Ducati Monster Forum

Ducati just introduced a new engine of the two cylinder variety.  Not sure what it is called yet but it is 890 CCs and is watercooled. It is nearly 20 lb lighter  than the current V2 engine and 12 lbs lighter than the current Desmodue engine. 

https://www.ducati.com/us/en/company/product-innovation/engines/v2-engine

The lightest water cooled four valver.

II doubt if that weight includes the radiator, fan unit, thermostat unit and hoses? Then there's the coolant. So I doubt if it is a lighter unit in real terms than the desmodue. Maybe it's the water cooled four valve motor nearly as light as a desmodue.

Sounds like a versatile motor however. No desmo, but variable valve timing with valve springs?

My impression is that most Ducatisti who arrived around the Scrambler intro, or surely the V4 (it really is an  L4!!!!), are unaware of the historic significance of desmodromic valve control. In fact they usually have no clue  what a valve is. It's no longer a valid point or advantage (yes, MAYBE on a pure race engine, but not for mortals).

The hunt for soft manageable engines started with the 11 degrees testastretta 848 Streetfighter. Most people thought it was a good thing, cool even. What if Ducati called that bike "soft bike"? Along the same line of thought came the variable timing. Nice, but unsexy? Chain driven cams are probably just positive (?) and almost service themselves. Tight tolerances in the factory, good oil and you get looong intervals.

Scared and poorly trained riders will benefit from the touring edition's lower 1. and 2. gear.

Ducati launch this engine as light. Just forgot to admit that the engine is boring and unsexy. Lower on power. Peak torque at almost 9,000 revs. NOBODY rides around that number.

Maybe this green('er) package will keep the L2 alive a while longer.

IMO Ducati should be a small brand, dreamy bikes, crazy engines and top spec chassis/suspension, but that's not what the share holders want. They decide. As long as they keep winning races, they will sell many bikes. They sell more and more "soft" bikes - probably financially smart, but sooo unsexy.

I assumed lightest V2 meant just the dry engine.  No Desmo makes sense to me on the Multi since a main purpose is adventure and long distance touring.  Also makes sense cost verses benefit with today's metallurgy.  Yes, I totally agree with "sooo unsexy", like, at least to me, the new Monster.  If I was still riding and looking to replace my Monster the new "Monster" would probably be a Triumph Thruxton.