Italy unveils lightest-ever V2 engine, revolutionizes performance
How can you achieve better performance? By increasing power or reducing weight. Ducati understands this concept well, as demonstrated by the brand's new V2 engine from Borgo Panigale. It is the lightest two-cylinder engine in the manufacturer's history. The weight reduction process was so effective that it's no surprise the Italians are proud of it.
6:14 PM EDT, November 1, 2024
When new engines are launched, we typically hear about maximum power or torque, or sometimes the distribution of torque. These are undeniably important parameters, but manufacturers seldom highlight weight as the most crucial feature of a new engine. In a motorcycle often weighing well below 440 pounds, the engine accounts for a significant part of that weight.
The lightness of the entire motorcycle significantly affects its driving characteristics, and engineers are constantly fighting weight. That's why Ducati made significant efforts in designing the new V2 engine, which weighs 120 pounds. The Desmodue in the Scrambler is 13 pounds heavier, the Testastretta Evoluzione weighs 13 pounds more, and the Superquadro 955 is 20 pounds heavier.
The new V2, with a 54 cubic inch displacement, will be used in various motorcycles, meaning Ducati has prepared two versions with different characteristics—one generates 120 hp, and the other 115 hp (both at 10,750 RPM). As for torque, it is 69 lb-ft or 68 lb-ft at 8,250 RPM. The different torque curves will be most significant here. The RPM limit in the fifth and sixth gears is 11,350 RPM.
The new engine features variable timing, allowing over 70 percent of the maximum torque to be available at just 3,000 RPM. Between 3,500 and 11,000 RPM, this value does not drop below 80 percent. Of course, the new V2 engine complies with the Euro5+ standard. Additionally, the engine will be available in reduced power for the A2 category.
The bore and stroke are 3.78 and 2.42 inches, respectively, giving a bore/stroke ratio 1.56. This ratio is an intermediate value between the Testastretta and Superquadro engines, allowing for higher maximum power than the former while being more user-friendly in everyday use than the sporty Superquadro unit.
Furthermore, the 115-hp version will be equipped with a larger alternator, providing more power for onboard devices. This likely suggests the use of this unit primarily in the Multistrada V2.
