ENGINE
With a power output of 200 HP* at 13,800 rpm and a torque of 11.8 kgm* at 10,500 rpm, the new D16RR engine follows the guidelines laid down by the Ducati Corse GP engine, a masterpiece of engineering and precision.
Bore and stroke measurements are the same as those on the D16GP6 - 1000 cc (86x42.56), as are the characteristic positions of the Ducati desmodromic timing system parts (camshaft rotation axis, rocker arm centre and valve centre distance), valve angle, distance between cylinder centres and pulse timing, which uses the Twin-pulse solution applied on the racing engine.
As in MotoGP, traditional Ducati desmodromic timing ensures accurate valve control even at the highest revs and blends perfectly with the modern architecture of this superb 4-cylinder engine.
As is the tradition at Ducati, the 90° angle between the cylinders is maintained.
With a power output of 200 HP* at 13,800 rpm and a torque of 11.8 kgm* at 10,500 rpm, the new D16RR engine follows the guidelines laid down by the Ducati Corse GP engine, a masterpiece of engineering and precision.
Bore and stroke measurements are the same as those on the D16GP6 - 1000 cc (86x42.56), as are the characteristic positions of the Ducati desmodromic timing system parts (camshaft rotation axis, rocker arm centre and valve centre distance), valve angle, distance between cylinder centres and pulse timing, which uses the Twin-pulse solution applied on the racing engine.
As in MotoGP, traditional Ducati desmodromic timing ensures accurate valve control even at the highest revs and blends perfectly with the modern architecture of this superb 4-cylinder engine.
As is the tradition at Ducati, the 90° angle between the cylinders is maintained.
This authentic copy of the GP engine is further endorsed by the use of a cassette type six-speed gearbox and hydraulically actuated dry multi-plate slipper clutch.
The aim of producing a light but reliable engine has led not only to a component design of unrivalled quality, but also to the use of exclusive, individually-made racing-derived materials.
The crankcase and cylinder heads are sand-cast aluminium while the cam-drive cover and alternator casing are made of sand-cast magnesium, technologies that match the lightness of these alloys with the greater mechanical strength expected from structural components. The oil sump, cam covers and clutch cover are made by pressure die-casting magnesium alloy, a technology that allows significant thickness reduction on non-structural components.
A look inside the engine shows how the quest for high performance has led to the utilisation of racing technologies such as titanium con rods, intake and exhaust valves - again in titanium alloy with CrN (chromium nitride) coating - and precision grinding finishing to reduce friction on certain components such as rocker arms. Even the camshafts have been drilled and cut to reduce weight.
Lightened through finite-element simulation (FEM), the timing gears are arranged according to a pattern highly similar to the one used in the GP engine.
The piston has the classic high-performance engine architecture, with double ribbed undercrown and a compact combustion chamber that brings the compression ratio to 13.5.
The crankshaft rotates on brass bearing shells and has the crank pins offset by 70° to generate soft pulse timing (pulses at 0° - 90° - 290° - 380°). This component is produced via complete precision machining of a single piece of forged steel.
The cone-shaped end of the crank-webs maximises the use of the available space below the piston bosses and optimises crankshaft assembly balance.
The sand-cast aluminium crankcases feature integral cylinder bores with Nicasil lining, and the crankcase halves' separation layout is the same as on the GP engine. The oil pump is of the trochoidal (Gerotor) type and controls the water pump according to a cascade arrangement.
Also featured are four 50mm Magneti Marelli throttle bodies with 12-hole 'microjet' above-throttle injectors. A Magneti Marelli 5SM ECU control unit and high-speed CAN line electronics have been employed to manage the injection and electronic ignition of the powerful four-cylinder engine. The throttle bodies, while serving two opposing cylinder heads, lie on the same plane, resulting in a straight, plunging intake port configuration.
Like its GP counterpart, the engine acts as a connector between the chassis and the rear swingarm/suspension, thus playing an essential structural and stiffening role.
This road-going MotoGP bike offers outstanding performance: when in its racing configuration, that is, with the kit consisting of the supplied racing exhaust (102 dB) and control unit, it can reach a maximum power of 200 HP.
With its catalysed exhaust system, the Desmosedici RR, type-approved for on-road riding, is compliant with Euro 3 emissions standards.
