Ducati Desmosedici Stradale V4 Unveiled: 210 Horsepower (Video)

September 7, 2017

A 90° V4 configuration makes the engine extremely compact, allowing centralization of mass and smoothing incorporation on the vehicle. The Desmosedici Stradale has, in fact, been inserted on the motorcycle with the front cylinders banked 42 degrees back from the horizontal, just like the Ducati engines employed in MotoGP. This, of course, optimizes weight distribution, allows the adoption of larger radiators and brings the swingarm pivot point forwards.

Its architecture also evens up first order forces naturally without the added weight and power loss that a balancing countershaft would involve.

As in MotoGP, the engine was designed with an 81mm 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 in-engine fluid dynamics (valves, intake ducts and throttle bodies—where the power is produced).

The new engine is designed around the Desmodromic system, a key characteristic that helps make Ducati prototypes the fastest in MotoGP. On this high-revving engine the Desmo system achieves a degree of sophistication, lightness and compactness never before seen on a Ducati.

Variable-height air intake horns constitute another first for a Ducati factory bike, optimizing cylinder intake across the rev range and giving significant advantages in terms of power delivery and handling. Completing the felling system are the oval throttle bodies, each equipped with two injectors—one above the butterfly and one below it.

Ducati Desmosedici Stradale V4 Specs:

1103cc 4-cylinder 90-degree V
Bore x stroke: 81 x 53.5 mm
Compression ratio: 14:1
Maximum power exceeds 210 hp at 13,000 rpm
Maximum torque exceeds 89 ft/lbs from 8750 to 12,250 rpm
Counter-rotating crankshaft
Twin Pulse firing sequence, crank pins offset at 70°
Euro 4 emissions
Desmodromic part-chain/part gear-timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Wet multiplate anti-patter servo clutch
Semi-dry sump lubrication with four oil pumps: one delivery and three return
Fuelling with four oval throttle bodies (52 mm diameter equivalent) and variable-height intake horns
6-speed gearbox with DQS up/down system
15,000 mile “Desmo-service” maintenance interval