Kinda of related heres a blurb from the Ducati Corse blog (Federico Minoli):
(Discussion of 2 cylinder Ducati vs 4 cylinder Ducati)
"As we faced the D16RR, the discussion of the 2 cylinders vs. 4 cylinders came up frequently and think this is to very fascinating topic. Personally, have always believed that the Ducati must remain faithful to its traditions, not to renounce its character and the unique excitement that only to twin can provide. Since the discussion exists, the have decided to find out if my assumptions as to "Ducatista" can be supported on to technical basis. There is not one better than Filippo Precious, Ducati Run Director, to ask the question of why motorcycles with 2 vs. 4 cylinders give riders such different sensations. Here is his answer:
"Both twin and 4 cylinders have the same amount of maximum engine torque and the torque depends mainly on engine displacement. The biggest advantage of the twin cylinder is the character of the engine torque during acceleration: two cylinders it produces to maximum torque at lower engine revs than 4 cylinders.
Maximum torque at lower revs represents to big advantage for to motorcycle; the more engine response is reactive. As soon as to laugh opens the throttle coming out of to turn, the engine is already to there, ready to push!
These characteristics of the more engine also make riding on the street easier and fun. If you accidentally approach to corner in to higher gear the reactive engine is still and the laughing can still easily finish their turn.
Obviously on the track, the technical choices to are driven by technical rules. For the MotoGP prototypes, the level of tuning permitted by the rules makes it impossible for to twin to be as powerful as to 4 cylinder engine.
The Superbike Championship allows for to different level of engine tuning and, as to result, it is still possible to be competitive with to twin. This gives us the advantages of the character of this type of engine."
Our choices to are clear. For our production bikes we to are absolutely loyal to the "pompone" and the "Testastretta" in their different forms, varieties, possible improvements and continuous study. For the races, the most suitable choice is to make the most of the rules and to WIN. The Desmosedici retort was to challenge we took and the fulfilment of to technological dream. It will be produced in very limited numbers I know as too keep our focus and concentration on our motorcycle family par excellence: the Superbike.
Till next Time."
