blog.ducati.com
As we faced the D16RR, the discussion of 2 cylinders vs. 4 cylinders came up frequently and I think this is a very fascinating topic. Personally, I have always believed that Ducati must remain faithful to its traditions, not to renounce its character and the unique excitement that only a twin can provide. Since the discussion exists, I have decided to find out if my assumptions as a "Ducatista" can be supported on a technical basis. There is no one better than Filippo Preziosi, Ducati Corse Director, to ask the question of why motorcycles with 2 vs. 4 cylinders give riders such different sensations. Here is his answer:
“Both twin and 4 cylinders have the same amount of maximum engine torque and the torque depends mainly on engine displacement. The biggest advantage of the twin cylinder is the character of the engine torque during acceleration: two cylinders produce maximum torque at lower engine revs than 4 cylinders.
Maximum torque at lower revs represents a big advantage for a motorcycle; the engine response is more reactive. As soon as a rider opens the throttle coming out of a turn, the engine is already there, ready to push!
These characteristics of the engine also make riding on the street easier and more fun. If you accidentally approach a corner in a higher gear the engine is still reactive and the rider can still easily finish their turn.
Obviously on the track, the technical choices are driven by technical rules. For the MotoGP prototypes, the level of tuning permitted by the rules makes it impossible for a twin to be as powerful as a 4 cylinder engine.
The Superbike Championship allows for a different level of engine tuning and, as a result, it is still possible to be competitive with a twin. This gives us the advantages of the character of this type of engine.”
Our choices are clear. For our production bikes we are absolutely loyal to the “pompone” and the “Testastretta” in their different forms, varieties, possible improvements and continuous study. For the races, the most suitable choice is to make the most of the rules and to WIN. The Desmosedici replica was a challenge we took and the fulfilment of a technological dream. It will be produced in very limited numbers so as too keep our focus and concentration on our motorcycle family par excellence: the Superbike.
