In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Premiere titled ‘A New Fighter in Town’, the firm has unveiled not one but surprisingly two new motorcycles. Ducati’s naked bike lineup is now bookended by an all-new junior Streetfighter V2 and the full-blown SP — Sports Production version of the existing Streetfighter V4 S. Let’s have a look at each of them in more detail.
The newly unveiled V2 sits at the lowest rung in the Streetfighter lineup. So, it could be a strong seller for the manufacturer as it has the mechanical elements from the Panigale V2 and the might of Ducati's design team. They don’t just strip the bodywork away to call it a naked bike but go above and beyond to make their creation more poised. When looked at from the front, the nose has the V-shaped LED DRL strip above the headlights defining the character of the motorcycle. Behind it is a wider handlebar that has been raised for a comfortable riding posture. To further enhance the riding experience, the 845mm high saddle is wider too with more padding while the footpegs are lowered to create more room for the rider.
Additionally, the winglets that appear on the V4 S are absent but can be attached as an accessory instead. Which we think is a miss because with 150bhp and weighing only 178kg (dry) intimates that the V2 could use more downforce at the front end for better high-speed stability. Or if that Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyre leaves the tarmac in case of wheelie.
It is powered by the same 955cc, Superquadro, twin-cylinder engine, from the Panigale V2 which produces 150bhp at 10,750rpm and 101.4Nm at 9000rpm and is mated to a six-speed gearbox with a slightly short final ratio. This familiar engine also provides structural strength to the rather familiar frame. Other chassis hardware is also similar, it has fully-adjustable 43mm Showa USD front forks with a Sachs steering damper and a fully-adjustable Sachs mono-shock absorber at the rear. Though, the single-sided swingarm is 16mm longer than the Panigale V2, for better stability. Similarly, the braking duties are handled by dual Brembo M4.32 monobloc upfront and a single calliper at the rear but with the exception of pads. They are tailored to give a less aggressive bite.
The electronic suite is also carried over from the fully-faired sibling. Meaning, it has a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. It has a 4.3-inch colour TFT display and you can select three riding modes (Wet, Road, and Sport) and three power modes (High, Medium, Low) from that. And in terms of rider aids, it has cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking.
Apart from the unveiling of the V2, which is the most accessible in the Ducatis naked bike range, Ducati has also unveiled the full-blown extravagant Streetfighter V4 SP. Which is absolutely worthy of a bedroom poster. Design-wise, the SP version is the same but to differentiate itself from the standard version, it gets a black with brushed aluminium fuel tank livery inspired by the constructor’s — untouchable — ‘winter test’ WSBK and MotoGP race bikes. It also gets a progressive serial number embossed on the handlebar.
Put the styling aside and it has the same spec sheet as the V4 S version. Meaning, it is powered by the same 205bhp, 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine with its high-end electronics. Over and above it, the V4 SP loses 3kg weight. The SP tips the scale at 196kg (wet weight) thanks to the 5-split spoke carbon wheels which alone are 1.4kg lighter. This would reflect in better handling as the weight is saved in rotating unsprung mass. The inertia of the wheel has been decreased by 26% in the front and 46% in the rear, enhancing acceleration, braking, and cornering performance.
Both the Streetfighter V2 and the V4 SP will be launched in the international markets first in a few months’ time and then soon after, they will head to Indian shores. Watch out for this space for the launch story and the first ride review later on.