n Ducati has been a leader in engine innovation for over 60 years. It continues this tradition with its latest engine, the V2, which has become the lightest two-cylinder engine Ducati has ever produced. Ducati’ s new 890cc V2 weighs just 54.4kg, a whole 9kg lighter than the Superquandro that powered the previous Panignale V2.

The benefits of reducing the weight of its new engine mean that Ducati can improve the performance, agility and economy of its motorbikes. The new motor also retains Ducati’ s famous 90 ° V-twin layout and therefore the engine’ s typical noise and character. As a V-twin engine, with its intrinsic balance, it needs no countershafts – ideal when trying to reduce weight.

Much of the weight saving has been in the new V2s’ s cooling system. The water-oil heat exchanger – an external unit on previous Ducati V-twin engines – has now been integrated between the two cylinders. Not only is this a lighter solution than before, but it’ s more effective. The reduced engine temperatures also help minimise fuel consumption and emissions.

To further reduce weight, the V2’ s intake valves are 5 % lighter than those in its predecessor thanks to hollow stems – the valves are also chrome plated. What the new V2 doesn’ t have, though, is Ducati’ s famous spring-less desmodromic valve operation.

Ducati hasn’ t done away with all the technology in its goal of saving

A new generation of Ducati engine retains much of what is recognisable about its V-twin motors

weight. While the new engine uses more conventional springs to close the four valves in each cylinder, the V2 has a variable valve timing system on its intake valves called Intake Variable Timing( IVT) that can alter the intake cam by 52 ° in relation to the exhaust.

The engine comes with three power outputs. One that delivers 120hp at 10,000rpm( or 126hp with a track-only exhaust) and another with 115hp with a more powerful alternator to make it more suitable for Ducati’ s adventure bikes. The final output version makes just 47hp, which is designed for riders with an A2 licence.

Despite being able to produce over 141hp per litre, the new V2 is Euro 5 + approved and still has comparable service intervals with its rivals. The new V2’ s recommended oil change interval is every 15,000km and the valve clearance check is twice that.

Ducati’ s V2 is set to replace the Superquandro, Testastretta Evoluzione and Desmodue engines. This V-twin is already available in the new Ducati Panigale V2, Streetfighter V2 and Multistrada V2, and is likely to be available in the DeserX, Monster and Hypermotard too.