Ducati unveils its lightest V2 engine

V2 engine weighs 120 lbs and produces 120 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque. Featuring IVT for smooth power delivery, it boasts a compact design, a front water pump, and Ducati Quick Shift for seamless gear changes.

Sunnyvale, United States- Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., a motorcycle manufacturer, dedication to the 90° V-twin engine endures, powering some of their most legendary bikes with over 400 wins and 1,000 podiums in production-based championships. The new V2, Ducati’s lightest twin-cylinder, carries on the legacy of the Pantah, Desmodue, Desmoquattro, Testastretta, and Superquadro engines. Producing 120 hp at 10,750 rpm and 69 lb-ft at 8,250 rpm, it delivers thrilling torque at all RPMs and high-rev performance. This V2 is Ducati’s fourth new engine in seven years, reflecting their commitment to innovative, purpose-built engineering.

The new 890 cc Ducati twin-cylinder features IVT (Intake Variable Timing), aluminum liners, and weighs just 120 lbs, setting new weight records across the Ducati range. Lighter than the Superquadro 955, Testastretta Evoluzione, and Scrambler Desmodue, it includes a spring valve timing system for smoother low-rev performance and low-maintenance intervals, with valve checks required only every 18,000 miles.

Ducati’s modern V2 architecture combines performance with lightness. The 90° V-twin layout ensures natural balance without a countershaft and features a 20° backward cylinder rotation for optimal weight distribution. With compact bore and stroke dimensions (96 x 91.5 mm, 1.56 ratio), this engine delivers versatile power, achieving 69 lb-ft of torque at 8,250 rpm. In the 120 hp version, pairing with a racing exhaust boosts power to 126 hp and torque to 73 lb-ft, saving 10 lbs in weight. The 115 hp variant includes a robust alternator for heavy electrical loads, reinforced components, and shorter gearing for smooth starts on steep terrain.

Ducati’s new twin-cylinder engine features an IVT (Intake Variable Timing) system, ensuring smooth, responsive power delivery across all revs. By adjusting intake valve timing over a 52° arc, it maintains a linear torque curve, with over 70% of max torque available from 3,000 rpm and never below 80% between 3,500 and 11,000 rpm. Inspired by the Desmosedici MotoGP, the engine’s intake valve rockers are DLC-coated, and hollow, chrome-plated valve stems reduce weight by 5%. A 52 mm throttle body and ride-by-wire system offer four Power Modes tailored to different riding needs. With an intake bypass circuit for improved air/fuel efficiency and die-cast crankcases with aluminum liners, the engine is compact and optimized for heat exchange, enhancing fuel efficiency and emission control.

The new V2 engine enables more compact motorcycle designs by placing the water pump on the front cylinder head, reducing visible rubber tubing and enhancing the look of exposed engines. A water/oil heat exchanger inside the cylinder V replaces the oil cooler, cutting size and weight for a sleeker appearance. The gearbox includes Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0, using a gear sensor to provide a direct, smooth shifting feel without the “rubbery” sensation of traditional quick shifters, and it also improves neutral finding. The 8-disc slipper clutch, from the Testastretta 11°, reduces reverse torque for better bike stability during aggressive braking.