Ducati's new 210hp Stradale V4

Ducati has unveiled the new MotoGP-derived V4 engine which will power a new Panigale sportsbike to be launched at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan on November 5, 2017.

Ducati's MotoGP stars Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso were on hand at Misano as the covers were taken off the V4, which will replace the V-twin in Ducati's Panigale sportsbikes – the first time the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer has equipped a standard production bike with a four cylinder engine.

The new 90-degree V4 is called the Desmosedici Stradale and, while it's undoubtedly suited to the track, it has also been designed to respond to the needs of the road rider. To that end, displacement is 1103cc with peak power a claimed 210hp (155kW) at 13,000rpm. Maximum torque exceeds 120Nm from 8750-12,250rpm. Bore and stroke are 81mm and 53.5mm.

“It's with undiluted pride that we unveil this technological gem. It represents the start of a new chapter for our company, underlining our vitality and an unshakeable commitment to investment in new products", said Claudio Domenicali, Ducati's CEO.

"This engine also highlights the close collaboration between Ducati Corse and the factory bike development team, proving just how instrumental racing can be in developing the technology that is later applied on production bikes. In November, at EICMA, we'll be showcasing the new Panigale V4, an all-new motorcycle powered by this extraordinary engine”.

An 'R' version with a displacement of less than 1000cc is currently at the advanced development stage, which will be the foundation for the homologated version that competes in the Superbike World Championship, starting in 2019 – one year on from the launch of the respective road version, as per the Ducati tradition.

As on the Ducati racer bikes, the V4 has a counter-rotating crankshaft which reduces the overall gyroscopic effect and makes the bike faster and more agile when changing direction.

The crank pins, offset at 70 degrees, involve a Twin Pulse firing sequence – in other words, a 'big-bang' effect.

The Desmosedici Stradale's front cylinders are banked 42 degrees back from the horizontal, just like the Ducati MotoGP powerplant. This optimises weight distribution, allows the adoption of larger radiators and brings the swingarm pivot point forwards.

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

Roll on November 5....