Ducati’s 2022 Streetfighter V2 has found just the right balance between power and performance with a composed chassis and 955cc twin. (Ducati/)

Ups

• Great power delivery, versatile and practical for the street
• All of the excellent electronics you want from a Ducati
• More relaxed riding position than Panigale V2

Downs

• An affordable Ducati is still an expensive motorcycle
• Handlebar position cramps wrists on long rides
• Less aggressive brake pad compound than Panigale

Verdict

Taking cues from the Panigale V2 and its 955cc Superquadro 90-degree V-twin engine, Ducati has taken the natural step of building a naked version of that fully faired sportbike. A more upright riding position with a one-piece handlebar, more relaxed footpeg position, and street-oriented nature make the Streetfighter V2 a great everyday ride. While the other bikes in the Streetfighter range have grown into 1,103cc asphalt rippers putting out 200-plus horsepower, the V2 has kept it real by keeping the door open for a wider variety of buyers.

The Ducati Streetfighter V2 is essentially a stripped-down, bare-skinned version of the Panigale V2 sportbike intended as a more practical option to its Streetfighter V4 lineup. (Ducati/)

Overview

Naked sportbikes are all about raw performance in a simple stripped-down package, but they’re also meant to be more practical and enjoyable for everyday street riding. As Ducati’s larger-displacement Streetfighter range has gained cylinders with the introduction of the V-4 engine, price and power have pushed their limits ever higher. The Streetfighter V2 hopes to make Ducati’s naked sportbikes more accessible. Not only is the $16,995 price tag at least more accessible, at $3,000 less than the lowest-priced V4, but the V2 has a friendly yet still potent power output that, when combined with an excellent suite of electronic rider aids, makes the V2 an incredible streetbike.

As this bike is a stripped-down lean-muscle version of the Panigale V2, Ducati pushed the footpeg position down and forward for a less aggressive stance, as well as thickening and widening the saddle for more comfort. (Ducati/)

Naked sportbikes have been around for decades, but Ducati has always managed to keep its Streetfighter offerings true to the company’s image, with raw power, amazing styling, and excellent performance. They really are stripped down, not dumbed down, versions of sportbikes like the Panigale. Riding to work during the week and ripping curvy roads on the weekend is what the Streetfighter V2 is all about.

Updates for 2022

This is a brand-new model for 2022, meant to fill the gap left when Ducati adopted the V-4 engine configuration on its most-potent sportbikes and superbikes.

Ducati offers a number of performance-minded accessories via its parts catalog, including biplane winglets, which are priced at a pretty staggering $1,492. (Ducati/)

Pricing and Variants

The Streetfighter V2 is available in Ducati Red for $16,995 and Storm Green for $17,495. The Sport accessory package with its carbon fiber and billet aluminum accessories is an additional $1,270.

Competition

Nakeds or streetfighters have evolved from the OG Triumph Speed Triple, while over time a ton of others have jumped on the bandwagon like KTM’s 1290 Super Duke, Aprilia’s Tuono RSV4, MV Agusta’s Dragster RR SCS, and BMW’s S 1000 RR. The Japanese got in the game too, with bikes like the Honda CB1000R, Kawasaki’s Z900 and Z H2, and Yamaha’s MT-10, MT-09, and MT-07.

The Streetfighter V2 is dripping with race-inspired electronics; a six-axis IMU manages all the electronic controls of the bike. Modes can be individually customized to rider preferences via the Streetfighter V2′s 4.3-inch TFT display. (Ducati/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While the liquid-cooled 955cc Superquadro 90-degree V-twin engine is identical to the Panigale V2 in principle, Ducati made slight modifications for more practical street performance. Final drive gearing has been shortened via the addition of two teeth to the rear sprocket to aid engine response. Ducati claims the powerplant is good for 153 hp at 10,750 rpm and 74.8 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm.

The Streetfighter V2 has the subtle touch of a gentle giant at low rpm and a rough-and-tumble personality when ridden with aggression. Off-idle fueling and initial throttle response is direct with a solid connection to the rear wheel via Ducati’s finely calibrated ride-by-wire system. It’s easy to romp around between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm, taking advantage of the V2′s broad torque spread.

The Streetfighter V2’s one-piece handlebar is pushed forward enough to create an uncomfortable wrist pressure while logging big miles or extended track sessions. (Ducati/)

There’s a small window from 8,000 rpm to around 10,000 where the Streetfighter punches into a higher weight class with breathtaking acceleration and lofting wheelies, always an effective strategy for reducing front-tire wear. Its fighting spirit is short-lived, however, as it quickly signs off around its 11,500 rpm redline; a gear change via the clutchless Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) EVO 2 system managing the bike’s well-spaced six-speed gearbox is required.

Handling

The Streetfighter’s chassis is remarkably well-balanced. Although it’s fundamentally the same running gear as the Panigale V2′s, Ducati lengthened the single-sided swingarm by 16mm (0.6 inch) for additional stability and added two chain links to offset the gearing change. The final result is a wheelbase 26mm (1 inch) longer than the Panigale’s. But while the straight-line stability is excellent, the bike still smashes corner apexes. It carves, quickly, with a front-end feel that can be relied upon and planted midcorner composure, all of it complemented by a Showa BPF fork and Sachs shock that are resilient enough for racetrack conditions and balanced enough for on-road comfort.

A Showa BPF fork and Sachs shock are resilient enough for racetrack conditions and balanced enough for on-road comfort. (Ducati/)

Brakes

The Streetfighter V2 gets less aggressive brake pads than the Panigale in identical Brembo M4.32 Monoblock brake calipers. Feel at the lever is compromised a bit, but they still work quite well, as does Ducati’s ABS Cornering EVO system.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Cycle World has yet to test the bike on our own roads, so we’ll have to wait for real-world numbers

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

As this bike is a stripped-down lean-muscle version of the Panigale V2, Ducati pushed the footpeg position down and forward to a less aggressive stance, thickened and widened the saddle shape for more comfort, and fitted the Streetfighter with a motocross-style handlebar. Overall comfort is quite good and viable for the daily ride, but aggressive enough to take advantage of the V2′s sporting prowess.

The Streetfighter V2 has the subtle touch of a gentle giant at low rpm and a rough-and-tumble personality when ridden with aggression. (Ducati/)

Electronics

Yeah, the Streetfighter has a few bells and whistles: Ride modes include Sport, Road, and Wet. Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2 has eight levels plus off, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO has four levels, while the Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO has three levels. There are also multiple power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, auto-tire calibration, and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS); an optional Ducati Data Analyser with GPS, anti-theft system, and Ducati Multimedia System are available options.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ducati offers a 24-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Quality

Ducati now recommends normal maintenance service intervals of 7,500 miles and the first valve-clearance check at 15,000 miles, so buyers can rest easy and just ride.

Want to head to the racetrack after a long week of commuting to work? The Streetfighter V2 is up to the challenge. (Ducati/)

2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com