2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono

The name Superquadro derives from the extreme bore and stroke ratio which allows high rotation speeds to be achieved. This is what the engines of our twin-cylinder Superbikes are called and the Mono derives from the engine of the 1299 Panigale, from which it inherits the thermal part, that is, the heart of the engine, or where the power comes from. In common with the Panigale's twin-cylinder, there is the piston, the design of the combustion chamber, and the desmodromic system including the large valves.

The piston of the Superquadro Mono is racing-type with a diameter of 116 mm. This bore represents a record value for a production single-cylinder and is paired with an ultra-short stroke of 62.4 mm resulting in an extreme bore-to-stroke ratio of 1.86. The extreme bore/stroke ratio of 1.86 allows to achieve high rotation speeds for never ending fun. It is a "box in box" piston with a double ribs, designed to combine maximum strength and stiffness allowing to reduce the thrust surfaces of the piston to contain the friction.

The Mono also inherits the large 46.8 mm diameter titanium intake valves to reduce mass and inertia and the 38.2 mm steel exhaust valves from the twin-cylinder Superbike engine. And obviously also the Desmodromic system.

The combination of very large valve diameters and high rpm introduces significant inertial stresses. For this reason, the intake valves of the Superquadro Mono are made of titanium, and their management is entrusted to the Desmodromic system, the only mechanical system, that allows the limits imposed by the valve springs to be overcome, enabling extreme valve lift laws with large diameter valves at high engine speeds. It is so effective that it can also be used on our MotoGP bikes!

In designing this engine, sophisticated materials were chosen for each component. For example, the cylinder barrel is made of aluminum rather than steel, and derives from that of the 1299 Superleggera. And the alternator, clutch and head covers are made of magnesium alloy.

This engine is also a benchmark when it comes to limiting vibrations. The Superquadro Mono has the first order forces completely balanced thanks to the use of two balancing countershafts positioned in the engine crankcase. These help to significantly reduce vibrations to a level comparable to a 90° V-twin. The gear ratios are modelled on those of the Panigale V4, with a long first gear for tackling corners at low speed, making the most of the engine's thrust in corner exit.