Ducati: New Features for the 2020 Series
13 December 2019
This past December 23rd, Ducati pulled back the curtain to reveal its most recent series of motorcycles. As wished for by the brand’s fans, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer is expanding its V4 range with a super sporty amphetamine-inflated rocket, while not forgetting its legendary twin cylinder and retro Scrambler range, all of which comply with the strict Euro5 emission standards.
Ducati Scrambler 2020 Series
Ducati’s Café Racer, Full Throttle, Desert Sled and Icon models comply with the new Euro5 environmental standard, while maintaining the engine performance of previous versions. New in this respect, retro hybrid bike enthusiasts are treated to an all-black 800-cc version. Ducati’s Scrambler Icon Dark makes its debut with a black satin fuel tank and mudguards and machine-finished aluminum belt covers. Otherwise, no change. Last year, the Scrambler 800 series received some notable improvements, such as the hydraulically operated clutch, ABS that operates upright and tilted, and an instrument panel with a selected gear indicator and fuel level gauge.
At press time, Ducati had not released any data about the new features of the Scrambler 1100 series. Well-founded rumours hint about two new versions, the 1100 Pro and 1100 Sport Pro. These two new additions would join the other members with the same frame and engine, but with different suspensions and settings that are sportier. Follow the Ducati Montreal blog for more details to come in 2020. See the Ducati Scrambler line-up here.
Ducati Monster S Black on Black
As its name suggests, a black-on-black version of the Monster will soon be available at Ducati Montreal. This bike includes a host of features with a matte black, clear and brushed finish, embossed with a few red graphics. It continues to be run by the Testastretta, which loses 3 hp under the Euro5 emissions standard, pushing out a total of 147 hp at 9,250 rpm. Note that a red “S” version will also be available in the 2020 catalogue.
Ducati Panigale V2
The new V2 capitalizes on the appeal of the Panigale V4, incorporating most of the lines and colours. It also inherits a top-of-the-range plastic material that can seduce the most demanding among us. The traditional swingarm is now gone, and the bike boasts a magnificent aluminum single-sided swingarm, while the more compact exhaust system has a better-integrated layout. The electronics package takes a leap forward, thanks to a new 6-axis inertial control unit that manages 8 electronic steering assist features, all of which can be configured via the 13 cm colour TFT display. The engine chosen is unquestionably the 955 cc Superquadro, which in this Euro5 version generates 155 horsepower at 10,750 rpm, 5 hp more than the previous model. Weight, being a major factor in this category, is 176 kg (about 200 kg fully loaded).
Ducati Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour
After the Pikes Peak and Enduro versions, here comes the Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour: a new variation capable of covering more kilometres than ever with 158 horsepower, improved comfort and a host of extra features. In addition to the traditional equipment found on this type of hybrid GT mount, the Ducati boasts a better padded seat, heated handgrips, electronic-opening fuel tank cap, tire pressure sensors, aluminum housing cover, fog lights and LED lights and headlamps. Its engine, the 1262cc Testastretta DVT twin cylinder, remains the same; it still provides generous torque over a wide rpm range. Same for the electronic assembly equipped with 4 mapping modes, traction control, adjustable ABS, gearshift assistance and a vehicle hold control (VHC) system for starting on a hill.
Ducati Streetfighter V4
There’ s no doubt that the new Ducati Streetfighter V4 2020 was the undisputed star of the launch of the new 2020 models, the most technological and powerful stripped-down sports version ever produced by Ducati. Like its ancestor, the Streetfighter V4 2020 also incorporates the essence of a cutting-edge sports bike: the Panigale V4. In terms of style, there is a similar look with “V” shaped LED lighting and oil cooler scoops that reveal the Desmosedici Stradale mechanics. A style that more than ever resembles a “superbike” and ergonomics halfway between a Panigale and a Monster.
The bike components – almost identical to the Ducati Panigale V4 – uses the engine as support to reduce weight and better control stiffness. Braking is handled by Brembo, which installs M50 calipers, while the steering damper comes from the Sachs factory. The cherry on top, the 1103 cc V4 engine, develops no less than 208 horsepower at 12,750 rpm (with a bump up to 220 horsepower with the Akrapovic exhaust), only 6 hp less than the Panigale V4. The rides promise to be terrifically wild.
Don’t worry, the state-of-the-art electronics package comes to the rescue: equipment derived from the Panigale and controlled by a 6-axis inertial measurement unit, which features 8 driving control aids. An S version, also available, adds semi-active Öhlins electronically adjustable suspension and steering damper to the standard Ducati Streetfighter V4, fully configurable via the 5-inch TFT high resolution colour display and Marchesini forged rims. This new Ducati Streetfighter V4 S 2020 is sure to cause a tremendous emotional shock among pure sportsbike enthusiasts and tremors among its direct competitors.
By Pascal Bastien
