The return of the single cylinder
Three decades after the legendary Supermono 550, Ducati is opening a new chapter in the history of single-cylinder engines. With the Superquadro Mono, which has a displacement of 659 cc and features a Desmodromic system, the company is setting a new benchmark in the category in terms of performance.
Design and concept
The inspiration for this single-cylinder engine comes from the Panigale 1299 engine, a 1285 cc Superquadro that is considered the pinnacle of Ducati twin cylinders for street use. Some of the notable features carried over from the Panigale engine include the 116 mm diameter piston, the shape of the combustion chamber, the 46.8 mm titanium intake valves, the 38.2 mm steel exhaust valves and of course the Desmodromic system.
What does “superquadro” mean?
“Superquadro” refers to the extremely high bore to stroke ratio. This allows for high RPMs typically found in racing engines. In the Superquadro Mono, this ratio is 1.86 – a top value in its category, made possible by a short stroke of just 62.4 mm. Generous valve diameters enhance performance, which would not be feasible without the Desmodromic system. This technology, also used in Ducati’s MotoGP bikes, improves performance and enables extremely high engine speeds.
Power and torque
This engine high performer delivers an impressive 77.5 PS (76.5 hp, 57 kW) at 9,750 rpm and can reach up to 10,250 rpm. These are values that have never been seen before in a single-cylinder road engine. Torque shows up with a maximum of 62.8 Nm at 8,000 rpm in a particularly linear and usable power delivery. And all this in line with Euro 5 homologation. With a Termignoni exhaust in racing configuration, power even increases to 84.5 PS (83.4 hp, 63.1 kW) at 9,500 rpm.
Technology in detail
The 116 mm piston is a record holder for production single-cylinder engines. It is designed according to the “box in box” principle, similar to the pistons on the Panigale V4 R. This design aims to minimize friction. The DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating, both on the piston pin and on the rocker arms of the Desmodromic system, reduces friction and increases durability.
Fuel delivery is via a single 62 mm diameter throttle body. The ride-by-wire system offers three different power modes. Aluminum rather than steel engine mounts offer both weight advantages and improved cooling.
Debut and availability
The Superquadro Mono will be the centerpiece of the motorcycle that will be the focus of the fifth episode of “Ducati World Première 2024 – Live. Play. Ride.” The event will take place on Thursday, November 2 at 4 p.m. CET and will be broadcast on Ducati.com as well as on Ducati’s YouTube channel.
Conclusion
With an impressive power-to-weight ratio, an innovative design and a link to its rich past, Ducati presents the Superquadro Mono, an engine that should make a splash in the motorcycle world.
Main technical data of the Superquadro Mono
- 659 cc vertical single-cylinder engine
- Bore x stroke 116 x 62.4 mm
- Compression ratio 13.1:1
- Maximum power 57 kW (77.5 PS) at 9,750 rpm – 84.5 PS at 9,500 rpm with Termignoni racing exhaust
- Maximum torque 63 Nm (6.4 Kgm) at 8,050 rpm – 6.8 Kgm with Termignoni racing exhaust
- Aluminium cylinder barrel
- Euro 5+ homologation
- Mixed chain-gear Desmodromic distribution with double overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder. 46.8 mm titanium intake valves, 38.2 mm exhaust valves.
- Asymmetrical crankshaft mounted on differentiated diameter main bearings
- Double balancing countershaft with control function of the water and oil pumps
- Multi-disc oil-bath clutch, servo-driven and with anti-hopping function
- Semi-dry sump lubrication with delivery pump and recovery pump
- Fuel feed via oval section throttle body with an equivalent diameter of 62 mm
- Six-speed gearbox with the possibility of fitting the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down
- Oil change set at 15,000 km
- Check and eventual adjustment of valve clearance set at 30,000 km
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