Ducati has broken with tradition and finally unveiled its much-vaunted MotoGP-derived V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine at Misano before this weekend’s MotoGP round.
UPDATE: The above spy photo has emerged on the internet showing the whole bike with “Panigale V4” on the side.
It is not certain whether this is the finished bike or not, but it looks like a production bike.
However, it doesn’t include the name “Stradale” anywhere.
The finished model will be officially unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in November.
CEO Claudio Domenicali says the Desmosedici Stradale engine is “super close to the MotoGP engine” and that their engineers “tried really hard not to compromise”.
Most importantly is the output from the Euro 4 compliant 90° V4 engine.
Ducati says power “exceeds” 155kW (210hp) at 13,000rpm and torque “exceeds” 120Nm from 8750 to 12,250rpm.
That compares with the current 1299 Panigale L-twin at 145kW at 10,500rpm and 137Nm at 9000rpm and the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition at 154kW at 11,000rpm and 142Nm at 9000rpm.
If those figures are not startling enough, it is expected there will be a track-only version released with even greater power and torque.
Ducati Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine and Desmosedici GPDucati’s V4 press release says:
With the same dimensions and geometry as the Desmosedici GP, the Desmosedici Stradale offers the same outstanding fluid dynamics. It also has the same engine configuration: 90° V4, rotated rearward by 42°. This solution makes the new Ducati engine extremely compact, allowing centralisation of mass and perfect integration with the vehicle.
As on Ducati competition bikes, the crankshaft is the counter-rotating type. This reduces the gyroscopic effect exerted by the wheels and makes the bike faster and more agile when changing direction. It also reduces the wheelie effect when accelerating and rear wheel lift when braking. The crank pins have a 70° offset, giving rise to a “Twin Pulse” firing sequence that, in addition to producing a unique signature sound, delivers easy-to-handle power and excellent out-of-the-corner traction. While the Desmosedici Stradale engine is undoubtedly suited to the track, it has also been designed to respond to the needs of the road rider. For example, to maximise mid-range torque – essential for a satisfying road experience – and ensure punchy torque and power at lower revs, the engine has a slightly larger displacement than its MotoGP counterpart (1103 cm³, to be precise). Power output from the Euro 4 compliant engine configuration exceeds 155 kW (210 hp) at 13,000 rpm while maximum torque exceeds 120 Nm (12.2 kgm) from 8,750 to 12,250 rpm. The Desmosedici Stradale is designed around the Desmodromic system that controls the four valves in each cylinder and plays a key role in making Ducati prototypes the fastest in MotoGP. On this highrevving engine the “Desmo” system achieves a degree of sophistication, lightness and compactness never before seen on a Ducati. As in MotoGP, the engine was designed with an 81 mm cylinder bore. This measurement reflects the maximum limit allowed by MotoGP rules; it’s also the highest in the 4-cylinder supersport segment. Using the same bore as the Desmosedici GP engine means both power units share nearly identical inengine fluid dynamics (i.e. on valves, intake ducts and throttle bodies, right where the power is produced). Throttle bodies have variable-height air intake horns that optimise cylinder intake across the rev range giving significant advantages in terms of power delivery and handling. Completing the fuelling system are the oval throttle bodies, each equipped with two injectors: one above the butterfly and one below it. This technical solutions package – born in MotoGP and developed to maximise everyday reliability – once again demonstrates the uniqueness of Ducati, capable of creating a V4 engine that offers a configuration and a solutions set like no other in the motorcycle world.
This comes as the sale of the Italian motorcycle company by VW to pay its “Dieselgate debts” seems to have been put on hold.
Ducati Desmosedici Stradale V4 engineDucati Desmosedici Stradale V4
- Type: 1103cc 4-cylinder 90-degree V
- Bore x stroke: 81 x 53.5mm
- Compression: 14:1
- Power: exceeds 155kW (210 hp) at 13,000rpm
- Torque: exceeds 120Nm (12.2kgm) from 8750 to 12,250rpm
- Valves: Desmodromic part chain, part gear timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
- Counter-rotating crankshaft: crank pins offset at 70°
- Clutch: Wet multiplate anti-patter servo
- Oil: Semi-dry sump lubrication with four oil pumps: 1 delivery and 3 return
- Fuelling: four oval throttle bodies (52 mm diameter equivalent) and variable-height intake horns
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift up/down system:
- Service: 24,000 km “Desmo Service” maintenance interval (15,000 miles)