Ducati has developed the first motorcycle engine with variable timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts, Ducati Testastretta Desmodromic Variable Timing aka DVT. The new design overcomes an engineering gap in current production motorcycle engines. The variable timing system is able to continuously adjust valve timing, by acting independently on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.
The system optimises engine performance throughout the rev range and in any operating condition, to guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery, muscular torque at low rpm and reduced fuel consumption. With full Euro 4 compliance, DVT sets a new standard in the combination of power, delivery and usability of motorcycle engines. This system, used in all Ducati models, has also been extremely successful in Ducati Corse World Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP motorcycles.
By independently adjusting both the timing of the camshaft controlling intake valves and the timing of the camshaft controlling exhaust valves, the Ducati Testastretta DVT engine optimises high rpm performance for maximum power, while at medium and low rpm, it ensures smooth operation, fluid power delivery and high torque. This means that the vehicle’s engine will adapt its characteristics according to rpm values, while always ensuring compliance with exhaust emission standards and keeping fuel consumption low.
With its 106 mm bore and 67.9 mm stroke for a total capacity of 1,198 cm³, the newborn Ducati Testastretta DVT engine produces a maximum power of 160 HP at 9,500 rpm, and a torque up to 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm with a perfectly linear delivery curve. The torque is already 80 Nm at a low-range value of 3,500 rpm, and it remains consistently over 100 Nm between 5,750 and 9,500 rpm.
Despite an increase in power, however, the DVT system has a positive impact on fuel efficiency, with an average 8% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous non-variable configuration. Ducati’s permanent research and development efforts applied to injection systems have repositioned the fuel injectors to target their spray directly onto the rear of the hot intake valve, instead of the colder surface of the intake port wall. The resulting enhanced fuel vapourisation improves combustion efficiency and ensures a smoother delivery.
The Ducati Testastretta DVT system does not affect the valve clearance adjustment schedule, and in fact requires major services only at ownership-friendly 30,000 km intervals. This engine can be used in a wide variety of conditions and locations, while always delivering top performance and exceptional user-friendliness, safety and sheer excitement.
Ducati Testastretta DVT engine characteristics
- Brand-new DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) system
- Bore 106 mm, stroke 67.9 mm
- Capacity 1,198 cm³
- Max power 160 HP at 9,500 rpm
- Max torque 136 Nm at 7,500 rpm
- Desmodromic distribution
- Dual Spark (DS) ignition
- Anti-knock sensor
- Euro 4 compliant
- New generation
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