When you’re done riding a motorcycle, you’ll have a laundry list of opinions—the power’s like this, the handling’s like that, and so on. As close to perfection as modern motorcycles come, there is no ideal motorcycle, and every wonderful thing is balanced by something disagreeable, bothersome, or downright awful. There is maintenance that for every power this. There is a cost for every managing that. Those motorcycles, though, aren’t any less memorable as a result. Most of the time, it makes them even more memorable.
That is the situation with the Ducati Streetfighter V2 2022. The Bologna brand’s latest Panigale Streetfighter has a strong similarity to its V4 cousin but is less expensive. Ducati takes the slick bodywork and aggressive ergos of the category-bending Panigale V2 sportbike and removes them without losing the platform’s performance potential.
The Streetfighter V2 has the same race-ready Superquadro 90-degree V2 and monocoque aluminum frame as the Streetfighter V1, but with higher handlebars and an eye-catching appearance. Those ostensibly street-going features piqued our interest in spending a week with the 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2. Spoiler alert: the outcomes were unforgettable.
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How Maneuverable Is The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2?
The die-cast monocoque frame bolts directly to the cylinder heads of the Superquadro V2, conserving weight while containing the air filter, throttle bodies, and fuel circuit. Ducati adds a 43mm Showa BPF fork, Sachs rear shock, and Sachs steering damper to the small package. That combination provided a decently pleasant ride through pothole-infested city streets, but it really shone in the twisties.
The handling was flawless. Wherever I looked, the bike was there, tagging apexes with ease and consistency. The dual Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers, self-bleeding master cylinder, and dual 320mm discs delivered pinpoint accurate braking after long straights, allowing me to maintain optimal turn speed before shooting the Superquadro out of the exit.
The combination of supersport agility and super naked power is what makes the Ducati such an enthralling experience. My only pause occurred when I realized Ducati had encased the five-spoke wheels in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires. Given the Streetfighter’s specs, I would have chosen the Panigale V2’s Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II hypersport tires, but the road-oriented rubber worked wonderfully in all situations.
Of course, electronic safety features like traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and engine braking control aid in the care and feeding of those dual-compound tires. However, the rider aids aren’t all nannies, with the Quick Shift EVO 2 providing nearly smooth upshifts and downshifts for thrill-seekers. The adrenaline junkies will flock to the Streetfighter V2 because, for all of its performance and precise advantages, the Ducati nevertheless has a practical disadvantage.
What Are the 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Capabilities?
Ducati’s Superquadro engine is 955cc in size, with a bore of 100 millimeters and a stroke of 60.8 millimeters. That doesn’t stop Bologna’s engineers from extracting every last ounce of performance from the 90-degree V-twin. With dual injectors in each cylinder and a 12.5:1 compression ratio, the high-strung mill produces 153 horsepower (at 10,750 rpm) and 74.8 pound-feet of torque (at 9,000 rpm).
However, riding the Streetfighter V2 isn’t as thrilling as those stats imply—at least, not in most circumstances. Ducati offers its latest naked with three ride modes in the name of simplicity (Road, Sport, and Wet). While many companies (including Ducati) justify ride-by-wire technology and price tags with a wealth of customized options, the V2’s three-level approach meets all road conditions.
During my first trip atop the Streetfighter, I encountered a few places of rain, and the Wet mode dampened the V-initial twin’s surge without spoiling the excitement. So much so that I neglected to return to Road mode when the pavement dried, and I continued without complaint. Wet mode gave a mellower sensation that flourished in urban environments, resembling the power pulses of a middleweight naked bike.
That is not to argue that the Road and Sport modes are unmanageable. On the contrary, both settings perform equally well in congested conditions, although the snappy throttle crack and hefty engine braking suit more spirited excursions. The V2 is still manageable at 4,000 rpm, but the rider may turn up the wick at any time. The Superquadro fully comes to life around 8,000 rpm, with torque and horsepower swiftly approaching the redline at 11,500 rpm.
That 8,000-rpm surge is thrilling in Road mode, but in Sport mode, it’s like going into hyperdrive. The wind rushes by, your peripheral vision blurs, and you cling to life for dear life. The sensation should not be frightening or panic-inducing for experienced riders, but it is surely worth a few chuckles. The Streetfighter V2 only gives up two horsepower and 1.9 lb-ft of torque to its sportbike sibling, putting the Superquadro right at home in the super naked category. This is because of the sophisticated monocoque aluminum frame.
The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Pros And Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great electronics | On extended rides, the handlebar position causes wrist cramps. |
| More favorable riding position than Panigale V2 | A low-cost Ducati is still a high-priced motorcycle. |
| Quality power delivery, versatility, and street practicality |
How Practical Is The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2?
Modern naked bikes provide customers with a more comfortable and practical alternative to hard-edged sportbikes. Ducati softens the edges of the Panigale V2 with high handlebars, a longer, wider seat, and lower footpegs. Aside from the road-going ergonomics, the Streetfighter V2 is essentially supersport without the fairings. Fuel consumption is rarely an issue for such race-bred sportbikes, and the Streetfighter is no exception.
The V2’s tank has a capacity of 4.5 gallons, however, the most I could fit into the fuel cell was 2.5 gallons. I should mention that as soon as the low-fuel light on the dash, I found a filling station, but the longest distance I could travel before that point was 90 miles. I got between 29 and 33 mpg while driving the Streetfighter. That mileage will almost likely turn off commuters, but it’s not the only disadvantage of the thirsty V-twin.
Those interested in the Streetfighter V2 won’t need to purchase an extra heated seat for the cooler months; the bike’s exhaust system delivers that winter warmth as standard. The rear header is coil-coated and routed under the saddle before it enters the catalytic converter. The Streetfighter has a dual-layer heat shield to deflect hot air away from the rider, but the effect fades once the bike comes to a stop.
On high-traffic highways, engine heat builds up. The engine temperature gauge on the 4.3-inch TFT dash reached 216 degrees at its maximum point (F). In motion, the temperature decreases to 193 degrees Fahrenheit (F), yet the heat immediately wafts off the pipe and onto the pilot’s legs before warming the seat and the rider’s undies. As a result, I avoided rush hour at all costs and kept the Superquadro engine running.
Fortunately, the TFT color screen assisted me in keeping track of the situation, but many riders would like a larger dash. The screen prominently displays key information such as speed, gear position, and rpm, but it is difficult to quickly acquire information such as trip distance, time, ambient temperature, and engine temperature. Navigating the submenus is also not the most intuitive experience. The blinker switch on the left-hand grip also serves as the mode button, and switching between them takes some practice. I get accustomed to the system with time, but the UI is rather simple, particularly at the $16,995 price point.
What Are The 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Specifications?
Here you can see the specifications of the 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Power | 112,3 kW (153 CV) @ 10.750 giri/min |
| Seat Height | 845 mm (33,3 in) |
| Displacement | 955 cc |
| Dry Weight | 178 kg (392 lb) |
| Torque | 101,4 Nm (74,8 lb-ft) @ 9.000 rpm |
| Engine | 955cc V-Twin |
| Wet Weight | 441 lbs (200 kg) |
| Bore x Stroke | 100 x 60,8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Exhaust | 2-1-2-1 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 2 lambda probes |
| Fuel Injection | Electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies |
| Suspension Rear | Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Aluminum single-sided swingarm |
| Brakes Front | 2 x 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 4-piston callipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO. Self bleeding master cylinde |
| Suspension Front | Fully adjustable Showa BPF fork. 43 mm chromed inner tubes |
| Tires Front | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 120/70 ZR17 |
| Tires Rear | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV 180/60 ZR17M |
| Transmission | 6 speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17 l – 4.5 gallon (US) |
| MSRP (Price) | $16,995 (Ducati Red) / $17,495 (Storm Green) |
Final Thoughts
If you want a bike that rides on rails and bursts out of corners while also providing a comfortable ride on the road, the 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2 should be at the top of your list. Look elsewhere if you expect that bike to also get good gas mileage and operate cool in city situations. I had a great time with the Streetfighter V2, but the customer’s lifestyle and needs will determine whether it’s the perfect bike for them.
The Panigale V2’s road-ready ergonomics and appearance may adapt it to life on the streets, but the Streetfighter V2 benefits and suffers from its Superquadro engine. The Streetfighter V2, as a member of the Panigalus Impracticalus species, is here for a good time, not a long time. That may not be suitable for all riding styles, but it certainly makes for a memorable experience every time you swing your leg over the Ducati.