New Twins From Ducati Debut Amidst Growing Influence Of V4 Engines

The modern era for iconic Italian motorcycle maker Ducati has been marked with struggles, triumphs, ownership changes, market challenges and fierce competition. However, until recently, there had been one constant: The bark and power of the Ducati “Desmo” 90-degree L-Twin two-cylinder (V2) engine. Whether in howling fast MotoGP racebikes, street-legal supersport icons like the 851 and 916, or more recent models like the Diavel power cruiser, Scrambler playbikes and Multistrada/ST sport tourers, riders with trained ears could hear the distinctive Ducati L-Twin’s thrum coming from a mile away. By 2015, the L-Twin had grown into a 1,285cc monster producing over 200 horsepower in the top-trim Ducati 1299 Panigale sportbike.

But back in 2007, Ducati had hinted at the future with the MotoGP-derivedDesmosedici RR (above), a limited production $73,000 road-legal race bike with lights and turn signals powered by a 200-plus horsepower V4 engine rather than the venerable L-Twin.

That future arrived in 2018, when Ducati debuted the new Panigale V4 sport machines, powered by a clean-sheet 90-degree 1,103cc “Desmosedici Stradale V4” four-cylinder engine that did away with the company’s signature “desmodronic” valve actuation system (despite the name) for a more typical cam-and-valve spring setup – and four pistons. The V4 made more power, required less (expensive and specialized) maintenance and in race trim, vaulted the Ducati Panigale riders to pole positions, podiums and championships in top-tier MotoGP contests. Ducati purists howled their displeasure at the change, but complaints faded away as the race wins – and showroom sales – quickly piled up. Things change and the new V4 motor was a winner, even if it lacked the aural delights of the iconic L-Twin, which was relegated to duty in the mid-tier Super Sport lineup.

The V4 has now found its way into the Diavel, Streetfighter and Multistrada lines, while the Scrambler, Monster and Desert ADV bikes continue to use the older tech L-Twin. However, Ducati recognizes the value of the L-Twin to their legions of fans, and has now debuted two new bikes with a brand new L-Twin “V2” power plant.

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The two new models, the $15,995USD Panigale V2 (above) and $14,995USD Streetfighter V2 (below), are now powered by an 890cc L-Twin that retains the time-honored 90-degree layout but foregoes the now somewhat complicated desmodromic valve actuation system for more mainstream double overhead camshafts, cam chains and four valves per cylinder. The result is a 120-horsepower power output coupled to a robust 69 pound-feet of torque, all from a lump weighing just 120 pounds – a full 20 pounds less than the old 105 horsepower 955cc L-Twin in the current Super Sport and other models.

Additionally, Ducati has more squarely positioned the new V2 machines as “midrange” offerings in terms of price, performance and comfort. While 120 horsepower on a motorcycle is nothing to sneeze at, it’s a long way from the 200-plus horsepower V4 powering the considerably more expensive top-tier models.

While Ducati has not confirmed any future plans, I would suspect the company will sell through the current Super Sport bikes before dropping them from the lineup. How soon the new V2 motor will migrate to other Ducati models remains to be seen.

The Panigale V2 retains the full-fairing format expected of a Panigale sporting mount, while the Streetfighter V2 offers a more rational seating position, flat handlebars and urban-focused riding posture. Both bikes are also offered in “V2 S” trims for an additional $3,000 that cuts weight and changes up some suspension specifications while maintaining the 120/69 output from the motor. Ducati does note that running the engines on high-octane race fuel will boost horsepower about 5%.

Other features include a race-style 2-1-2 “tail up” exhaust system, a quick shifter, a full tech suite with adjustable ABS, traction control and other parameters, multiple ride modes, color TFT display, and adjustable suspension. At present, you can have any color you like as long as it’s Ducati Corsa Red. In Europe, Ducati will also off the V2 machines in a “restricted output” configuration that will allow beginner riders with A2-tier licenses to legally ride (and buy) them.

It’s good to see Ducati retain the well-loved L-Twin motor option – and to see it get a thorough upgrade for modern riders. Not everyone wants a 200-horsepower, $30,000 sportbike, so the new V2 Panigale and Streetfighter should find traction with Ducati lovers (or those that are Ducati-curious) who still want that booming soundtrack, torque-rich power delivery and Ducati’s signature Italian style and caché. The bikes are available for order at this time.

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