New engine - the shiny bits
Ducati has revealed details of the new V-twin engine that will be used in its next generation of superbikes. Dubbed the 'Superquadro', which translates as 'super square', it features a massively over-square bore and stroke ratio, which has allowed the Italian manufacturer to squeeze a claimed 195bhp and 98lb ft of torque from the 1199cc liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin engine.
The motor runs a bore of 112mm and stroke of 60.8mm, allowing the engine to rev harder, a traditional weak spot of the V-twin configuration, while larger titanium valves and forged pistons help reduce internal stresses that limit power.
The Superquadro wouldn't be a true Ducati motor without the company's iconic Desmodromic valve system, which uses a mechanical system to close the valves rather than rely on a spring, and that box is ticked. However the traditional Ducati cam belts have at last been junked in favour of cam chains (something that will come as a blessing to owners who have become used to having to swap the belts every two years, regardless of mileage!).
Sadly, the old 'Ducati dry clutch rattle' is gone in this new motor as a wet clutch now features - however it does include a 'slipper' feature, something that track days fans will be thankful for. (The high compression ratio of the V-twin engine has a habit of locking the rear wheel under extreme braking and downshifting on track, something the slipper helps eliminate.)
So that's the engine, all that we are now waiting for is the official pictures of the new 1199 Panigale superbike, which will be unveiled on November 7th at the Milan Motorcycle Show.
Over-square, and over here soon.
Interestingly, Ducati claims its new motor is the most powerful V-twin production engine on the planet, anyone know different?