Ducati Sparks 'em Up
DUCATI SPARKS ’EM UP
DON’T LET THE LIQUIDcooled 999/749, Monster S4 and ST2/4S fool you: Ducati is determined to retain air-cooled engines for application in anything where simplicity is deemed appropriate. There remain many riders for whom the qualities of an air-cooled engine are uniquely satisfying.
To simultaneously uprate the 90-degree Desmo engine and increase its durability, a thorough redesign was needed. The older 904cc 92.0 x 68.0mm cylinder dimensions have grown to 94.0 x 71.5mm, giving the new 1000DS 992cc. Larger 45mm intake and 40mm exhaust valves gain no weight thanks to a reduction in stem size from 8 to 7mm. To keep bigger valves at livable temperatures, seats have been changed from iron to beryllium copper of higher heat conductivity. Compression is appropriate for air-cooling at IO:l.
Monster 800
Cooling fin area has also been increased and the exhaust port’s length in the head has been reduced by 40 percent. As nearly half the heat flowing to the head comes from the port, where heat transfer is intensified by high turbulence, this is valuable. Twin sparkplugs in each cylinder further cut heat absorption, for by speeding combustion they shorten the exposure of piston and cylinder head to hot gas. Hence, the name: Dual Spark.
The end result is a claimed 84 horsepower at 8000 rpm, with 61 foot-pounds of torque-13 percent more torque than the previous engine, delivered at lower rpm. Despite this increase in tractability, a six-speed gearbox takes the place of the old five-speed unit.
The versatile Multistrada, first shown in 2001, will enter production during 2003 with the 1000DS engine-and a wide range of accessories. The stated intention is to combine sportbike performance and style with comfort and over-the-road practicality. The Multistrada’s inspiration, according to designer Pierre Terblanche, is the unspecialized “standards” of the 1970s, which ruled the roads before motorcycling fragmented into its present niches.
Supple, high-quality, adjustable suspension with extra travel allies handling with comfort. The chas-
sis is Ducati’s familiar steel-tube trellis. Twin 320mm front discs and the same Brembo four-piston calipers you see on starting grids everywhere provide powerful braking. This machine is for those who seek traditional virtues in an entirely modern package.
-Kevin Cameron
