V4 Granturismo: the engine for the next generation of Ducati Multistrada

  • Ducati presents the new V4 Granturismo engine. It will power the new Multistrada V4, which will be unveiled on 4 November
  • The V4 Granturismo has been developed for maximum smoothness of operation and has record-breaking maintenance intervals
  • Compact and light, performing, featuring rich torque values: an engine designed for “adventouring” use, at the same time able to offer great thrills and sportiness

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 15 October 2020 – A new era begins in Borgo Panigale as Ducati presents to the public the new V4 Granturismo, the engine that will equip the long-awaited new generation of Ducati Multistrada, which is going to be unveiled on Wednesday 4 November.

An extremely compact, lightweight, high-performance, torque-rich engine designed to meet the needs required in “adventouring” use without neglecting emotion and sportiness.

Built with latest-generation technology as well as first-in-class materials available, in order to guarantee both durability and reliability, the V4 Granturismo stands out for its record-braking maintenance intervals for a motorcycle engine and has been created as the heart of a high-performance and dynamic bike, ready to explore every corner of the planet with its owner.

The engine was presented to the public with a video in which Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO – and the engineers and technicians who followed its development reveal all its secrets and features to the Ducati enthusiasts.

Every single technical choice made during the development of the V4 Granturismo project have the aim of ensuring maximum fluidity of operation combined with a substantial extension of maintenance intervals.

The new distribution includes a spring valve return system, that brings the maintenance intervals of the V4 Granturismo to 60,000 km. Figures obtained thanks to the in-depth expertise Ducati acquired in the use of materials, treatments and technical solutions developed around the Desmodromic system. All this, applied to a spring valve return system which stresses less the components if compared to the Desmo, brought to set an outstanding milestone never set before by a motorcycle engine. In addition, the engine ensures great regularity of operation at low revs and low loads, without forgetting the outright performance, the power at high revs and the reach of an authentic sports engine: The V4 Granturismo delivers 125 kW (170 hp) of power at 10,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 125 Nm (12.7 Kgm) at 8,750 rpm. All this respecting the stringent Euro 5 homologation norms.

With its 66.7 kg of weight, the V4 Granturismo can boast a record lightness, being 1,2 kg lighter than the Testastretta twin-cylinder used on the previous Multistrada 1260. The 1,158 cc 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 results 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 center 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.

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. In this way, when the bike is stationary, the combustion process in the cylinders is halted and this improves the thermal comfort of the rider and passenger thanks to the lowering of temperatures while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.

V4 Granturismo main technical data

  • 1158 cc 4-cylinder 90° V engine
  • 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

The complete images of the new Ducati V4 Granturismo are available for download here. The video-presentation is available on Ducati.com and on the Ducati YouTube channel there are the beauty and the assembly video.

Content dedicated to the V4 Granturismo engine and the Multistrada V4 can be found on the new Instagram profile @ducatimultistradav4.

Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. – A Sole Shareholder Company – A Company subject to the Management and Coordination activities of AUDI AG

Founded in 1926, since 1946 Ducati has been manufacturing sport-inspired motorcycles characterised by high-performance Desmodromic engines, innovative design and cutting-edge technology. With its factory located in Bologna’s Borgo Panigale district. The model range covers several market segments with the following families: Diavel, XDiavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport and Panigale. In 2015 Ducati presented the Ducati Scrambler: a new brand made of bikes, accessories and apparel that that stands out for its creativity and self-expression.

In 2017, Ducati has presented the Panigale V4, the first Ducati production bike to mount a 4-cylinder engine derived directly from the Desmosedici GP engine. Ducati iconic motorcycles, together with an extensive range of bike accessories and technical and lifestyle apparel, are distributed in 90 countries worldwide. In 2019 Ducati delivered 53,183 bikes to customers, consolidating its sales over the 50,000-bike threshold for the fifth year running. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike and MotoGP World Championships. In Superbike, Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles. Ducati has been competing in MotoGP since 2003, winning both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007.