For Ducati, the V4 layout at 90° is the utmost expression of sportiness for a motorcycle engine. It is no coincidence that it is the same solution used in the MotoGP Desmosedici engines.
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Customer ServicesThe arrival of the 2021 Streetfigher V4 keeps the maximum power and torque values.
The Streetfighter V4 delivers 208 HP (153 kW) at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 122.5 Kgm (123 Nm) at 9,500 rpm. These values, obtained thanks to a new calibration and the new exhaust, make the bike even more enjoyable on the roads all curves
The silencer, unchanged from an aesthetic point of view, uses oversized catalysts (+10 mm in length) and a new technology of insertion of noble metals, essential to maximize the ability to convert polluting gases.
The rear bank manifolds have been shortened by 100 mm and reduced in diameter from Ø 42 mm to Ø 38 mm. The new component has allowed the introduction of a more compact rear heat shield integrated in the body of the motorcycle.
Also, the introduction of 4 lambda sensors, one for each cylinder, which allow a more refined control of the quantity of fuel injected.
MotoGP-derived engine
The Desmosedici Stradale was designed around the heart of the MotoGP V4 engine – its cylinder heads.
The fluid dynamics concept of the Desmosedici Stradale is based on the dimensions and geometry used in the Desmosedici GP bike, as is the engine layout: 90° V4 banked rearward 42°. This solution makes the engine extremely compact, allowing the centring of the masses and better integration into the bike.
The 81 mm bore is the same as that used on the Desmosedici GP, the maximum size allowed by MotoGP regulations, and is the largest in the Supersport 4-cylinder segment. The 53.5 mm stroke is longer than the GP engine, to provide increased torque when used on the road, and reduce maximum engine rotation speed. The use of the same bore as the Desmosedici GP engine means that all the fluid dynamics, which in fact make up the heart of the engine, are also very similar in the two drive units.
The V4 90° layout makes the engine extremely compact, allowing the centring of the masses and better integration into the bike. In fact, the Desmosedici Stradale has been inserted into the vehicle with the front bank of the cylinders rotated back by 42° with respect to the horizontal plane, as on the Ducati engines competing in MotoGP.
This optimizes the distribution of weight, allows for the use of more extensive radiators and makes it possible to shift the swinging arm pivot forwards. Its architecture also generates a natural balancing of first-order forces, without the gain in weight and loss of power of a balance shaft.
For Ducati, the V4 layout at 90° is the utmost expression of sportiness for a motorcycle engine. It is no coincidence that it is the same solution used in the MotoGP Desmosedici engines.
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For Ducati, the V4 layout at 90° is the utmost expression of sportiness for a motorcycle engine. It is no coincidence that it is the same solution used in the MotoGP Desmosedici engines. The 90° V layout of the cylinders creates a natural balancing of first-order forces without the need to resort to a balance shaft to eliminate the vibrations that notoriously entail increases in weight and power absorption.
In addition to this primary benefit, which is extremely important for the reliability and mechanical efficiency of an engine that reaches rotation speeds greater than 14,000 rpm, there are others that make the configuration chosen by Ducati the most technically refined.
Compared to a classic in-line four-cylinder, the lateral compactness of the V-engine allows greater centralisation of the masses and makes it possible to limit the weight on the front end of the bike. Furthermore, the shorter crankshaft generates a smaller gyroscopic effect. All these aspects have a positive impact on the bike's dynamics, helping to make it light and fast when changing directions.
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Compared to a classic in-line four-cylinder, the lateral compactness of the V-engine allows greater centralisation of the masses and makes it possible to limit the weight on the front end of the bike. Furthermore, the shorter crankshaft generates a smaller gyroscopic effect.
All these aspects have a positive impact on the bike's dynamics, helping to make it light and fast when changing directions. The large space available between the V of the cylinders made it possible to position the water pump and have a large volume airbox (12.8 litres) to allow the Desmosedici Stradale to breathe better.
The optimal integration of engine and chassis is a fundamental concept behind every Ducati project. That is why the Desmosedici Stradale was developed to be mounted rotated backwards by 42°, like the Ducati MotoGP engines, to optimize weight distribution, use more extensive radiators and to shift the swinging arm pivot forwards as much as possible.
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The optimal integration of engine and chassis is a fundamental concept behind every Ducati project. That is why the Desmosedici Stradale was developed to be mounted rotated backwards by 42°, like the Ducati MotoGP engines, to optimise weight distribution, use more extensive radiators and to shift the swinging arm pivot forwards as much as possible.
The Desmosedici Stradale was also designed to be a structural element of the frame. Connections to the main frame were added to the front of the upper casing and in the head of the rear bank. The engine block also acts as a connection for the rear suspension and swinging arm.
Like all Ducati engines, on the Desmosedici Stradale the design of the Desmodromic system is a key factor for obtaining top performance. The Desmodromic system in the Desmosedici Stradale uses components that have been completely redesigned and miniaturized to obtain very compact heads, achieving a level of sophistication, compactness and lightness never seen before on a Ducati bike.
Given the V4's high rotation speeds and the large size of the valves, the latter could not follow the cam closure profiles using a traditional spring system. This is why the Desmodromic system becomes indispensable.
In Ducati's "Desmo" the valves are mechanically closed with an accuracy similar to that of the opening phase, making it possible to realise more pronounced cam profiles and extreme timing that optimise the dynamic flow of fluids both during intake and exhaust and therefore greater performance of the engine.
The camshafts are controlled by two “silent” timing chains.
On the front timing system the chain drives the intake camshaft, which in turn transmits motion to the exhaust via a pair of gear wheels (mixed chain-gear timing system). On the rear timing system, on the other hand, the chain drives the exhaust shaft which transmits motion to the intake line. This choice minimises timing absorption, benefiting performance and reliability.
The chain that controls the timing of the front cylinders is positioned on the right side of the engine and is driven by the crankshaft through a gear on the sprocket of the primary transmission. The one that drives the rear cylinders is situated on the left side of the engine and is driven by a gear that is part of the crankshaft. Each head has an "anti-beat" sensor that makes it possible to optimise the management of advance firing, avoiding knocking phenomena.
On normal motorcycles the crankshaft rotates in the same direction as the wheels. In contrast, in MotoGP the counter-rotating crankshaft rotates in the opposite direction. The Ducati engine specialists have borrowed this technical solution from the racing models for the same reasons it was applied in the competitive world. In fact, this solution has advantages related to two aspects of physics: the gyroscopic effect and inertia.
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Given the V4's high rotation speeds and the large size of the valves, the latter could not follow the cam closure profiles using a traditional spring system. This is why the Desmodromic system becomes indispensable.
In Ducati's "Desmo" the valves are mechanically closed with an accuracy similar to that of the opening phase, making it possible to realise more pronounced cam profiles and extreme timing that optimise the dynamic flow of fluids both during intake and exhaust and therefore greater performance of the engine.
The camshafts are controlled by two “silent” timing chains.
On the front timing system the chain drives the intake camshaft, which in turn transmits motion to the exhaust via a pair of gear wheels (mixed chain-gear timing system). On the rear timing system, on the other hand, the chain drives the exhaust shaft which transmits motion to the intake line. This choice minimises timing absorption, benefiting performance and reliability.
The chain that controls the timing of the front cylinders is positioned on the right side of the engine and is driven by the crankshaft through a gear on the sprocket of the primary transmission. The one that drives the rear cylinders is situated on the left side of the engine and is driven by a gear that is part of the crankshaft. Each head has an "anti-beat" sensor that makes it possible to optimise the management of advance firing, avoiding knocking phenomena.
The 70° offset of the crank pins combined with the 90° V-engine layout generates a firing order that Ducati has called "Twin Pulse" because it is as if the engine were reproducing the firing sequence of a twin cylinder. The peculiarity lies in the rapid firing of the two cylinders on the left side and then on the right side of the motorcycle. In the timing diagram, the firings are situated at 0°, 90°, 290° and 380°. This particular firing order gives the V4 a sound that is quite similar to that of the Desmosedici MotoGP.
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Given the V4's high rotation speeds and the large size of the valves, the latter could not follow the cam closure profiles using a traditional spring system. This is why the Desmodromic system becomes indispensable.
In Ducati's "Desmo" the valves are mechanically closed with an accuracy similar to that of the opening phase, making it possible to realise more pronounced cam profiles and extreme timing that optimise the dynamic flow of fluids both during intake and exhaust and therefore greater performance of the engine.
The camshafts are controlled by two “silent” timing chains.
On the front timing system the chain drives the intake camshaft, which in turn transmits motion to the exhaust via a pair of gear wheels (mixed chain-gear timing system). On the rear timing system, on the other hand, the chain drives the exhaust shaft which transmits motion to the intake line. This choice minimises timing absorption, benefiting performance and reliability.
The chain that controls the timing of the front cylinders is positioned on the right side of the engine and is driven by the crankshaft through a gear on the sprocket of the primary transmission. The one that drives the rear cylinders is situated on the left side of the engine and is driven by a gear that is part of the crankshaft. Each head has an "anti-beat" sensor that makes it possible to optimise the management of advance firing, avoiding knocking phenomena.
Magnesium occupies a prominent position among the lighter metal materials. It is not by chance that in alloy form it is widely used in competitions. The Desmosedici Stradale uses magnesium alloy for numerous components, including head covers, oil sump, generator and clutch. A technical choice that also has a positive impact on the bike's look.
Pistons having a diameter of 81 mm churn in the barrels of the cylinders, with two piston rings, low friction, plus oil scraper ring. They are moulded in aluminum and utilise the "box in box" technology that makes it possible to contain the skirt height and the thickness under the piston crown thus reducing friction and inertia loads while maintaining the required durability and stiffness.
The perfect functionality of the six-speed gearbox is enhanced by the Ducati Quick Shift EVO (DQS EVO), which offers a fundamental evolution: changing gears with the throttle open. Furthermore, DQS EVO follows different logics to shift up and down. Integration with the slipper clutch and engine brake (Engine Brake Control) ensures the system's absolute effectiveness even on the track.
The wet clutch with progressive control optimally combines high torque drive and rider comfort. In competitive riding conditions, with sudden downshifts and strong engine braking, the slipper clutch counteracts the loss of stability of the rear end, offering excellent control while braking deep in corners.
Like the MotoGP engines, the Desmosedici Stradale uses a semi-dry casing lubrication with delivery and recovery stages to ensure proper lubrication of all moving parts at all times.
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Like the MotoGP engines, the Desmosedici Stradale uses a semi-dry casing lubrication with delivery and recovery stages to ensure proper lubrication of all moving parts at all times.
The oil pump, driven by a chain, consists of four stages, one for lobe delivery and three for recovery, one with gears to draw oil from the heads through two ducts, while the other two pumps have lobes and ensure effective recovery of lubricating oil in any condition of engine use, while maintaining the engine crankcase underneath the pistons under controlled constant vacuum conditions, reducing losses due to ventilation, that is, the power absorption caused by the aerodynamic resistance offered by the air and the beating of the oil present in the connecting rod compartment.
The oil tank, which also serves as a filter housing, is situated in a magnesium oil sump mounted under the crankcase and connected to the gearbox compartment, but separate from the crankcase. For cooling the oil a dedicated radiator is used, secured below the water cooler.
Air intake is entrusted to four oval throttle bodies (52 mm diameter equivalent) connected to fixed 70 mm long intake horns. Each throttle body has two injectors: a sub-butterfly one for low-load use and another above it that comes into play when maximum engine performance is required. The throttle bodies of each cylinder bank are moved by a dedicated electric motor.
Thanks to the full Ride by Wire system, this allows complex electronic control strategies and modulation of engine 'feel' according to selected riding mode.
To increase urban riding comfort the rear cylinder bank is deactivated at idle when water temperature exceeds 75°.
Long maintenance intervals
Valve play adjustment (Desmo Service) is required every 14,913 miles ; services are performed every 7,456 miles/12 months.
There are a multitude of engineering and technological aspects conceived for this champion road bike. A balance of distinctive lines, brutal output, state-of-the-art technology and components have been combined in this “Fight Formula” of the Streetfighter V4.
208 Hp of the 1.000 CC 178 kg Desmosedici Stradale, tamed by the exclusive streamlined appendices. A contemporary and technological Ducati naked bike with an aggressive and thrilling design.
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