The Streetfighter V2 gets DWC and DTC, to keep front wheels (more or less) down and rear wheels hooked up. (Ducati Motor Holding/)

Once upon a time, hooligan sport riders applied maximum recklessness to early, fragile ABS plastic fairings—creating the streetfighter. The naked pugilistic look stuck. Why fix something you’d just break again? Early ‘90s aside, Ducati’s new “Fighter Formula” aims for a different sort of streetbike fight.

Ducati’s 2022 Streetfighter V2 channels hoodlum tendencies through an alphabet soup of rider aids and technological improvements, resulting in the finest expression of the streetfighter form so far—fighting spirit inspired by the track.

No kickstands at the track, bro; five-spoke alloy wheels and single-sided swingarm on full display. (Ducati Motor Holding/)

At 392 pounds dry, with 955cc putting 153 hp on tap, the V2 checks off the most important boxes. Following power-to-weight ratios, ergonomics come next. High and wide aluminum handlebars replace the handlebar risers of the Panigale V2, along with a wider saddle, repositioned footpegs and 0.9 inch more single-sided swingarm length. All of this gives the rider a larger bridle over the considerable stable of horses.

At its heart is a 955cc four-valve liquid-cooled L-twin, or Superquadro. The 153 hp comes at 10,750 rpm, with 74.8 pound-feet of torque happening at 9,000 rpm. Surrounding it are updated bodywork and livery that closely channel the V2′s larger sibling, the Streetfighter V4. The DRL LED headlight and fascia mimic the distinct vee-shape of the Panigale’s, minus several square feet of fairings and plastics. Did you know it was inspired by the Joker’s grin? You probably heard.

The Streetfighter V2 shares the upright posture and aggro stance of its larger V4 sibling. (Ducati Motor Holding/)

The V2 gains two teeth (15/45 versus 15/43 for the Panigale V2) for greater torque at real-world speeds. The V2 suspension is borrowed from the Panigale V2 with fully adjustable 43mm Showa BPF fork up front with a fully adjustable Sachs shock in back. Twin 320mm discs paired with Brembo Monoblock four-piston calipers slow things down with the help of Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, just like the two-caliper piston and 245mm disc in back. Rake and trail are identical to the Panigale V2′s 24 degrees and 3.7 inches.

The Streetfighter V2 also gets the complete electronic package featuring every acronym yet invented in Bologna. In addition to the aforementioned ABS EVO, there are DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DWC (Ducati Wheelie Control), EBC (Engine Brake Control), and as an option, DDA+  (Ducati Data Analyser+) with GPS module. You’ll interface with all this on the 4.3-inch TFT display, with the option to add DMS (Ducati Multimedia System) to integrate Bluetooth functionality.

A fight not joined is a fight not enjoyed: the Ducati Streetfighter family, Streetfighter V2, Streetfighter V4 SP, and Streetfighter V4. (Ducati Motor Holding/)

The Streetfighter V2 wears slightly more casual shoes, in the form of Pirelli Rosso II tires, rather than the Panigale’s Diablo Rosso Corsa IIs. Brake pads are said to have less initial bite than the Panigale’s, for less alarming brakework. The three rider modes are Sport, Road, and Wet, as opposed to the Panigale’s Race, Sport, and Street. And therein lies the Streetfighter V2′s identity—track power you can pave city streets with.

Simply put, the new Streetfighter V2 is the Panigale V2. Trackday rats have loved the Panigale since its 2012 birth. The Streetfighter V2 lets you ride Bologna’s beast upright, with the wind punching you square in the face. Just twist the throttle to punch right back.

The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 brings a bit of trackday to a street near you. (Ducati Motor Holding/)

2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Technical Specs and Price

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com