Well, it took nine years, but that thumper may finally be in the pipeline...
https://www.motorcycle.com/new-model-preview/is-ducati-preparing-a-659cc-single.html
Is Ducati Preparing A 659cc Single? : September 28, 2022
There may be at least one surprise in store, however, as we’ve found evidence suggesting Ducati will introduce an entirely new engine: a liquid-cooled 659cc four-valve Single.
The proof comes to us via a new vehicle identification number (VIN) decoder Ducati recently submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Most of the other new engines match what we expect: a 1000cc V-Four for the Panigale V4 R, an 803cc air-cooled engine for the next-generation Scrambler, and two versions of the 1158cc V-Four destined for the Multistrada V4 Enduro and the Diavel V4.
The one engine that sticks out is a new liquid-cooled 659cc four-valve Single. But what could it possibly be for?
When we think of Ducati Singles, the first thing that naturally comes to mind is the legendary Supermono, which we’ve recently discussed on MO last month in an excerpt of Ian Falloon’s The Art of the Ducati, and a couple weeks ago in an Ask MO column. The Supermono famously employed one engine cylinder with a dummy connecting rod to counter the vibrations of a single moving piston. The Supermono, however, was built for “Sound of Singles” racing, but there currently isn’t a similar class that calls for a 650-ish Single.
Of course, Ducati also built singles long before the Supermono, and even long before the 90-degree V-Twins that defined much of the brand. Ducati’s original Scramblers of the ’60s and early ’70s were Singles, so perhaps the 659cc engine is for a new entry-level Scrambler.
The 2023 VIN decoder suggests the 803cc Scramblers are getting an updated engine, with a new eight-disc hydraulic clutch. But there doesn’t seem to be a similar replacement for the 399cc Scrambler Sixty2 that previously served as the beginner model.
However, all of Ducati’s modern Scramblers are air-cooled, including the redesigned engine, and the VIN decoder describes the new Single as being liquid-cooled. Unless Ducati had a philosophical change about the Scrambler, the new Single is likely destined for something else completely.
Looking at Ducati’s World Première schedule, the remaining episodes are titled “This is Racing”, “Pushing Forward”, “Dare to be Bold”, and “Next Gen Freedom”. The Racing episode will likely be for the Panigale V4 R, and Ducati has already hinted “Next Gen Freedom” episode will be for the new Scramblers. A Diavel V4 could fit either of the other two descriptions, leaving the other for something else, perhaps with the new Single-cylinder engine.
We’ll find out for certain in a few weeks.