End Of The Road For Ducati Desmo Valve System?

Ducati, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, may be moving away from their signature desmodromic valve system, according to a recent report.

the Desmodromic valves delivers the best high RPM power.
the all-new Granturismo V4 engine uses conventional valve springs.

The desmo valve system is a unique valve control system that controls the valvetrain via two cams and two actuators, resulting in high RPM power. However, the system has a downside – the dreaded “desmo” service.

This service is a big service that needs to be done between 24,000km and 30,000km depending on the bike and can be quite expensive.

Ducati is aware of the desmo service’s infamous reputation and has started to move away from this system. In 2020, they introduced the V4 Granturismo engine in the Multistrada V4, which replaced the desmo valve system with conventional valve springs and a more durable timing chain. This resulted in a massive 60,000km interval between valve checks, the longest in the industry.

Ducati is working towards updating their mid-level family of bikes such as the Monster to also move towards conventional valve springs. The Monster shares its 939cc L-twin engine with many other bikes like the SuperSport, Multistrada V2, DesertX and Hypermotard, so this change may be seen in these bikes as well.

However, the top-of-the-line performance bikes like the Panigale and Streetfighter families will still retain the desmo system since it is the best for high RPM power.

Although this change may benefit Ducati owners by reducing maintenance costs, it remains to be seen how it will impact the brand’s identity and reputation for high-performance bikes.

Ducati’s new-gen Scrambler still has a desmo-valved engine, so it may be a while before we see that change on Ducati’s most affordable offering. Ducati fans can look forward to the upcoming changes and the improved ease of maintenance they may bring.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini Is The Collab We Never Knew We Needed

Ducati kicked off episode 1 of its Ducati World Premiere 2023 with the limited edition Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini.

The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units.
Inspired by Lamborghini’s Huracan STO.

Using the Streetfighter V4 S as the base and Lamborghini Huracan STO as the inspiration, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is limited to just 630 units worldwide.

That said, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the special Verde Citrea and Arancio Dac livery taken from the Huracan STO.

Ducati also threw in Francesco Bagnaia’s number 63, which can also be found on the helmet and leathers available with the unique collaboration.

Also, Bagnaia became Ducati’s first ever MotoGP rider to win four consecutive GP races on Sunday, making the number a bit more special.

The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also sports the Huracan STO forged wheels design, including the similar titanium lock nut.

As expected, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini also boasts carbon fibre components, with much being made to mimic the Huracan STO.

In addition, the special collaboration motorcycle is also fitted with Akrapovic titanium exhaust complete with a carbon fibre endcap.

Mechanically, the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the same 1,103cc V4 engine that makes 208hp @ 13,000rpm and 123Nm.

Ducati To Kick Off Episode One 2023 World Premiere With ‘The Unexpected’

Ducati will kick off its 2023 Ducati World Premiere web series with a special collaboration motorcycle.

Ducati to unveil seven new motorcycles at the DWP 2023.
episode one will feature a special edition Ducati Streetfighter V4.
The 2023 DWP is likely a lead-up to something even bigger at EICMA 2022.

According to the official teaser of episode one titled ‘The Unexpected’, Ducati is set to unleash a special edition motorcycle created in collaboration with Lamborghini.

The teaser photo only revealed a rear shot of a motorcycle likely to be the Streetfighter V4. The tail showcased a combination of Ducati scarlet red and a shade of fluorescent green featuring the STO nameplate.

The STO acronym stands for ‘Super Trofeo Omologato’, a reference to Lamborghini’s Huracan STO. Billed as a genuine race car, the STO is a V10 supercar capable of pumping 630hp.

Ducati and Lamborghini already worked on a special edition Diavel 1260 back in November 2020, and it is the right time for the two to work together again for 2023.

That said, the Streetfighter V4 makes the perfect model for both parties. Like the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini, the Streetfighter V4 STO will undoubtedly feature all exclusive components, including a special paint job.

Episode one of the web series will be streamed live from the Marco Simoncelli World Circuit paddock in Misano Adriatico, where the 14th round of MotoGP 2022 will take place this weekend.

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Spotted Testing

It’s going to be a busy year for Ducati as the Italian motorcycle company has already planned to introduce seven new launches between September to November.

The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 will feature a similar upgrade to the 2022 Panigale V4.
Notable changes include higher gear ratios, bigger fuel tanks and lighter chassis.

Based on the latest spy shots, we believe one of the upcoming motorcycles would be an updated Ducati Streetfighter V4.

According to these spy shots, the updated Streetfighter V4 might not change much from its predecessor, but upon closer inspection, some subtle changes are applied to the new model.

Firstly, the – black-painted – tank now features similar bodywork to the updated Panigale V4 superbike that was introduced globally last year.

That said, the 2023 Streetfighter V4 will feature a bigger 17L tank as opposed to the 16L previously available on the first-gen hyper-naked motorcycle.

Also, we expect Ducati to introduce the same engine upgrades made to the fully faired bike a year ago, including the redesigned oiling system and exhaust. As such, expect a slight increase of power for the 2023 model.

Ducati also revised the Panigale V4 gear ratios for 2022; thus, the Streetfighter V4 will likely adopt similar changes.

It is also relevant for the updated Streetfighter V4 to get a similar chassis upgrade to the Panigale, including a slightly higher swingarm pivot that helps reduce the bike’s squat under acceleration.

Lastly, it is safe to assume that Ducati will also introduce the higher-spec Streetfighter V4 S and the top-of-the-range V4 SP.

(source: CycleWorld)

Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP set for 2022 debut

Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP set for launch as 2022 model, likely with specs mirroring Panigale V4 SP.

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2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Teaser Video

The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser video is now on Twitter.
It shows the headlamp’s profile while flashing through features and specs.
The bike will have 208 hp and weighs only 178 kg.

The Italian manufacturer has uploaded a 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser video on Twitter.

The video shows the bike’s headlamp profile and flashes through the features and some specifications.

First of all, the V-four engine will be known as the Desmosedici Stradale, just like the Panigale V4’s. “Desmosedici” means “desmodromic V-four” while “Stradale” means road, all in Italian.

Next, the video says “biplane wings.” These are the winglets similar to the Panigale V4 R’s.

This is The Fight Formula.

See you at Ducati World Première 2020: October 23rd, 11.30 am CEST.
Follow the unveil of the 2020 Ducati range in live streaming on our website and on our social media channels.#DWP2020 pic.twitter.com/57UF2VLVfr

— Ducati (@DucatiMotor) October 14, 2019

It also says “Panigle V4 electronic suite.” It means the Streetfighter V4 will have IMU-based lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control. Additionally, it should also have wheelie control, rear tyre slide control, engine braking levels, rear wheel lift mitigation, among others. There is no mention of whether there will be an “S” model complete with electronically controlled suspension, however.

Now for the interesting bits.

Ducati claims the weight at 178 kg. This is presumably the dry weight, since the Panigale V4 S weights 195 kg, ready to ride. Still that is really light!

Moving on, the next test is “high handlebar.” This is given, since the bike takes on a naked form.

And here it is, the most awaited spec: “208 hp at 12,750.” That is 18 hp over the expected 190. The current king of supernakeds – KTM 1290 Super Duke R – boasts 187 hp. The prospect of riding a naked bike which has more than 200 hp sounds oddly enticing and scary at the same time.

The video ends with the message “See you at Ducati World Premiere on October 23, 11.30 am CEST.” That’s Central European Summer Time which converts to 5.30 pm.

See you, most definitely!

2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 2020 Ducati Panigale 959 Spotted (Again)

The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 2020 Ducati Panigale 959 were spotted again.
Both bikes ought to be revealed in October this year.
Biggest news is the Streetfighter V4.

Yes, the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 2020 Ducati Panigale 959 will soon be unveiled, but the bikes are still spotted undergoing development.

A video posted on the Fotocisa Facebook account shows both bikes wearing camouflage and refueling. It’s probably difficult for the test riders to get a drink without being swamped by the curious.

The Streetfighter V4 will be the first model powered by the Desmosedici Stradale V-Four engine after the Panigale V4. Since Ducati has always been a “V-Twin company,” the move to V-Fours marks a huge paradigm shift. The manufacturer is expected to follow suit with a new Multistrada V4.

The Streetfighter V4’s prototype had made its debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Unfortunately, the fanfare turned tragic.

The Panigale 959 on the other hand will retain the 90^o V-Twin Testastretta engine. As the current engine produces 157 hp while weighing only 168 kg, dry, the new bike is expected to feature at least 170 hp. That means its power-to-weight ratio is more than 1 hp to 1 kg. The biggest update is the single-sided swingarm, of course!

Other features will definitely include lean angle sensitive traction control and ABS, based around an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

Source: Fotosica Facebook Page

Ducati 2020 World Premiere to Showcase 2020 Models in October

Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23^rdOctober.
Models expected are the Streetfighter V4 and Multistrada V4.
The premiere date is ahead of EICMA.

As with the previous year, Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23^rdOctober, ahead of the EICMA show.

Some manufacturers are moving away from unveiling their bikes at EICMA as all manufacturers will also reveal their new bikes, sometimes at exactly the same time and date, as other manufacturers. You can imagine the chaos that ensues.

The Ducati 2020 World Premiere will certainly include the new Streetfighter V4. The prototype was ridden by Carlin Dunne at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, but it’s going to be the production-ready bike this time.

We may also get to see the new Multistrada V4 which has already been spotted undergoing road tests.

You can look forward to a new Panigale 959, as well. It’ll still be powered by a V-Twin engine, of course.

But sources say that there may be an all-new Scrambler, too. The Scrambler line-up is now burgeoning with different models, so we wonder what type it will be next.

The Monster line-up also needs an update.

Apart from Ducati, we expect most, if not all, manufacturers to present new bikes later at EICMA this year. This is due to Euro5 regulations taking effect in 2020.

Kematian Carlin Dunne: Motosikal Akan Diharamkan Daripada Sertai Pikes Peak?

Kemalangan maut yang menimpa Carlin Dunne ketika perlumbaan Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) memberi kesan yang mendalam terhadap sukan itu dan peminat jentera dua roda di seluruh dunia.

Kini peminat jentera dua roda bakal menerima satu lagi tamparan apabila dikhabarkan perlumbaan melibatkan motosikal di Pikes Peak akan diharamkan pada edisi seterusnya.

Menurut laporan Colorado Gazette, Pengarah Eksekutif perlumbaan PPIHC, Megan Leatham dalam e-melnya berkata, “Saya berasakan ini adalah petanda bahawa berakhirnya kategori motosikal di Pikes Peak.”

Sementara itu, orang ramai masih mempersoalkan pihak berwajib yang telah memutuskan kematian Dunne berpunca daripada insiden ‘high sided’. Rata-rata menyoal bagaimana keputusan tersebut di buat dalam masa singkat?

Persoalan tersebut mungkin timbul kerana Dunne merupakan ikon dan idola di medan Pikes Peak. Bagaimanapun, tidak dinafikan ramai pihak mendakwa pihak PPIHC terlalu cepat membuat rumusan kemalangan maut tersebut kerana bimbang terpalit dengan unsur negatif.

Apa yang lebih memeranjatkan, pasukan Dunne sendiri terpaksa menunggu masa yang lama sebelum dimaklumkan mengenai apa yang telah menimpa pelumba mereka.

Sementara itu, pengurus Pikes Peak America Mountain, Jack Glavan turut menanti laporan oleh US Forest Service kerana dia masih tidak berpuas hati dengan rumusan sedia ada sebelum membuat keputusan sama ada Pikes Peak selamat untuk penunggang motosikal pada masa akan datang.

Carlin Dunne Maut, Kemalangan Dengan Jentera Prototaip Ducati Streetfighter V4

Insiden tragis berlaku di perlumbaan Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) apabila pelumba pasukan Ducati Team Spider, Carlin Dunne, yang dipertanggungjawabkan untuk menguji jentera prototaip Streetfighter V4, mengalami kemalangan maut 400 meter sebelum garisan penamat.

Dunne berjaya merekodkan masa terpantas ketika sesi kelayakan yang berlangsung pada Ahad.

Edisi ke-97 ‘Race To The Clouds’ menandakan tayangan perdana jentera prototaip Ducati Streetfighter V4. Ducati memilih litar PPIHC di Colorado, Amerika Syarikat sebagai medan untuk membuktikan kemampuan jentera tersebut.

Bagaimanapun, ketika perlumbaan berbaki 400 meter dengan Dunne mendahului perlumbaan, dia kemudiannya terbabit dengan kemalangan sebelum disahkan meninggal dunia.

“Sepanjang 97 tahun perlumbaan unik ini berlangsung, kami telah menyaksikan pelbagai kemenangan manis dan beberapa kekecewaan. Namun kini, kami berdepan kehilangan seorang pelumba yang kerana cintanya terhadap sukan ini membawa kepada Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

“Carlin akan diingati sebagai pelumba dan mentor yang paling dihormati dalam keluarga Pikes Peak. Kami akan sentiasa mengingati senyuman dan cintanya terhadap sukan ini,” demikian kenyataan dikeluarkan Ahli Lembaga Pengarah PPIHC.

Carlin Dunne menjuarai PPIHC 2018 dengan jentera Ducati Multistrada 1260. Sumber: edhat.com

Sementara itu, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Ducati Amerika Utara, Jason Chinnock, turut meluahkan rasa dukacita.

“Tiada perkataan yang dapat menghuraikan kesedihan kami. Carlin merupakan keluarga Ducati dan antara individu yang paling baik pernah kami kenali. Pemergiannya meninggalkan kesan yang amat mendalam,” jelasnya.

Ducati memiliki rekod mengagumkan di PPIHC kerana pernah muncul juara bagi edisi 2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 dan 2018.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 Pikes Peak Prototype Breaks Cover

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Pikes Peak prototype finally breaks cover.
It wears the “pixelated” paint scheme used for prototypes.
The bike will be raced at the prestigious “Race to the Clouds” Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on 30^thJune.

Ladies and gentleman, after months of speculation and nail-biting, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Pikes Peak prototype finally breaks cover.

Truth is, we were also surprised by how it looks, specifically in its “paint” scheme. It wears the “pixelated” scheme we usually see on test bikes that are designed to cloak the prototype’s lines. For that matter, Ducati says that this prototype suggests “how the bike will eventually look.”

The bike doesn’t look highly modified from Panigale V4 from which it is based on. It appears that Ducati stripped the bodywork off, replaced the clip-ons with a tapered handlebar and installed a different headlamp cowl. But look closer and you’ll find winglets on the radiator cowls.

However, it is definitely a potent package, provided that they didn’t retune the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. That’s 213 hp and 124 Nm in standard tune, but adding the Akrapovic race exhaust brings it to 226 hp. We repeat: A 226 hp naked bike, yo!

As speculated earlier, Ducati decided to debut the Streetfighter V4 prototype at the “Race to the Clouds” Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on 30^thJune. The PPIHC is the prestigious race which allows naked sportbikes. Carlin Dunne will resume his duty as Ducati’s factory rider, and you can be sure that they will aim for not only the win but a new outright record.

“The Streetfighter V4 will be one of the stars of the Ducati World Premiere 2020,” declared Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati. “Streetfighter V4 is the Panigale for road riding; so there was no better stage than the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for what will be the highest performance Streetfighter ever put into production.”

Ducati Streetfighter V4 to Debut at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC)

A Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser of its debut at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has appeared in the Ducati FB page.
The video ends with the messages “The gloves come off at Pikes Peak” and “Stay tuned June 13.”
Carlin Dunne is slated to ride a “Ducati Pikes Peak Prototipo” which heavily implies a Streetfighter V4 prototype.

A Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser of its debut at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has appeared in the Ducati FB page. The video showed a few lines of a bike, before flashing to “The gloves come off at Pikes Peak” and instructing us to “Stay tuned June 13.”

Although the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb officially begins from 24^thJune with pre-race activities such as scrutineering, official practice and qualifying, the race proper begins on 30^thJune.

However, there are unsanctioned practices on 8^th, 9^th, 14^th, 15^thand 16^thJune for the competitors. Thus, the unveiling of the Streetfighter V4 happens on the eve of one of those tests.

Interestingly, the Streetfighter V4 isn’t found in the competitors’ listing. Instead, it’s described as “Ducati Pikes Peak Prototipo (prototype),” in the heavyweight category. Carlin Dunne who has won on Ducatis multiple times will ride the bike. Dunne also won last year on a Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak. However, his final time was 10 seconds off the record set by Chris Fillmore in 2018 on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.

There exists beyond doubt that Ducati wants to not only retain the PPIHC crown but also set a new record. Indeed, a Streetfighter V4 prototype was spotted testing at a track last week.

The PPIHC is a 156-corner “track” up a hillside. The competitors (including cars, 4X4s, quads) start from sea level and wind their way up to the finish line at 4302.2 metres (14, 115 feet).

Superbikes were allowed a few years before but were subsequently banned due to a number of fatal crashes. “Motorcycles with one-piece, non-clip-on handlebars are allowed,” as the organizers put it.

So, stay tuned, indeed!

Sources: Ducati, PPIHC

Bikesrepublic

Streetfighter V4

Ducati, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, may be moving away from their signature desmodromic valve system, according to a recent report.

Ducati kicked off episode 1 of its Ducati World Premiere 2023 with the limited edition Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini.

Ducati will kick off its 2023 Ducati World Premiere web series with a special collaboration motorcycle.

It’s going to be a busy year for Ducati as the Italian motorcycle company has already planned to introduce seven new launches between September to November.

Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP set for launch as 2022 model, likely with specs mirroring Panigale V4 SP.

The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser video is now on Twitter.

It shows the headlamp’s profile while flashing through features and specs.

The bike will have 208 hp and weighs only 178 kg.

The 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and 2020 Ducati Panigale 959 were spotted again.

Both bikes ought to be revealed in October this year.

Biggest news is the Streetfighter V4.

Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23rd October.

Models expected are the Streetfighter V4 and Multistrada V4.

The premiere date is ahead of EICMA.

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Pikes Peak prototype finally breaks cover.

It wears the “pixelated” paint scheme used for prototypes.

The bike will be raced at the prestigious “Race to the Clouds” Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on 30th June.

A Ducati Streetfighter V4 teaser of its debut at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) has appeared in the Ducati FB page.

The video ends with the messages “The gloves come off at Pikes Peak” and “Stay tuned June 13.”

Carlin Dunne is slated to ride a “Ducati Pikes Peak Prototipo” which heavily implies a Streetfighter V4 prototype.

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Ducati will unveil their 2020 models at the Ducati 2020 World Premiere on 23^rdOctober.

The bike will be raced at the prestigious “Race to the Clouds” Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on 30^thJune.