Ducati reveals new Streetfighter V4

The Streetfighter was an instant hit thanks to its minimalistic aesthetic – inspired by The Joker made famous by DC Comics – and was slated as a stripped-down version of the Panigale sportbike but still with a focus on performance. With the Panigale range receiving a host of upgrades for 2023, the Streetfighter will also receive similar upgrades to stay in line with its more track-focused sibling.

The most significant of these changes comes in the form of the electronic boosts given to the Panigale last week. The four power modes of the Panigale (Full, High, Medium and Low) are now all fully available on the Streetfighter, with Low Power Mode reducing the power output to a more manageable 165PS (121kW) when on low-grip surfaces. High and Medium options have also seen their Ride by Wire systems remapped for improved responsiveness.

A ‘Wet Mode’ has also been added for improved performance in the rain or on wet surfaces. The MotoGP-developed Track Evo display mode makes its first appearance on the Streetfighter, giving riders a sense of how a grand prix rider reads information while on the bike.

The uprated Desmosedici Stradale engine gives the 2023 Streetfighter V4 and V4 S a minor boost in power to 208PS (153kW), up from 205PS on the previous model, while Ducati claims the adjustments to the Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system will improve stability overall. The EBC EVO 2 software has been developed to optimise the stability of the bike through extreme cornering conditions, while the DQS EVO 2 system will improve stability during mid-corner shifting.

Totally new to the Streetfighter range for 2023 is the Streetfighter V4 SP2. A numbered model, the V4 SP2 is aimed at those who will be making regular visits to their local track day. Presented in a matt black and matt carbon ‘Winter Test’ livery, inspired by the colours seen on Ducati Corse bikes at MotoGP and World Superbike pre-season tests, the SP2’s racing feel is emphasised through the removal of the license plate holder.

It’s not just the look of the Streetfighter SP2 that differentiates it from the V4 and V4 S models, with ‘exclusive technical equipment’ which Ducati claims makes the Streetfighter V4 SP2 even more effective when it comes to track riding.

High-strength carbon fibre wheels, with five split spokes, allow a weight saving of 1.4g over the V4 S model, and 3.4g against the V4, while braking performance and stability is improved thanks to Brembo Stylema R calipers on the front wheel. The SP2 also features identical springs and suspension hydraulics as the Panigale V4, with the only difference being a fork spring preload reduced to 6mm from 11mm

Like the Panigale once more, the Streetfighter V4 SP2 adopts a dry clutch, allowing the use of the special oil developed by Shell in collaboration with Ducati Corse.

The 2023 Streetfighter V4 starts at £21,095 and is only available in Ducati Red, while the V4 S starts at £22,895 and also features the Gray Nero colour option. The V4 SP2 costs £30,595, which is almost as eye-watering as its performance figures, and is only available in the Winter Test livery.