Ducati Superquadro Mono First Look [One Dozen Fast Facts]

The name “Supermono” is a legendary part of the Ducati canon. Just 67 examples of the 277-pound single-cylinder road racers were produced from 1993 to 1997. The motor, built in 549cc and 572cc configurations, was designed by Claudio Domenicali and Massimo Bordi. For 2024, the spirit of the Supermono is reborn with the 1299 Panigale-based Ducati Superquadro Mono powerplant, destined for racing and a soon-to-be-announced street model. Let’s take a peek at this remarkable new 659cc motor from Bologna.

1. The 116mm piston from the 1299 is slipped into a cylinder with a stroke of just 62.4mm. The bore-to-stroke ratio is a remarkable 1.86:1, and the compression ratio measures 13.1:1. The piston used a double-truss brake for increased rigidity and reduced friction. The Panigale V4 R’s piston is a similar design. The piston pin has a DLC coating to minimize wear.

2. With the wide piston comes huge valves. The two titanium intake valves have a 46.8mm diameter, while the pair of steel exhaust valves are 38.2mm in diameter.

3. Speaking of valves, the Superquadro Mono is a desmodromic design with a gear/chain system. According to a Ducati insider, the purpose is “extreme levels of valve lift.” The rocker arms get a DLC coating, as they’ll be working hard.

4. The cavernous oval throttle body has the capacity of a unit 62mm in diameter. Fuel is introduced by an under-throttle injector.

5. With the ride-by-wire system comes three power modes—High, Medium, and Low. 

6. Maximum power output happens at under 10,000 rpm. Torque peaks at 46 ft-lbs at 8050 rpm, and 77.5 horsepower is created at 9750 rpm. Add a Termignoni racing exhaust, and those numbers jump to 84.5 horsepower at 9500 rpm and 49 ft-lbs of torque at 8050 rpm.

7. Lower down in the motor, you’ll find an asymmetrical crank on differentiated main bearings. To subdue vibrations, there are two balancers—ball-bearing-mounted and gear-controlled. Ducati tells u that the Superquadro Mono vibrates about as much as a 90-degree V-twin. The balancer shafts do double duty, driving the water and oil pumps.

8. The Ducati Superquadro Mono motor has a sophisticated semi-dry-sump oiling system. There are two lobe pumps—one for oil delivery, while the other handles recovery. Oil is drawn from side compartments in the covers of the clutch and alternator, which reduces friction. Further, a blow-by valve puts the crankshaft compartment under compression. The result is reduced moving parts resistance as the oil is recovered.
9. The six-speed transmission is matched to a wet clutch with assist and slipper functions. The gear ratios are derived from the Panigale V4, with a tall first gear to prevent spinning up the rear wheel when exiting tight corners with the help of a first-gear-only rev limiter that kids in at 10,000 rpm. Instead of a mechanically based load cell, a magnetically controlled Hall effect sensor is used to execute clutchless shifts more efficiently; however, the quickshifter will be optional.

10. The bottom-end components are contained in die-cast aluminum crankcases, with the cylinder head fixed to the crankcase. Aluminum keeps weight down, while the cylinder head mounting system increases rigidity while making the engine more compact. Cast magnesium alloy is employed for the valve, alternator, and clutch covers, while an integrated water jacket delivers coolant around the aluminum barrel.

11. Maintenance intervals are friendly. The oil needs to be changed every 9000 miles, and the valve clearance checked every second oil change.

12. With a displacement of 659cc, this isn’t the powerplant for the highly anticipated Ducati motocross bike. We expect the motor to be wrapped up in an aggressive sportbike chassis. We will know more in less than a week.

Ducati Superquadro Mono Photo Gallery