Ducati presents the new V2 engine: constant technical evolution in pursuit of perfection
New Ducati engine without Desmo: innovation, differences and advantages
GOODBYE DESMO, WELCOME BACK SPRINGS
In 1954, engineer Fabio Taglioni joined DUCATI and introduced what would become one of the main features of all Ducati engines to this day: DESMODROMIC valve timing. This type of valve timing mainly allows for high-performance engines thanks to the high number of revs that can be achieved by eliminating valve springs. (Anyone wishing to learn more about desmodromic distribution can read the article dedicated to this topic directly on this site's blog).
Just under 70 years later, DUCATI decided to abandon the “Desmo” on its new V4 Granturismo engine. This new 1,158 cc engine, which delivers an impressive 170 hp, powers the new Multistrada V4 and the new Diavel V4.
The real revolution will come in 2025 when the Ducati V2 engine also loses its Desmo distribution. Since 1954, there have been many advances in the development of new materials, distribution systems and metallurgy, minimising the performance difference between classic spring distribution and desmodromic distribution.
Ducati's new V2 engine translates into much longer and less expensive MAINTENANCE intervals. Lower PRODUCTION COSTS compared to the complicated Desmo. Lower WEIGHT compared to the old engine, greater COMPACTNESS. RATIONALISATION of the range for touring and road use. Even the POWER DELIVERY is smoother and more usable. The POWER of the new IVT variable timing engine has gained a few horsepower. Finally, the new anti-pollution regulations are easier to comply with thanks to the new V2.
All die-hard Ducatisti are not happy about this historic transformation, but some considerations need to be made in this regard.
In recent years, I have often discovered that only a small proportion of motorcyclists and Ducatisti actually know what the DESMO engine is. It certainly represents an ICON of the DUCATI brand, as does the 90° V-twin cylinder layout. The DESMO ICON is hardly noticeable to motorcyclists who are not particularly interested in the engineering aspects of the engine; the DESMO is there but cannot be seen, and perhaps only a few can feel it while riding. That is why DUCATI, after weighing up the pros and cons of replacing it, opted for the most rational solution. A Ducati is recognised for its quality, prestige and performance. The DESMO remains only on purely SuperSport models with V4 engines, such as the PANIGALE and STREETFIGHTER, and on the SCRAMBLER 800 Desmo2.
The DESMO has certainly been an ICON of Ducati engines, but it is certainly not as visible as the BOXER engine for BMW, or that of the MOTO GUZZI with 90° transverse cylinders. Imagine if the GS series or the entire R range were to replace the Boxer with a parallel twin front-mounted engine; this change would result in the loss of an ICON.
DUCATI retains its L-shaped cylinder engine and the MAGIC reserved for just a few motorcycle brands!
With or without DESMO, we invite you to experience this magic on the roads of another Mediterranean ICON: “DUCATI EXPERIENCE IN MALLORCA” with MMR22.