Ducati Streetfighter V2 officially announced | features & details

THE inevitability of the Ducati Streetfighter V2 doesn’t detract from the importance of the machine. The new Streetfighter V2 takes all of the tech and know-how from Ducati’s Panigale V2, packed into an easier to ride and more accessible platform.

The heart of the bike is the 955cc V-twin Superquadro engine that resides in the current Panigale V2. Tuned for road-going usability, the new Streetfighter gives away a couple of BHP to its faired sibling, while torque is marginally down also – 153bhp and 74.8lb-ft as opposed to 155bhp and 77lb-ft as found in the Panigale.

A quick shifter is standard on the new model, facilitating both up and down clutchless shifting. The final drive ratio has also been shortened for the new naked model, no doubt going some way to mask the slightly lower overall output of the new machine.

As with most of Ducati’s premium models, the SF V2 used the engine as a stressed member in the frame, fastening the frame directly to the head of the engine. A new subframe has been utilised for the bike, presumably to help it carry the weight of rider plus pillion – and who knows, maybe even luggage.

At the back of the bike, the swingarm has been lengthened by 16mm over the item found on the Panigale V2, something that should help with high-speed stability. The suspension hardware on the new model is the same kit found on the Panigale, meaning you get fully adjustable 43mm forks and a fully adjustable rear show – Showa and Sachs respectively. The hardware may be familiar but the settings are all new, with Ducati completely revising the new Streetfighter for more dependable and comfortable dynamics. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV hoops round out the rolling stock of the new bike.

Ducati Streetfighter V2 power and torque

Braking the new bike are Brembo M4 calipers although slightly softer and more forgiving pads have been used, along with new zeros and ones in the cornering ABS system.

The rider triangle of the bike is obviously all-new, with Ducati creating a more relaxed and easy-going seating position. The pegs are significantly lower now, with the bars sitting higher, and the seat wider than that found on the sports bike it is based upon.

The electronics package of the new bike includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking control and the up and down quickshifter. Riding modes include sport, road, and wet. Each includes dedicated traction control, wheelie control settings. Each riding mode includes a pre-set power mode also, and each, in turn, is linked to its own dedicated throttle map.

Ducati Streetfighter V2 specs

 Clever torque mapping has been introduced for the bike. It groups together the gears and applies a specific torque map for each group of cogs.

Fans of the Streetfighter V4’s insect-like styling won’t be disappointed by the new V2. It looks like the identical twin of the bigger machine – right down to the biplane winglets on either side of the front side panels. Ducati is also guaranteeing the new V2 will produce 27kg of downforce at 164mph – that’s about one-fifth the weight of a polar bear. Just in case you wanted a visualisation.

For those wanting more poke from the new V2, a full titanium Akrapovič system is ready to bolt. The track-only (yeah right) exhaust is claimed to help unlock an extra 4bhp, taking the total to 157bhp. All while shaving 7kg from the bikes total weight.

To check out the press conference for yourself, head to: www.ducati.com