The somewhat drawn out process towards the eventual unveiling of the Ducati Multistrada V4 has inched closer with the official launch of the engine that will be powering the latest generation of the tourer-cum- adventure motorcycle.
Having revealed a selection of specs and tech over the past few weeks, plus some ‘spy shots’ that were clearly ‘leaked’ by the Italian firm itself, Ducati has now given the revised V4 unit a name - the V4 Granturismo.
It also confirmed which day we will finally clasp eyes on the finished product; set your alarm to 4 November 2020.
While it’s been a year since Ducati confirmed a V4-variant of its popular Multistrada was incoming - and even longer on the rumour mill - it is going to a fairly sizeable effort to emphasise this is an important model in its own right.
It is the first model outside of the Panigale sportsbike to make use of the V4 base it has created but Ducati has nonetheless gone to significant efforts to show this isn’t simply a case of dropping that unit into another bike.
As such, the 1158cc displacement 90-degree V engine boasts 170hp @ 10,500rpm, with max torque coming in at 125Nm @ 8,750rpm. It has been designed to offer usable power on the open road, as well as allow it to still get its boots muddy when necessary.
Ducati is also claiming the V4, which is 1.2kg lighter than the equivalent unit in the 1260, will have record-breaking maintenance intervals at every 60,000km - always useful for those that cover more miles generally on tourer machinery - and goes to lengths to stress the focus on efficiency.
It will also feature Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down system and has adopted a counter-rotating crankshaft, which it says ‘improves the handling and agility of the bike’.
It will also be able to deactivate the rear bank at idle to prevent overheating when stationary - a semi stop-go system if you like - which in turn reduces fuel economy. By being smaller and lighter too, it should give the Multitrada V4 a leaner appearance from the outset.
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
