Ducati Streetfighter V2 and V2S (2025) – Technical Review

Launched alongside the completely redesigned Panigale V2 the new 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is the second machine to get the company’s brand-new V-twin engine and to follow the path of less power and less weight rather than continuing the upward spiral of horsepower.

With the old 955cc Superquadro V2 engine – the last development of the motor that debuted with the 1199 Panigale back in 2011 – ending production this year in the face of new Euro5+ emissions rules, the previous Streetfighter V2 that used that motor was always destined to die before 2025. But instead following the usual pattern and replacing it with something even more potent, Ducati has taken note that customers might not actually need the 153hp that the old model offered, and might prefer something that was more scalpel, less sledgehammer, in its approach.

Pros & Cons

Launched alongside the completely redesigned Panigale V2 the new 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is the second machine to get the company’s brand-new V-twin engine and to follow the path of less power and less weight rather than continuing the upward spiral of horsepower.

With the old 955cc Superquadro V2 engine – the last development of the motor that debuted with the 1199 Panigale back in 2011 – ending production this year in the face of new Euro5+ emissions rules, the previous Streetfighter V2 that used that motor was always destined to die before 2025. But instead following the usual pattern and replacing it with something even more potent, Ducati has taken note that customers might not actually need the 153hp that the old model offered, and might prefer something that was more scalpel, less sledgehammer, in its approach.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Price

With a starting price of £13,990 the 2025 Streetfighter V2 is a remarkable £2400 cheaper than the 2024 machine that carries the same name – because title aside, there’s little shared between the model.

Even the Streetfighter V2 S with higher-spec Ohlins suspension undercuts the old bike, coming in at £15,990 compared to £16,395, reflecting the fact that the new V2 engine that’s the basis of the machines is going to be a more mass-made motor, eventually appearing in multiple models to help amortise its development costs.

The new Streetfighter V2 models won’t reach dealers until March next year, and will also be offered in A2-legal form with a restricted motor to suit the 35kW limit of that licence class. As with the new Panigale V2, you get no choice when it comes to colours: red is all that Ducati is offering.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2SV2 & V2S - Engine & Performance

The 890cc ‘V2’ engine (Ducati simply calls it that, rather than adopting a more romantic title like Testastretta or Superquadro – the titles of the two existing V-twins that it will eventually replace) is a huge departure for the company. It’s the first Ducati V-twin to eschew the desmodromic valve system that’s been a hallmark of the company’s bikes since the bevel-drive twins that debuted in the early 70s, switching to a more conventional set of valve springs in pursuit of reduced costs and lower servicing requirements.

Ducati has already gone in this direction with the Granturismo V4 engine that’s used in bikes like the Multistrada V4, with little to no outcry from fans, and while the Desmo system remains in use on higher-performance engines like those in the Panigale V4, Streetfighter V4 and of course Ducati’s MotoGP bikes, there’s little benefit to using it in engines further down the food chain.

Not that this is a low-performance engine by any means. With 120hp at 10,750rpm and 68.8lb-ft at 8250rpm – identical figures to those of the new Panigale V2 – it’s up there with rivals like the Yamaha MT-09 in terms of power. It just doesn’t need to resort to Desmo valve gear to achieve it. Instead, there’s tech including variable intake valve timing via an automotive-style cam-phasing system, something Ducati already has experience with thanks to its old DVT-equipped twins.

As on the Panigale, the focus isn’t purely on peak power, and Ducati says that at least 70% of peak torque is avaible all the way from 3000rpm to the redline.

Drive goes through a six-speed box with Ducati’s second-generation quickshifter as standard, and there’s a comprehensive package of riding modes and rider assists including cornering traction control, wheelie control and engine brake control, while S model also gains a pit lane limiter and launch control.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Like the engine, the Streetfighter V2 borrows its frame from the Panigale V2 – a cast aluminium monocoque chassis that doubles as the airbox, while using the engine itself as much of the structure.

The swingarm – double-sided design similar to the one on the 2025 Panigale V4 – is bolted directly to the engine, while the seat subframe is a bolt-on aluminium casting.

It’s the same story with the suspension. As on the 2025 Panigale V2, the base Streetfighter V2 uses Marzocchi 43mm USD forks and a Kayaba rear shock, while the Streetfighter V2 S features Ohlins NIX 30 forks and an Ohlins shock. Whichever model you choose, the suspension is fully adjustable, and an Ohlins steering damper is optional.

New wheels, 1kg lighter than the old design, are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rossa IV rubber and both versions of the bike use the same Brembo brake system with M50 monobloc calipers, each 140g lighter than the previous M4.32 units, on 320mm discs.

The engine itself is Ducati’s lightest V-twin ever, coming in at under 60kg as a complete unit, and the monocoque frame weighs only 4kg. The result is that the new Streetfighter V2 is remarkably slim at just 177kg including fluids, but without fuel, while the S model is even lighter at 175kg. That’s 18kg less than the old Streetfighter V2, helping to offset the 33hp power deficit in a straight line, while also giving a big boost in corners.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Comfort & Economy

Ducati claims to have designed the ergonomics of the Streetfighter V2 to maximise enjoyment in casual riding, keeping the required effort low and comfort high.

The seat measures in at 838mm high, and the pegs are low enough to let you put weight on them without straining your knees – at least that’s what Ducati says. The bars are typically wide and high, with a tapered aluminium bar and adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The fuel tank – another component lifted from the Panigale V2 – is intended to be shaped to provide support during braking and cornering, keeping pressure off your wrists and arms.

There’s no detail yet on the economy figures or the tank size, but the reduced power level compared to the previous Streetfighter V4 and the bike’s compliance with the latest emissions rules hints that it will be more economical than its predecessor, not that it’s something most buyers are likely to have high on their priority lists.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Equipment

Again, the similarities with the new Panigale V2 shine through with the Streetfighter’s electronics. The bike gets the same 5-inch TFT dash and new bar controls including a joystick to navigate the menus.

Where previous models had physical warning lights separate to the TFT display, they’re now integrated with it, with the exception of the red LED overrev indicator. There’s a shift indicator built into the dash, too, the rev counter turning green at the ideal time to change up, and red as you approach the limiter. There’s also an orange colour that’s used when the bike is running in to indicate that you’re exceeding the recommended running-in revs.

The dash features Road, Road Pro and Track modes, each changing the layout, and automatically switches between light and dark modes depending on the time of day and level of ambient light.

As on the Panigale V2, you can option a track-only Termignoni exhaust that cuts another 4.5kg from the mass and adds 6hp for a total of 126hp. A turn-by-turn navigation system is also optional, and you can pair the dash to your phone by Bluetooth for music and calls, provided you have a suitable communication system in your helmet.

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Rivals

The Streetfighter V2 looks like a compelling package but it has some serious competition in this part of the market. Not only does it need to beat the (much cheaper) Yamaha MT-09 SP, but KTM’s newly-launched 990 Duke R will be a direct competitor and Triumph’s Street Triple 765 RS also offers a strong package for less cash.

KTM 990 Duke R | Price: £TBA

Read more

Power/Torque

128bhp / 76lb-ft

Weight

190kg

Triumph Street Triple 765 RS | Price: £11,995

Read more

Power/Torque

128bhp / 59lb-ft

Weight

188kg

Yamaha MT-09 SP | Price: £11,806

Read more

Power/Torque

117bhp / 68.6lb-ft

Weight

197kg

2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2/V2S - Verdict

We’ll tell you when we’ve ridden it but the revised SFV2 sure looks the business. Easier to ride and manage than the firm’s bigger, stronger, faster Streetfighter V4 and the new motor shave a heap of weight which is bound to benefit the bike’s handling. We’re eager to bring you the full and comprehensive review.

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2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 & V2S - Technical Specification

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The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.