Ducati reveals lighter V4 Granturismo engine for new  Multistrada

Premium Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati had the global reveal of its new V4 Granturismo engine today. This engine will power the new-gen Multistrada V4.

Production of the new Multistrada V4 has begun at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, the first motorcycle in the world to use front and rear radar technology. The Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer will officially present the fourth-generation model on 4 November.

The company claims the new engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp) of power at 10,500rpm, and a maximum torque of 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) at 8,750rpm and in sync with stringent Euro 5 homologation norms.

At 66.7kg, the V4 Granturismo is 1.2kg lighter than the Testastretta twin-cylinder used on the previous Multistrada 1260. Ducati says the 1158cc displacement came out as being the perfect point of connection in terms of performance, lightness and dimension of a V4 engine, capable of being incredibly light and compact. 

Compared to the previous generation engine, the V4 Granturismo is 85mm shorter, 95mm lower and only 20mm wider. This compact layout allowed Ducati engineers to house the engine in the frame more effectively and centrally in order to positively influence the position of the bike's centre of gravity, with all the resulting benefits.

The V4 Granturismo also inherits some elements derived from the experience gained by Ducati in the racing world, such as the decision to adopt a counter-rotating crankshaft, which improves the handling and agility of the bike, and to exploit the ‘Twin Pulse’ technology, capable of offering a full-bodied but perfectly manageable power delivery at every speed, the company said. Also, to avoid a drop in thermal comfort due to the heat transmitted by the rear cylinders, the V4 Granturismo adopts the strategy of deactivating the rear bank at idle.  

The new distribution includes a spring valve return system that brings the maintenance intervals of the V4 Granturismo to 60,000km. Figures obtained thanks to the in-depth expertise Ducati acquired in the use of materials, treatments and technical solutions developed around the Desmodromic system. 

V4 Granturismo Tech Specs

Engine: 1158cc, 4-cylinder 90deg V 
Bore x stroke: 83 x 53,5 mm
Compression ratio: 14:1
Maximum power: 125 kW (170 hp) at 10,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 125 Nm (12,7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm
Euro 5 homologation
Distribution: Part chain, part gear - timing with dual overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder
Counter-rotating crankshaft with crank pins offset at 70°
Wet multiplate anti-patter servo clutch
Semi-dry sump lubrication with three oil pumps: 1 delivery and 2 return
Fuelling with four oval throttle bodies (46 mm diameter equivalent)
6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System
60,000 km maintenance valves check interval
Deactivating rear bank