Ducati’s name is practically etched into the walls of motorcycling Valhalla, as it's synonymous with speed, style, and high-revving performance. But lately, the brand seems to be taking a page out of a different playbook. Not the usual “bigger is better,” but something a little more forward-thinking. Smarter. More sustainable.
And in today’s world, that might be the boldest move of all.
At the heart of this shift is Ducati’s new 890cc V2 engine, officially unveiled late last year. It’s the lightest V-Twin the company has ever made, tipping the scales at just 120 pounds (around 54.5 kg). That’s an engineering flex right there—not just for performance, but for durability and real-world usability. It’s a motor that’s meant to work hard without breaking your back or your bank, as we first saw this new-generation mill powering the latest Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2, where it pumps out 120 hp and nearly 69 lb-ft of torque (around 93.5 Nm). Then came a slightly detuned version for the Multistrada V2, tuned for touring with shorter gearing and smoother power delivery.
Now, thanks to the investigative prowess of Motorcycle.com’s Dennis Chung (seriously, the man deserves an award for VIN detective work), we’re seeing signs of this engine making its way to two more Ducati models: the Monster and the DesertX. The clues are all over a NHTSA VIN decoder which has since been scrubbed. The document listed new Monster variants with a V2-linked VIN code, plus a DesertX with a gearbox tailored to this engine.
And if this all sounds familiar, that’s because Yamaha has been doing it for years. The CP2 engine—another light, punchy, reliable twin—powers at least five models in Yamaha’s lineup: the MT-07, XSR700, Tracer 7, Tenere 700, and YZF-R7. Throw in the Fantic Caballero 700, and that makes six. Why? Because when you’ve got a great engine, you milk it. Ducati seems to be catching on.
So, what might a Monster V2 look and feel like? We’re guessing it’ll be the sharpest, most responsive Monster yet—possibly even blurring the line between the Monster’s naked streetfighter roots and the edgier Streetfighter V2. Compact, agile, and maybe even more affordable. It’s about time the Monster got a proper refresh with some bite.
And the DesertX V2? Expect a torque-rich, off-road-focused build, possibly with revised gearing for traction and crawl control. The outgoing 937cc Testastretta motor is no slouch, but it’s also heavy and arguably more than some off-roaders really need. This new V2 might bring a better balance of weight, power, and endurance—especially for those long adventure rides where reliability and manageable performance matter most.
As for the technical stuff: no, this new engine doesn’t use Desmodromic valves. And that might sound sacrilegious in Ducati circles, but hear us out. Without Desmo, maintenance gets a whole lot simpler and cheaper. And for riders who want more saddle time and fewer valve clearance headaches, that’s a win. A big one.
So yeah, it’s a pretty exciting time to be a Ducati fan. We’re seeing a shift from the exotic and exclusive to something still premium, but a lot more practical—and still very, very Ducati. And if this upcoming Monster V2 turns out the way we’re hoping it will? Well… let’s just say there might finally be a red bike in my garage.
Source: Motorcycle.com
