Why Ducati's New V4 Granturismo Engine Is A BIG DEAL! 

but wait... why doesn't any other manufacturer recommend valve adjustments at 37,000 miles??

Desmo controlled valves arent just about preventing valve float at high rpm, it also allows more aggressive valve timing without fear of valve tangle and also, more over rev on down changes, again without valve tangle. However, I do see virtue in using conventional valve springs on less performance orientated engines, desmo is just not required in that case.

Companies need to adapt and evolve with the market. If Ducati stays stuck in their "heritage", they'll eventually find themselves in the same place as Harley currently.

I used to own an old Ducati Monster and I am planning to buy a Desmoduo Ducati again in the future. While there are many wonderful bikes around from other manufacturers, I still feel quite "at home" whenever I ride a Ducati. Besides their amazing chasis, their V2 engines seem to have a certain "soul" not found elsewhere and I cannot help thinking that the Desmo system plays a big part in this. It will be a shame to let it go...

1:15 that someone who came up with desmodromic valves was Mercedes for their post war straight 8 race engine. They never used it in a consumer car but licensed the technology to Ducati for bike use.

Thank God! I love Ducatis and was the semi-proud owner of a '91 851Superbike but, gads, that desmo system was expensive to have serviced and that service interval was really short. I'm thrilled to learn Ducati has finally put the antiquated technology aside and I bet they will see increased sales as a result.

No Desmo? Weird...Thanks MOTOBOB, once more an amazing video. Greetings from a Brazilian subscriber.

I would of thought that the younger generation wouldn’t have a clue how any valves operate never mind the difference between desmondromic and spring operated.

To me, it's the torque that count's, not horsepower. Should be a bike worth looking at when it's released in Australia.

I'm a big Ducati fan but this is the right thing to do. The desmo system really isn't needed for this engine's redline RPM, modern springs can do just fine and more importantly, for an adventure/touring bike, the long service interval is very important. That said, I really hope they never get rid of the desmo system on their track bikes and more powerful bikes like v4 series/v2 and the rest of them. Are we losing heritage? Yes, but does it come with a good compromise? Absolutely!

As a Ducati mechanic I think this is a good move , better late than never !

Serviceability and linear, low rpm power are important considerations for practical street motorcycles . This new design will appeal to riders looking for a practical motorcycle. Ducati is expanding their consumer base by making motorcycles that are more practical. Their traditional customers should be glad because this will help this company survive while still producing less practical, more exclusive products.

Personally, away from the track, I think desmo valves are more of a branding issue than a technical one. Back in the early 70s Ducati had three 750 V twin models; the GT, Sport and SS. Only the SS has desmo valves while the GT and Sport had springs. I was lucky enough to own an SS, while two of my friends had a GT and a Sport, which were both perfectly fine and beautiful bikes.

I think it's going to help them in the long term if they adapt this in other models which are not Track built, I have personally opted for Triumph as Desmo Service is scarily expensive..

Hell no. No desmo, no Ducati. Also for a touring bike, losing the desmo will actually reduce fuel efficiency slightly due to the added rotational resistance of the valve springs.

As a long time MultiStrada owner I’m really excited for this change. I do long miles on my Multi, and needing to find a mid trip dealer to hit my valves or whatnot is a major downer. And I have no doubt that the V4 will be exciting to ride. Bring it on!

"Although peak power is down at 170 horsepower..." That's still 100 more that you would need.

Next: Pneumatic valve actuation for the streets & trails.

I’d like to see that motor in a sport tourer as well I think it’s a great idea Bike maintenance is just a royal pain and going longer runs between services is always better Plus I’d imagine that the service we’re talking about would be cheaper because it’s just less moving parts So, in short, less is A LOT MORE... miles that is

Its an adventure touring bike.... by definition long hauler. Why on earth would you want to do or pay for valve adjustments every 7500.... I say bravo! 37500 miles will be amazing for owners!

I think the lower Rev Limit and higher service intervals make sense for the Multi for the vast majority of users, an R version with the Desmo V4 would be a nice option tho. I really like the rear facing radar for blind spot and fast approaching vehicle detection... adaptive cruise could be handy on occasion. I also like the trellis rear subframe... but would really miss the single sided swingarm.

I had a 2015 Multistrada 1200S. At 5,000 miles I decided to change the oil myself. The magnetic drain bolt was covered in a pile of metal filings, the longest 3/16 inch. I had already found that the clutch slave cylinder leaked and the gear indicator mechanism would wander between 1st, neutral and 2nd leading to engine cutout at lights and bizarre and dangerous alterations in throttle maps pulling away from a stop. Throw in that the Sky Hook suspension liked to do tank slappies in any riding mode and you can see why I think Multistrada the most overhyped POS I ever owned.

Have owned Ducatis since 1968, both singles and twins and valve spring and Desmo. Currently own a 2003 Multistrada and a 1973 750 GT. Also built a very successful 350 Desmo single vintage racer as well as a 250 valve spring single which won the 1992 Daytona 250 vintage GP (#274 ridden by Scott Borem of Elk Grove CA.) So I am well familiar with not only Ducatis but the plus and minuses of both valve control systems. I applaud this move. My love of Ducati motorcycles has to do with their outstanding handling and overall balanced performance. The Desmo system, as technically advanced as it may seem, was born out of a time of need to overcome the generally poor valve spring material common decades ago. And to Ducati's credit, they have developed it to an incredibely sophisticated level...but at additional cost in both manufacturing and service cost to the owner for no real world benefit in performance accross the majority of its models. For those who are beguiled and anamored of the Desmo system and would not think of buying a Ducati without it, don't worry, I'm confident that Ducati will continue to offer it on, at the very least, their high end sport bikes and racers for those to whom price is no object. But at the performance level required in motorcycles that the vast majority actually ride and pay to maintain, the move to valve spring operation will prove to be more benefit than loss.

A desmo using 15K rpm on the track or fast road use might need a major service every 15K miles but a detuned version for an adventure bike would not need a service so often, in fact if the engine was operated moderately the service interval could be the same or higher than the sprung version, after all the stress on the valve train components is a much less with the desmo setup compared to valve springs regardless of reliability issues. This change to springs is a manufacturing cost saving measure nothing more

I have owned my Ducati SD900 with desmo heads for 40 years. The service interval is a pain and realistically, it never needed the desmo heads. It’s a Vee twin making about 60 HP and Reving to about 8,500 max for Gods sake. It hardly screaming it’s bollocks off. I absolutely love my bike and have re-built it, nut & bolt four times. It’s just about to undergo it fifth! Of all the bikes Ive had, and there have been some great ones, the Ducati is the one I could never part with. In the early eighties, I could stare at that bike for hours (until I discovered the MV Augusta F4). This new multistrada engine sounds like a wonderful idea to me with its 60,000 km service interval. It’s a great move for Ducati and will be a huge success. Ducati is the dogs dangly bits! But I do wish I hadn’t sold my Munch TTSE Mammoth!

Bring back bevel driven cams or we riot.

Desmo valve operation is stupid. Steam locomotives used desmo, Mercedes used desmo in the 30s. We now have spring engines turning higher rpm than the Ducati, which means that desmo is no longer needed. We now have valve springs that will handle huge rpm. One reason I've never owned a Ducati is the damned valve train. I'm not going to take a bike apart just to check the valve adjustment. I do all my own work, and I'd just as soon do as little as possible, Hence I own BMW, three at this time and 4 more that I've parted with.

I owned a 1991 907ie. LOVED. LOVED. LOVED that bike, as im 30yrs down range. IM very very disappointed that Ducati doesn't make a bike like BMW's 1600 grand tourer I DO NOT WANT TO SEE THE FRAME. I love the sound and color and sleek styling of Ducati. But alas. I don't see them moving to the older Duc Lovers who don't or can't really off road and don't want the Sport bike limitations. Ducati. IM 60 yrs old and want another Ducati before I can not ride. Please make a DUCATI version of the GRAND AMERICA. PLEASE God Bless

15K miles is “regular servicing”? I agree with the logic for the Multi since those typically get more mileage per year than the super bikes. Smart move. For me and my 1299 I’m averaging about 2500 miles a year, so dropping the ~$1100 every 15K miles isn’t a frequent cost at all. I’ve actually created a savings account where I put $20/month in it to save up for that service.

I like the desmo system, but it has been obsolete since the early 1970s when the bucket system became common from the Japanese. The bucket absorbs the side loads on the valve stem. Desmo was just an advertisement and a service expense that even the dealers couldn't do effectively.

Love that new engine design. A beautiful engine even without the trademark desmo valves.

It absolutely does matter for me, but I am 55 years old now, I had my 3 Ducatis with Desmo and I will not buy another one with or without Desmo since I am too old for motorbikes. The younger generation does not care about Desmo, they care about performance so skipping Desmo is not the worst idea ever.

Best choice for this category, running up over-revving into a corner on the road, revs drop back to the sweet spot ? I'd take the desmo, however, this move to springs, Ducati smart as always

My mate would have definitely bought a ducati scrambler if it wasn't for the high service costs caused by the desmo system. So I think it would help ducati to get rid of it. You can always tell what a good idea is because people copy it. I think ducati are both brave and sensible to finally admit they need to change. Although classic ducatis will always be fondly remembered for desmo valves, they really need to be retired.

Valve float has not been a problem with springs since the mid 70's in racing application. Road cars still have issue today if they are modified and the springs are not changed out for racing springs but there is no reason to have and issue with even 20k RPM.

Ducati created their own problems on service intervals. Desmo is less of an issue than 1) rubber timing belts rather than timing chain, 2) some of the challenges to do the service, eg the silly Airbox and belt cover removal on DVT models. Any Ducati mechanic will tell you that after the first desmo service there is very little change in valve gaps. Checking these is not a big item. I'm saddened to see the desmo gone from the Multi. For those that say the high end power is not appreciated by multi owners because of off road riding is ignorant and uninformed. The multi is a high power sport bike that one can ride all day long. Hopefully Ducati will stop chasing the BMW GS and see the error of its ways. Give us a V4 Desmo Multi

How many of those complaining actually own a Ducati? How many of those actually ride long distance? This is a proper move for Ducati appealing to this niche. There is nothing wrong with diversification in a portfolio.

One of the main reasons against owning a Ducati is the desmodromic maintenance issue. This is a good move for Ducati.

Imagine if they did a super sport 600 now when the engine is a bit cheaper both to make and maintain. Yes please and at around 170kg wet at most, please Ducati :D

Two terms that contradict in my book are "tech packed" and "Travel Enduro". Will it till go when it loses internet connection? Ducati makes jaw-droppingly magnifficent high-tech bikes, but in the Gobi desert or Patagonia, you want a rock solid low tech bike under you.

I think part of the allure of owning a Ducati is impressing somewhat mechanically knowledgeable friends and strangers that you have the ability to keep the bike serviced and running. To me that is the fun in owning and operating a Ducati. Now I will say that I know my limits, which is why I stick with the air cooled two valve machines. Does the decision by Ducati to go with spring and chain valve actuation make good business sense? Yes, yes it does. Does it remove some of the allure of any bike they chose to put this type of engine in? Again, I say a solid yes. Does allure alone attract a broad customer base, and pay the bills? No, not at all. So I understand why they have made this move, but I hope that the option for Desmo valve actuation stays throughout their lineup, not just on the homologation or flagship models. If they decide to go that route there differences between their bikes and the competition will be much smaller.

Good move for a "touring bike" bad move if you want ultimate precision in a sports "screamer". Horses for courses.

Yes 2 Desmo, Capital on the #2 (as in cylinders) and Desmo that Ducati is synonymous with. Use a return cam with fulcrum arm under the valve head! Bring back the bevel drive also.

This Is the best choice for this type of bike. Unless your loaded running cost are a big factor in purchasing a big bike. Many riders will look at this and be impressed. Looks a great bike for touring with sporty performance.

I agree ith the Ducati Team ... for the new Multistrada This is the Right Move. MultiStrada is a machine for motorbike Tourism, owners make a Lot of miles... this move is the correct one. No one needs a 240HP engine for a big Tourism bike. This is going to be a 1250GS Serious contender ... I think Ducati made the right move.

It’s about time. As someone that daily my Monster 620 with 45,000 miles now it sucks having to check clearances of the valves in suck short distances. Luckily it doesn’t need adjustment of shims every time. I think modern materials has made valve float down to a minimum. Desmo should be for the super bike and hyper bike market.

Switching over to springs makes sense for this segment of motorcycles and is inline with Ducati's original goals: Make the best motorcycle for it's intended purpose. Although it is weird to find an Italian vehicle that is choosing function over fashion, and if it's function you want? Get a Tenere.

I'll stick to my 98 Honda 1100 ACE Tourer. Hydraulic values, no adjustments required.

It was more of a novelty selling point than a requirement. Great on the banzai red line engines. A huge expense on anything else. I get the feeling though it is a cost saving on Ducati part rather than a genuine change.

I think I'll keep my DVT.

4:53 wot??? The rivals for the multistrada are the KTM 1290 Superduke GT (175 bhp), The BMW S1000XR (165 bhp) and maybe the Kawasaki Versys 1000 (118 bhp) on the very cheap end. The Multistrada is not a Dual sport or Maxi Enduro, it's a Sport tourer. It's insane to compare it GSs and 1290 Adventures

As a Ducati V twin owner since the mid 70's (bevel head and cam belts) the changes made are more than late. Those ugly, short lived cam belts and desmo are so yesterday ... it was OK here as I adjust my own valves, but for most an outrageous expense. Now this V-4 dirt bike is detuned and power is brought down to reality RPM's but still doesn't have the torque of a KTM and they do it lower still on the power band? Longer valve service duration is a big plus... now let's have more torque in a better rev range, as proven it can be done.

Having done valve adjustment and shim replacement myself on my Ducati just recently, this is such a great news. 37K more than doubles the big service interval. Also, the pesky timing belts are gone. This is a welcome step in the right direction.

meh Low RPM torque is everything on dirt roads and gravel hills - so a twin will win the low rpm tractor-game over this motor with four small pots. This motor belongs on the bitumen, its main competitor the GS so they best fit a 19" front to keep up with the GS in the corners. Suzuki should put their VVT into the Strom and push their curves near flat and will beat them all...

Awesome Bob! Thank you. The Desmo system reminds me a bit like when “anti-dive” suspension was marketed a very long time ago as the greatest invention for motorbikes.... (yeah, no) 😊👍😎

Ducati V4 desmodromics: more moving parts than a helicopter AND made in Italy. What could go wrong? 😀

What's the point of the front and rear sensors on a motorcycle?! adaptive cruise control... just because you can doesn't mean you should! 🤯

Back in the "olden days, the springs were a bit rubbish". Like back in the 1960s when Honda's race bikes were happily revin' to 22,000 rpm on valve springs?

Makes complete sense to change the engine for pragmatic reasons, but somehow there'll still be riders that want the insane Panigale V4 engine in it!? Good to see you can deactivate the cylinder cut off feature, clever move! I'm sure this updated model will keep loyal Ducati owners following, but it'll still be a 'big ask' to grab some of BMW's most loyal owners. Great review, thanks!

Better tech for the application on the road and dirt. A 50cal isn’t better when a 22cal is appropriate. Extended service is a big deal. When I race, yes I want Desmo! Below 11krpm, no.

the real problem with a Ducati isn't the valves. It's the way they value customers. Their software wont let owners reset service lights. If you service it yourself, such as oil changes or valve adj, you have to take it to Ducati dealer so they can charge you $100 to reset. I will never buy another Ducati for that reason alone. I guess they figure owners are too stupid to service their own bikes. There are so few dealers that for me its a 4hr round trip to nearest one. You have to take it to dealer for first service or loose warranty, basically a $600 oil change. Beautiful bikes, great fit and finish, questionable electronic reliability and ownership experience.

Im an owner of a BMW S1000XR, to me the best between the bikes mentioned in the video except the Multistrada V4, no data available about performance, will see

My 2008 GT1,000 at 43k never received a valve adjustment just belts done by myself every 15k. Unfortunately totaled RIP 5/21/20😿

If it only had shaft drive; for when you are truly remote, and have no access to support, when that second chain decides to fail after a rock is caught in it at the sprocket and breaking it, the whole reason for adventure is now fully realized!

to be honest, the desmo system is mostly useful on Top racing machines, for example..why use a desmo system on the ducati scrambler? it just doesn't need it.

My last Ducati (2013 Monster 1100) was belts every 2 years and valve clearances every 7500 miles. Hooray for chains and springs. They just need to sort the reliability out.

this will upset quite a few loyal ducati fan boys. But at the same time it will open doors to people who are previously scared of buying into the brand due to the infamous expensive valve maintenance, like ME for example. A good move in my opinion

One of the things that scared some people away from DUCATI was that special valve system that, with today's prices at the workshop, a service could be very high! Also, I have noticed that Ducatis are overpopulated in my nearby MC shops service hall!

Put 500,00 Kilometers on my 3800 cc Buick V6 and no valve adjustment required or cam chain replacement required . but it still doesn't sound as nice as my old 1978 (non desmo ) 860 GTS Ducati .

For this category makes sense, also they should make a v twin like this for the monster, diavel and scrambler, this bikes don't need desmo since they are all limited to around 9000 rpm, and I hear people giving up on Ducati because of the service intervals and costs, this move will bring more owners, happy owners.

Rob is there any news of if this new V4 engine will go in other bikes in the range? What’s happening with the Monster? Would the Monster get a V4 variant?

Desmo is only a expensive marketing ploy. Desmo was used when valve springs metal tech was not good. Now metal spring tech can go up to 21000 rpm. No need for desmo anymore.

about frickin' time they stopped using the fiddly, complicated, stupid desmo system for streetbikes.

Great stuff, can't see why someone wouldn't get a big twin with more low end grunt though. I really like the Ducati twin pulse engine but the multistrada V4 will be the pinnacle of extravagance imo.

I praise the change. It should also translate on the overall reliability of Ducatis. I hope they'll use the same engine (or a version of it) in the Diavel as well.

Anyone who can afford such a trash can, can afford the cost for service.

I've been a Ducati owner for over 40 years, yet I've ALWAYS maintained for a ROAD bike, Desmo has marginal benefits, yet is a pain in the ass to maintain. I've even had my shimming done by the top UK specialist....and he cocked it up! So how's your 'local' dealer going to do any better? Finally, Ducati have seen the light....EVERY other manufacturer has ALWAYS managed to get by with conventional valves. Who knows, Ducati may sell more bikes. Seriously, how many of you do your own full maintenance on your modern bikes? Time was, a working 18 year old could buy and maintain any and all bikes. How many 18 year olds WANT a bike, let alone have a JOB?

They are actually correcting their lineup of models, that’s nice 🙂

It probabley is the best decision for their big toury bikes, but desmo was/is their signature tech along with sticking to v twins when everyone else with sporty aspirations were using inline 4s.

If you wanted a Ducati you'll want one with a peroper Ducati engine. If you don't want deal with the low mileage services you just dont buy one simple as

Will the abandonment bring down the retail pricing on the Multistrada? I doubt it,just more profit for Ducati! We will have to wait and see when the dealer meanings reveal photos and pricing.

The desmo system is why I immediately discounted the xdiavel from my cruiser search. I expect to spend money maintaining the machine, but from what I've read and heard, Ducatis cost quite a bit more to upkeep than pretty much any other brand.

If the price is closer to a Vstrom, Bravo ! If it's still up there with a GS, who cares ? I bought a Aprilia Caponord my first Italian bike and loved it. I bought it specifically because I wanted to try a Multistrada but didn't want to try the Multistrada price. So if I could get my hands on this bike which landed significantly lower than a GS I would do it in a heartbeat !

Newsflash. Harley developed rear cylinder deactivation (EITMS) 10 years ago. Indian copied it from HD, like everything else they have that is popular. Indian is the China of motorcycle design.

This should be good news re servicing costs. 37K miles between valve checks! The service costs are the main reason I have never seriously considered a Ducati.

I drive Ducati's because I love the roughness. I'm not an off-road guy. Its simply not my thing. I only hope they dont use these spring valves on their futur Monsters and Diavels. I own a Diavel now, a 999, and a 92, 851. And a KTM 1250 superduke. I dont care what they do with the multistrada. But please think about what made Ducati special. And I replace the belts myself. Its an afternoon work and cost about 80 euro.

15 or 20 years ago there was a rumor that Ducati was going to have two levels of motors. One the demonic valve actuation and one with valve springs. I was told that there was no advantage to the desmo system due to the advancement of metallurgy which had improved vastly by the 1980's . I once road a honda super hawk vintage 1966 in 1966. I was shocked by the 9500 rpm red line. My triumph boneville a brand new 1966 could smoke the super hawk . even though it was rved out around 6200 rpm's. Even back then I could see the writing on the wall .My cousin bought a brand new honda CB750 in 1971. He road it from California to chicago with his wife on the back with no problems. He let me take it for a ride . It was nirvana I was stopped at a red light and thought it conked out tried to restart it only to find out it was indeed still running. Ducati stuck with that demo system even though they k new it was inferior to the Japanese Muti's because they sold so few motorcycles it wasn't in their buissnes plane. You vlogers never let the real truth get in the way of the god of content. also Ducati throughout the 70's and 80's sold less than 5000 motorcycles world wide .they probably sold a few hundred in the U.S.A.

With electric motorcycles the only service would be is replacing brakes, wheel bearings and oiling chains.

I don't think they get it. An "adventure bike," I mean a real one, needs to be well-balanced, light, and superbly-suspended, tough, reliable, with scads of very predictable low-end torque ("tractor factor"). It doesn't need to have face-peeling high-rpm power. No one sets off around the world on a bike like that. You won't find white-shirted Ducati service in Uzbekistan. I get it, though... that's not who the bike is made for, but if it's not fit for the job, don't call it an "adventure bike."

Great! Now they just need to price it under 10Gs. My Ninja 400 was $3150 new from dealer. 0 to 60 in 4.6 secs. Plenty of fun.

Most will never see the valve service then :D

Looks great, but no Ducati Desmodromic exclusivity. Just another great bike. Less reason not to buy a GS.

It probably makes sense that for the country like India because these huge adv costs twice in comparison to usa or to any European market and also the expensive service cost too ,so longer interval service is a welcome

Smart move. No need to blanket various requirements with 1 type. This tailoring to function makes good sense. Nice video!

Desmo valve actuation is similar in category to Porsche's rear-engine design. They are throw-backs to an earlier time and are therefore appealing. Are they practical? Not really but with enough engineering support, you can make this stuff work in the current era. It's good though to have choice and be able to experience alternative approaches.

As a Ducati owner I really like the balance of my Multistrada and the amazing engine but it really sucks that there's only some kind of lame setup for any kind of GPS or accessories. When I see how BMW manages the inclusion of any added device I always feel robbed.

Japanese manufacturers have been making high reving engines (14k, 16k, 18k ...) using springs and we all know they're much more reliable that Ducatis, Ducati has been using Desmo with engines that run much slower, so the Desmo thing is an obsolete thing that's proved not to be necessary by any means, just heritage.

I really like how the Ducati rides, but I sell my Monster and want to buy an Aprilia and one of the main reasons is that I don't want to bother with belts, rollers and valves anymore.

Good for Ducati! The desmo valves always scared a lot of potential buyers away. I’m a BMW 1200GS guy but maybe I should check out the Multistrada.

Make perfect sense to me. Desmo would put them at a disadvantage in the adventure market with those service intervals.