 90-degree v-twin is the lightest twin-cylinder engine built by the Italian manufacturer at 54.4 kg. How light is that you might ask? Those 54.4 kg are up to 9 kg less than the Superquadro engine of the previous Panigale V2 and almost 5.8 kg less than the Testastretta Evoluzione and the Desmodue engines in the Scrambler range. These are noticeable differences whose benefits would extend beyond the spec sheet.

How did Ducati achieve this? Using lighter materials is one of the most expected moves but there is more sophisticated engineering at display here. Ducati developed a new cooling system that negates the need of a water-oil heat exchanger, which is now integrated in close proximity with the cylinders. This results in better acceleration and reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions. Making things light and compact is one of the best things to do to make a better sport bike.

The new 890cc engine is made in two power versions; 120 HP and 115 HP. The 120 HP version can be further tuned to deliver 126 HP @ 10,000 RPM using the full racing exhaust for track use. In this case, the engine develops 98 NM of torque @ 8,250 RPM (which is 5 NM higher than the 120 HP version).

The 115 HP version is more suitable for the new Multistrada V2 and some other future models. The internals in this particular version are designed to handle more load and stress. The con rods and flywheel are stronger for better longevity in challenging riding conditions, along with smoother operation at lower revs.

This engine is also Euro 5+ compliant and has a 15,000 km interval for oil change while the valve clearance service is at 30,000 km.

Ducati continues to use its iconic 90-degree configuration for its twin cylinder setup to maintain the familiar feel at idle and while riding. This particular architecture doesn’t require Ducati to employ a counter balancer for reducing vibrations. Also, the Intake Variable Timing (IVT) system ensures linear throttle response especially at lower RPMs all the way to the top end. There is a timing actuator at the end of the camshaft which controls the timing of the intake valve system within the 52-degree range. The valve stems are made hollow and provide 5% weight savings which further helps the IVT system to do its job even more efficiently.

The lubrication system is also inspired by what’s used in race engines. Other than the primary primary pump, there’s a scavenge pump as well which is located in the con rod housing. It reduces pressure and resistance in the con rod operation which helps in recovering the lubricating oil in all conditions of engine use.

Also, to strengthen the entire cylinder structure, Ducati uses aluminium cylinder lines inside the cylinder holes. This design makes the cylinder structure stronger, compact, and better in heat dissipation.

This new engine in the 120 HP version is now used in the all-new Panigale V2 and the Streetfighter V2 that were also launched recently, while the 115 HP version has been introduced with the all-new Multistrada V2. More bikes are awaited with the new engine; probably a new Monster and the Supersport.