Italy is known to be the home of the most impressive engineering feats with supercars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis; however, this time round, Italy is gaining attention due to an Italian carmaker, or, rather, motorcycle company. Ducati, the well-known Bologna-based brand, has brought forward a new version of the V2 engine, which is a lightweight, high-revving powerhouse delivering 120 horsepower at 10,750 RPM. The engine proves Ducati is dominating in terms of high performance with its tactful engineering that may soon power a wider array of the brand’s most iconic bikes.
Ducati’s lightest V-Twin engine yet: A revolution
Ducati has recently developed a 890cc 90° V-Twin, which is the lightest V2 engine ever, weighing just about 120 pounds. While its low weight is an attractive feature, it produces remarkable output, achieving 120 horsepower and 68.8 lb-ft of torque on the Streetfighter V2 and Panigale V2. For such a small-displacement engine, that is a tremendous amount of power, pushing redlines up to 10,750 RPM.
Such a high RPM limit allows riders a broader performance band to play with whilst offering peak output without sacrificing any of the mid-range grunt. Ducati has, as such, achieved its engineering dream of reducing engine mass whilst maintaining structural rigidity and reliability, offering more aggressive tuning without sacrificing longevity.
Pushing Ducati models forward in the motorcycle market
Having been released in 2023, the V2 engine was rolled out in Ducati’s Streetfighter V2, Panigale V2, and Multistrada V2. But recent documentation filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that the V2 engine will power more models, including the Monster and DesertX in 2026.
It has been revealed that there are newer entries for the Monster and Monster+ models under the engine code linking them directly to the V2 platform “U,” as has been leaked by VIN decoder files. With that, a revised DesertX entry under engine code “A” confirms a dedicated gearbox for this adventure-oriented bike.
Ducati’s mission is clear: to create a modular yet customizable engine that can be adapted across multiple performance, touring, and adventure models. This is a bold move by Ducati and one that will certainly pay off by streamlining production while offering a consistent, high-performance riding experience across its lineup. Can Ducati’s innovative stake stand up to the innovative potential of Japan’s futuristic motorcycle?
A new meaning for motorcycling
All that the introduction and expansion of this V2 engine across Ducati’s model range solidifies is the company’s firm position towards innovative performance, not in terms of motorcycles, but in terms of Italian engineering. With luxury motor brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini continuing to produce some of the world’s most admired cars, Ducati has quietly crept in to achieve something equally mythic. An Italian-manufactured compact engine that is capable of supercar-level revs and output despite being a fraction of the weight.
With 120 horsepower, the V2 can stand up to power-to-weight ratios of entry-level sports cars in a package that is easier to produce, fine-tune, and service.
Ducati has to still make a formal announcement as to what version of the engine will make it into the DesertX and Monster. Judging by the fact that VIN codes have already been assigned and engine configurations outlined in official filings, this should not be a long wait. Experts foresee Ducati unveiling the new DesertX V2 and Monster V2 in fall 2025, likely alongside anticipated updates such as that of a potential Panigale V4 R refresh.
Ducati’s next-gen V2 engine is far from just another technical upgrade. It’s a move towards the era where automotive giants are trying to balance performance with weight, emissions, and efficiency. While Ducati may not wear the prancing horse or raging bull, this mythical Italian motorcycle maker is keen on putting serious power on two wheels.
