2022 Streetfighter V2: What is Ducati up to with their new and upcoming bikes?

 After introducing the Desmosedici Stradale engine with the Panigale V4 in 2018, Ducati has changed its strategy. They are utilizing the V4 platform for multiple lineups of motorcycles. After the Panigale V4 was the first attempt to introduce a V4 engine in a Ducati motorcycle. The new powerplant took the motorcycle world by storm. The punchy and aggressive power delivery of the engine impressed everyone on board.  Not only the motorcycle enthusiasts but the regular riders were impressed with the new motor. The result of this impressive upgrade was visible through the sales figure. 

The new 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 in all of its glory (Image: Ducati)

Although the V4 was their flagship, they needed a midrange engine. Since the 959 and the 998 were already an established lineup, they didn't bother to upgrade from it. They did rebrand the lineup with a Panigale V2 model, though. This bike had an almost similar design to its elder brother. Like its ancestor, the new engine was 955cc with punchy power delivery. The rebranding was an instant success in 2020. And now, Ducati is using a similar strategy of utilizing this platform in multiple product lineups. Alongside the Panigale, there is a new Streetfighter motorcycle with a V2 engine. 

The engine specification

The new Streetfighter got the same 955cc V2 engine with 100mm bore and 60.8mm stroke per cylinder. Due to this characteristic, this bike provides an impressive 153 BHP at 10,750 RPM. The 90° difference between two cylinders offers the best 101.4 Nm torque at 9000 RPM. The new engine managed to follow Euro-5 compliant but without a sacrifice on power and torque.

The new 955cc V2 engine for the Streetfighter V2 with street-oriented gearing setup (Image: Ducati)

On the Panigale, those specifications were exciting. Ducati changed the characteristics with an upgraded sprocket setting. They opted for better torque delivery in the low and mid RPMs with a 15/45 setup. The two tooth increment on the rear sprocket is specific to road usage on the Streetfighter.

The chassis

The chassis setting is unchanged from the Panigale lineup with an Aluminum monocoque frame. The front and rare suspensions were from Showa and Sachs, respectably. The front one is a 43mm BPF unite with full adjustability. The rear of the bike gets the complete adjustments with Sachs mono shocks. The wheelbase is longer with a 16 mm more extended swingarm. Ducati says it is for better stability on the road. 

43mm BPF from Showa with upgraded front caliper pads (Image: Ducati)

Aside from the chassis diameters, the new bike gets some road-focused upgrades with seat padding and riding positions. The new rider ergonomics provides a lower foot position for better road comfort. It also has a more upright and wider handlebar compared to a Panigale. To improve breaking power, Ducati gave new pads to the already impressive front calipers from Brembo.

Streetfighter design

Like the V4 counterparts, the V2 lineup gets the same treatment from Panigale to Streetfighter. When the internals is almost alike, the design from the tank to the front is different. The Streetfighter V2 gets almost similar design cues, such as its elder sibling. If you look from a distance, both siblings might be indistinguishable for a nacked eye. 

Front end design of the new Streetfighter V2  (Image: Ducati)

New sculpted tank of the Streetfighter V2  (Image: Ducati)

Indistinguishable Streetfighter V2 design from the the elder sibling  (Image: Ducati)

The jocker-style front headlight is present with this model. The front of the tank is also similar to a Streetfighter V4. Due to those design changes, the V4 and V2 are incomparable unless you look closely.

Electronics

Among all features, Ducati motorcycles were are distinguishable from other brands for electronics. They do not shy out from offering their bests with the rider aids. Those are the options that increase the price tag of a Ducati motorcycle. Compared to other motorcycle brands, European manufacturers ask more for their products. Their bikes are pricier during the first purchase as well as while servicing. The Streetfighter V2 does not shy down from implementing every rider aids. All the electronic aids are manageable through a 4.3" TFT full-colored instrument cluster.

There are Rider modes, Power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) Evo, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO available with this new bike. Ducati is even offering an Auto tire calibration feature which completes the safety feature. Aside from the safety pieces of equipment, the new motorcycle also gets some conventional types of stuff. The most impressive thing among them is the up and down Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) EVO 2, which provides smooth gear change. The Streetfighter V2 also has a Sachs steering damper for better stability at high speed. There is a 6-axis IMU present with the bike to improve electronic riders aids while cornering and in the straights.

With the help of those components, many riders can start riding fast with safety. After getting some confidence, the riders can also turn off the aids for a more engaging riding experience. 

Concussions

On the 4th episode of Ducati World Première 2022, there were two new bike announcements. One was the Streetfighter V2, and the other was the SP version of the Streetfighter V4 motorcycle. Like the Panigale V4 SP, this bike had similar upgrades and Ducati's winter-style livery from WSBK and MotoGP off-season testing. Even more impressive than that motorcycle was the Streetfighter V2 since it was the first of its class. The $16,995 price tag is justifiable or not is the question. Whether it is comparable to the sub $10K pricing of the Yamaha MT 07 or not is yet to see. 

The all new 2022 Streetfighter V4 SP with the winter testing livery from World SBK and MotoGP  (Image: Ducati)

What do you think about the new Streetfighter V2 from Ducati? Do you plan to buy one? Or does the Streetfighter V4 SP entice you more?