India-bound 2020 Ducati Multistrada V4 makes 170PS, powered by a V4 Granturismo motor

Aditya Chatterjee Published: October 15, 2020, 04:42 PM IST

Ducati has revealed the details of its all-new engine that will be powering the upcoming Multistrada V4, which is all set for a public unveiling on November 4, 2020. It will be one of the most important motorcycles for the Italian bike maker as the 2020 Multistrada V4 will be the first motorcycle to come with front and rear radar technology. Ducati had started working on radar tech as early as 2016, with a formal announcement in 2018.

The 2020 Ducati uses a 1158cc V4 Granturisomo engine that makes 170PS of power at 10,500rpm and generated a 125Nm

Coming to the all-new engine which is being called the V4 Granturismo. The current-gen Ducati Multistrada develops 160PS of power from its 1262cc engine. In the upcoming Ducati Multistrada V4, it is a 1158cc unit that makes 170PS of power at 10,500rpm and generates 125Nm of torque at 8,750rpm. This new Euro V compliant engine weighs 66.7kg, making it 1.2kg lighter than the previous.

Ducati states the 60,000 km valve clearance adjustment interval will drastically reduce maintenance costs. The oil service is scheduled at longer intervals, 15,000 km or two years.

Also, in terms of dimensions, the new unit is 85mm shorter, 95mm lower and only 20mm wider. This layout of a 90-degree four-cylinder engine with a large bore, to obtain a shorter and lower engine, reads just about right for the sporty characteristics of the Multistrada V4, at least on paper. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down System. The firing too will be distinct with the 70-degree offset of the crankpins combined with the 90° V-engine layout generates a firing order that Ducati calls the Twin Pulse.

This compact layout has improved the positioning of the engine in the frame, which have further improved the centre of gravity benefitting handling and manoeuvrability of the Multistrada V4. Ducati explains, some elements in this powertrain, such as the counter-rotating crankshaft, are inspired by the tech Ducati uses in its race machines. This offers improved handling while also making it more agile than before reducing the gyroscopic effect of the wheels on the vehicle, claims the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. The new V4 engine uses semi-dry casing lubrication with delivery and recovery stages to ensure proper lubrication of all moving parts at all times.

Furthermore, to reduce the immense heat dissipation from the engine making it uncomfortable for the rider, the V4 Granturismo features rear bank deactivation at idle speeds. When the motorcycle 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.

Both the front and rear radars have been developed and produced in close cooperation with Bosch. Ducati mentions that each radar has compact dimensions (70 x 60 x 28 mm, similar to a modern action camera)

The company mentions that in the V4 Granturismo engine, with the use of new materials, processes and technologies in the desmodromic system, the timing system has been altered for extended maintenance schedules. Ducati states the 60,000 km valve clearance adjustment interval will drastically reduce maintenance costs. The oil service is scheduled at longer intervals, 15,000 km or two years.

This compact layout of the engine has improved the positioning of the engine in the frame, which have further improved the centre of gravity benefitting handling and manoeuvrability of the Multistrada V4.

The 2020 Ducati Multistrada V4 will be unveiled in November this year and will be available in the international markets around the same time. We expect Ducati India to launch the new-gen Multistrada V4 sometime early next year.