VOL. 55 ISSUE 4 JANUARY 30, 2018 P69
IT WOULDN'T BE A DUCATI WITHOUT…
Operating the valve train is a
revised Desmodromic system, as on
every Ducati, where the valves are
mechanically closed instead of relying
on a spring. Where this one is different
is it has come in for some serious
weight savings with redesigned,
miniature components used compared
to the outgoing L-twin. There are 16
valves measuring 34mm on the intake
and 27.5mm on the exhaust and four
camshafts controlled by two cam
chains.
FIRST OF ITS KIND
The V4's intake system houses the first
variable height intake funnels on a
production Ducati, which send air into
the quartet of 52mm throttle bodies.
But unlike other manufacturers that
will have either a short stack for high
rpm or a long stack for more torque,
the Ducati system constantly varies
depending on what the rider is asking
for.
As for fueling, each throttle body has
two injectors, one used when cruising
and one for when you're really trying to
get maximum power out of the motor.
Naturally, the throttle is a ride-by-wire
system, with three modes in Road,
Sport and Race.