Ducati Streetfighter V2

The Ducati Streetfighter V2, to put it simply, is the naked version of the much-hallowed Panigale V2 sportbike. On the face of it, the Italian marque has replaced the latter’s fairing, clip-ons, and rear-set footpegs with a tubular handlebar, slightly forward-set pegs, and a Streetfighter V4-like bodywork for the V2. However, there are more changes which don’t meet the eye but make a significant difference out on the road. The Streetfighter V2, in essence, is meant to be more practical and easier to live with than the Panigale. 

While the idea sounds enticing, just like most other Ducatis, the SFV2’s price tag of Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom) comes across as quite steep. But, is it really exorbitant? Or, does the red Italian have some tricks up its sleeves to justify the price? Let’s find out.

This is where the Streetfighter V2 makes every other middle-weight naked look vanilla. If you haven’t seen one in the flesh, the design is drop-dead gorgeous. The animalistic front fascia looks menacing. The headlamp, when it comes on, looks like the intense eyes of a predator ready to attack stealthily. The sculpted fuel tank has pointed side bulges which, along with the beefy extensions and underbelly cowl, look like an athlete flexing its muscles. This is accompanied by a razor-sharp tail with twin LED taillamps tucked gracefully underneath. Courtesy of the swingarm being placed on the left side, the right side profile of the bike looks clean and elegant. 

The SFV2 has a high level of build quality and fit and finish to match its stunning design. I couldn’t stop admiring the finishing of the glossy red paint scheme which shouts extravagance. Similarly, the quality of plastic panels and their fitment don’t leave room for complaint. What feels a bit un-Ducati though is the loud clank every time you pull up the side stand. 

The specifications of the Streetfighter V2 are as appreciable as its design. Well, a 200kg motorcycle pumping out over 150bhp is no joke, right? Clinging on its monocoque aluminium frame is a 955cc, L-twin engine borrowed from the Panigale V2. Although the power and torque output numbers are measly 2bhp and 4Nm lower than the Panigale, the rear sprocket of the SFV2 has additional two teeth for punchier low-end thrust. 

The hardware package is upmarket enough to match the engine specs. The neatly chiselled 17-inch alloy wheels are suspended by Showa BPF USDs up front and a Sachs rear monoshock, both being fully adjustable. Bringing it to a halt is a pair of 320mm discs with Brembo M4-32 monobloc four-piston callipers at the front and a single 245mm rotor with a two-piston calliper. Ducati has also incorporated a Sachs steering damper to save the rider’s pants by mitigating the effect of tank slappers. 

As expected of a Ducati, there’s no dearth of electronic wizardry. Facilitated by a six-axis IMU, it offers three riding modes (Sport, Road, and Wet), power modes, cornering ABS with slide-by-brake function, traction control system, wheelie control, a bi-directional quick shifter, and engine brake control. And yes, all the riding modes are customisable. Displaying the bike’s information is a small TFT screen which is loaded with information. One can toggle through different screens and options via the up-down directional key and select button integrated within the turn indicator switch. As for the lighting setup, of course, it is all LED.

The engine of the Ducati Streetfighter V2 comes to life and settles into an idle with a mechanical cacophony. But when revved hard, the audio transforms into a loud and raspy growl which is sonorous. Slot it in the first gear, get going, and you realise this L-twin motor doesn’t like to be in the lower revs. Not that it’s completely reluctant, but anything below 3,500rpm is a slightly shuddery affair. However, as the revs climb, the Streetfighter comes into its element with vigorous propulsion until 6,000rpm. Then, the mid-range pull is profoundly strong which makes it a hoot to ride in the city. Even on the highway, a subtle blip of the throttle is enough to outpace all other vehicles.

Things get quite insane beyond 6,000rpm. The surge of torque is relentless and the SFV2 chases the horizon like nobody’s business. You have to crouch down on the fuel tank to fight the brutal windblast. And if you have the guts to keep the electronic intervention toned down, the front wheel keeps leaving the ground and the rear wheel constantly fights for traction. Damn, it crosses 150kmph and approaches 200kmph quicker than you expect. Plus, when you slam down the gearbox to reduce the pace, the revs drop with loud gurgles and crackles. Sweet!

The throttle is extremely direct and precise. Similarly, the gear shifts are crisp and false neutrals are close to none. However, the quickshifter isn’t the smoothest. Although it never misses a shift, you need to apply quite some effort to execute clutchless shifts. Surprisingly, on the bright side, this engine doesn’t heat up as quickly as on older Ducatis. Even when it does, the level of heat wafting on your thighs is bearable for the most part. 

What fascinated me is the stability with which the Streetfighter V2 does all of it. It feels rock solid in a straight line which is due to the swingarm being marginally longer than its faired sibling. Even the steering damper does a great job of keeping the front end in control. As for the handling, this Italian changes directions gracefully. Slicing through gaps in traffic feels like a child’s play and going around corners is equally effortless. The steering responds obediently, the chassis feels very communicative, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres dance along with tremendous grip and feel. 

The SFV2 has equally good brakes. The bite comes in quickly and strongly, bringing this juggernaut to a halt in no time. However, I felt that the response from the front brake lever should be slightly stronger. As for the ride quality, despite the suspension being set up on the stiffer side, it never felt uncomfortable. In fact, I felt the ride was almost plush over minor undulations while being just a tad jarring through deeper potholes. Lest I forget, it also saddles you with good comfort. You’re seated in a slightly crouching position but the seat is incredibly spacious and densely cushioned.

What I didn’t like though is the fact that it misses out on a fuel level indicator! And toggling through different screens on the TFT requires a lot of pressing of the buttons and takes some time to get used to. A joystick of sorts can make life easier. Moreover, if you like to go fast often, adding an accessory windscreen is a must.

Mind-numbing performance, premium components, and top-notch electronics are offered by most of the bikes at this price point. However, this Ducati brings all of that to the table with a siding of a raw and brash character, reasonable practicality, and an ultra-premium brand appeal which can be offered only by select two-wheeler makers across the globe. Not to mention, if you want your motorcycle to look breathtakingly beautiful, the Streetfighter V2 suffices. Yes, the asking price of Rs. 18.10 (ex-showroom) is slightly exorbitant. But that’s the price you pay for more exclusivity than most other bikes out there. 

Photography by Kapil Angane