Ducati’s all-new dual-configuration twin

Nobody quite does engine reveals with as much exuberance as Ducati, and here’s the latest: an all-new twin which will power a new generation of bikes from the Italian company.

And we won’t have to wait long to hear what those first models will be, thanks to an upcoming Ducati World Première episode.

The new 890cc engine – amazingly, the fourth from the company in just seven years – weighs in at just 54.4kg, easily the lightest Ducati twin-cylinder in history, and is equipped with Ducati’s Intake Variable Timing (IVT) system instead of the company’s traditional desmodromic setup. IVT was first introduced first in the GranTurismo V4.

The 90-degree twin, homologated to Euro 5+ emissions, has two configurations: 120hp (and 93.3Nm) and 115hp (92.1Nm), the latter equipped with a more powerful alternator to manage heavier electrical loads. The 115hp also has shorter ratios for the first and second gears to improve starting on steep terrain.

On the ‘sportier’ 120hp version, power and torque are increased to 126hp/98Nm with a racing exhaust.

Related: Ducati reveals most powerful single-cylinder engine ever

The engine has a water/oil heat exchanger positioned inside the V of the cylinders, which allows for the elimination of the oil cooler and reduces size and weight.

The six-speed engine (with a quickshifter option) has a bore and stroke of 96 x 61.5mm, with the power fed by a 52mm throttle body. The rev limiter is set at 11,350rpm.

Maintenance schedules are 15,00km for oil changes and valve clearance adjustment at 30,000km. A knock sensor, present in both versions, allows the engine to operate without compromising reliability if high-octane fuel is not available.