The latest 2023 models revealed by Ducati earlier today are members of the powerful Streetfighter V4 family, which receive a number of revisions and updates.
Chassis changes and electronic changes underpin all three models including standard V4, V4 S and V4 SP2. The limited edition Streetfighter V4 SP2, as you might expect, has a number of exclusive, high-end features, such as carbon fiber wheels.
Here is the Ducati press release on the new Streetfighter V4 family, followed by a video:
Ducati unveils new Streetfighter V4 2023 and Streetfighter V4 SP2: the “Fight Formula” evolution
- Ducati Streetfighter V4 family evolves, applying the developments of the Panigale V4 range to the “Fight Formula”
- New chassis set-up and more extensive and effective electronic package: new torque curves differentiated gear by gear, Wet Riding Mode, Full Engine Mode
- The Streetfighter V4 SP2 adds the exclusive technical specifications of the “SP” models to the evolution of the “Fight Formula” to express its full potential on the track
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 20 October 2022 – In the fifth episode of the 2023 Ducati World Première web series, Ducati presented the new Streetfighter V4 family.
With the V4 and V4 S models, together with the more exclusive and performing V4 SP2, Ducati continues in the application and evolution of the winning “Fight Formula” to remain at the top of the segment with an unrivalled level of equipment.
Unveiled to the public in 2020, the Streetfighter V4 was an instant success and set new performance benchmarks in the super sports naked segment. Universally appreciated for its aggressive and minimalist aesthetic, characterized by a front inspired by the Joker of the comics, the Streetfighter V4 immediately entered the hearts of enthusiasts.
The natural evolution of the family is a bike that pushes the concepts of the “Fight Formula” even further, the key elements of which are the Panigale V4 stripped of the fairings, high and wide handlebar, 178 kg weight, 208 hp Desmosedici Stradale engine, biplane wings and latest generation electronic package. An improvement that follows that of the Panigale V4 family.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 2023 transmits sportiness, thanks to the standard single-seater configuration with saddle and passenger footrests supplied.
The design of the Streetfighter V4 is direct and minimal, with its full-LED front light and its V-shaped DRL that recalls the Panigale V4’s front view. The low, forward-canted front, as to extend the strong lines of the tank, gives the bike a predator look.
The fuel tank has the same shapes as on the Panigale V4 2022, which are designed to better support the rider during braking and cornering. It has a greater capacity (17 litres) and is embraced by new side covers.
The new “Front Frame” and the Desmosedici Stradale are left uncovered as much as possible, with a minimal bodywork that, through streamlined lines and sculptural volumes, create a clean, essential ensemble. In the V4 S version, the Streetfighter 2023 is available in a new, gritty “Grey Nero” livery, played on the contrast between the grey and the various black tones – dark and lucid – of the bodywork, that bring out the technical components like brakes and suspension and give the motorcycle an ever more aggressive, but still refined look.
Electronics
The new Streetfighter V4 implements the Power Modes logic already developed in the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Streetfighter configuration. There are four engine delivery strategies: Full, High, Medium, Low. Full and Low are newly devised, while High and Medium have been revised in strategy. Full Power Mode allows the engine to express its full potential with torque curves without electronic filters, except for first gear. For the High and Medium Power Modes, a new Ride by Wire map management system has been developed with dedicated calibration for each of the six gears, which ensures the rider always obtains the optimum thrust every time the throttle is opened. The Low Power Mode, on the other hand, has been designed for riding on low-grip surfaces, limiting the maximum power of the bike to 165 hp and offering a particularly manageable throttle response. The calibrations dedicated to the Streetfighter V4 guarantee maximum correlation between the torque value required by the rider and that actually delivered.
The Streetfighter V4 in the 2023 version sees the introduction of the brand-new Wet Riding Mode to make riding even safer on low-grip surfaces. The standard equipment is enriched by a lithium-ion battery for the S version (1.7 kg lighter than the previous one and already equipped on the V4 SP version).
The dashboard of the new Streetfighter V4 also follows the evolution traced by the Panigale V4. The graphics are revised in all views, to make the information simpler and more descriptive and support in the calibration of the various parameters.
As on the Panigale V4, the gear change is indicated via an external green LED signal. The dashboard offers the “Track Evo” display mode, which replicates the layout used on the MotoGP Desmosedici and guarantees an immediate view of the most important information and the intervention of the electronic controls.
The Streetfighter V4 2023 also evolves thanks to the new Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software which guarantees better stability, precision and directionality in the braking and corner entry phases and the possibility for the rider to define more precisely the electronic setup for each use. This software features a different gear-by-gear calibration on each of the three selectable levels. The new strategy was developed to optimize the intensity of the engine brake as a function of the load on the rear end. In the first braking phase, when there is little load on the rear tyre, the EBC EVO 2 provides less engine brake, then increasing it as you approach the centre of the corner, where the intervention of the engine brake makes the greatest contribution in slowing down the bike and closing the line. Thanks to this modification, which guarantees a more balanced intervention of the control on the engine brake in all riding conditions, the locking of the rear wheel in the most demanding braking sections is also reduced.
The Streetfighter V4 ’23 implements also a new strategy for the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) which improves the fluidity of shifting at every degree of opening of the throttle, both when the latter is partialized and when it is completely open, dealing with the two situations in a different way.
In partialized throttle shifting, the strategy acts both through an injection cut and a reduction of advance, making shifting in road use smoother thanks to the absence of engine shutdowns and re-starts. In fully open throttle shifting, typical of track use, the DQS strategy is refined with an evolution of the torque restitution phase that guarantees more stability to the bike and a more homogeneous and therefore more profitable thrust in the lap time.
Finally, an update of the cooling fan control strategy, which offers better management of operating temperatures and greater thermal comfort for the rider already at typical road use speeds, is added to these electronic changes.
Chassis and ergonomics
On the new Streetfighter V4, the chassis also follows the evolution of the Panigale V4 family to offer enthusiasts improvements in stability, front-end feeling and riding safety. The chassis includes Front Frame and single-sided swingarm, both in aluminium, with upside-down fork and mechanically adjustable shock absorber on the V4 standard version.
The Streetfighter V4 S features semi-active Öhlins suspension (NIX30 upside-down 43 mm fork and TTX36 shock absorber) with SmartEC 2.0 interface, gaining in versatility, effectiveness and rapidity in set-up. In addition, on the V4 S version, the rims are Marchesini forged in aluminium alloy with important benefits in terms of nimbleness when changing direction and responsiveness in acceleration and braking thanks to the reduction of unsprung masses.
As on the Panigale V4, the swingarm pivot of the Streetfighter V4 2023 is positioned 4 mm higher, increasing the anti-squat action that helps the rider thanks to greater stability, precision and the ability to maintain the trajectory when exiting corners and, in general, in all acceleration situations.
The weight distribution also moves towards the front, loading it more and thus increasing accuracy and speed in corner entry. Finally, the ergonomics benefit from the new layout of the fuel tank, the shape of which offers greater support to the rider during braking and cornering. The wet weight of the Streetfighter V4 S 2023 stands at 197.5 kg.
Engine
The 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale, capable of delivering 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 123 Nm in Euro-5 configuration, has been revised in calibration to match the larger diameter of the silencer outlet, introduced in order to reduce the exhaust back pressure. In addition, on the right side there is the clutch cover of the Panigale V4, which allows you to easily mount the dry clutch and the clutch cover protection.
Streetfighter V4 SP2
To push the performance of the Streetfighter V4 2023 even further, Ducati also presents the top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP2 model in a numbered version. A bike ready to hit the track, thanks to exclusive technical equipment that combines the “Fight Formula” with the “SP” specifications, making it even more effective in sports riding and in particular on the track.
Streetfighter V4 SP2 is offered in the “Winter Test” livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse bikes used during the pre-season tests of the MotoGP and SBK Championships. The matt black of the bodywork, combined with the matt carbon finish of the rims and wings, contrasts with the bright red accents and the brilliance of the exposed brushed aluminium tank, which we also find on the side covers of the radiators. The progressive number of the bike is lasered on the handlebar.
Streetfighter V4 SP2 is equipped with 5 split-spoke carbon rims*, 1.4 kg lighter than the forged aluminium ones mounted on the Streetfighter V4 S and able to reduce the moment of inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, making the bike significantly more nimble and lighter when changing direction. The Brembo Stylema R® front brake calipers* guarantee high braking power, as well as exceptionally consistent performance even in the case of prolonged use on the track*.
On the Streetfighter V4 SP2 the Desmosedici Stradale is equipped with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch*, which guarantees a better slipper function, even in the most aggressive of climbs, and more fluidity in all “off-throttle” phases, essential to be effective on the track when riding at the limit.
A contribution to performance between the curbs also comes from the Öhlins suspension with springs and hydraulics identical to those of the Panigale V4 which guarantee the rider the right confidence for riding at the limit
The equipment is completed by adjustable aluminium foot-pegs machined from solid that increase the lean angle and allow the rider to find the optimal position in the saddle, carbon front mudguard and by usable accessories on “track days,” such as an open carbon clutch cover**, a cap for removing the license plate holder and screws for removing the mirrors**.
Colours and availability
The Streetfighter V4 and V4 S models will be available in Ducati dealerships starting from January 2023, while the V4 SP2 version will arrive starting from March 2023. The colour range consists of Ducati Red and the new “Grey Nero” livery, which will be available only for the “S” version.
There is a wide range of accessories, which allow you to customize the Streetfighter V4 making it even sportier, starting with the Ducati Performance by Akrapovič full-racing exhaust**. Equipped with high silencers at the side of the tail, it allows a reduction of the total weight of 5 kilos and raises the maximum power to 220 hp. Noise is within the limit of 105 dB (102 dB with the dB killer installed).
The accessories catalogue also features street-legal slip-on systems, mudguards, aero kit and carbon fibre frame and crankcase protections, billet aluminium controls, but also tyre warmers and stands for those who want to use their Streetfighter V4 on the circuit.
The presentation videos of the new Streetfighter V4 and Streetfighter V4 SP2 are available on Ducati’s YouTube channel.
The press kit with product information and all the photographs of the new models of the Streetfighter family is available on Ducati Media House.
#StreetfighterV4 #PushForward #StreetfighterV4SP2 #TheUltimateFormula
* Bike specifications and dealer availability may vary from market to market
** This product is intended for vehicles used only in closed-course circuit. Operation on public roads is prohibited by law
Why on earth is a 200-hp naked bike even a thing?
…but, in “Low” power mode restricted to 165hp max with a more forgiving throttle curve…
It will never stop bothering me that any no skill anyone can buy a 200hp street bike no problem. But if you want one with less than half that much power that is light weight you’re on your own pal. Those things are too dangerous. Run away!
I think the one with the carbon wheels, upgraded front calipers and upgraded clutch costs nearly 50% more. But still considerably less than anything made by Arch or Confederate. Trick costs money. But crazy is.
Hoping they fixed to terrible fueling and sketchy handling characteristics that plagued this model when it was first released. I took one on an extensive test ride through the fun backroads of the Bay Area. The old 2005 750SS they also let me take out was noticeably faster through the same section of roads – it was faster and smoother everywhere except for the freeway onramp.
It’s moments like this where I read about the bikes that are for sale and think wow. Look at the sort of thing you can buy now days. Just pop in on a lark and pick up a 208hp motorcycle with carbon wheels from a regular evey day motorcycle shop. The closest dealer to my house is going to have these things just sitting around. It almost gives me the creeps knowing how many zero talent riders there are out there.
But then there is the oh brother part. It looks like the abbreviated tail section is here for the foreseeable future. I had gotten rained on quite a bit while riding a rented CB1000R that had a “tidy tail”. The rear tire constantly showered me from behind with water and road grime. When we pulled into Trier, Germany I looked like a gray ghost from the grime and I was soaked like I had never been before wearing the same gear. The guy riding my Multistrada wasn’t even wet at all in some areas. That gave me a very low opinion of abbreviated tail sections. And that was about 8 or 9 years ago.
Then the wings. What does the bike look like if you just pull them off and see if they can be recycled into something useful?
Did I miss the pricing? What cool little engines to repower little old sportscars with.
Dear Mfg’s,
Please stop making headlights that look like insect eyes (I’m talking to you, KTM). I am not interested in riding an insect, ever.
Thank you,
Consumers
You will comply and ride insects!
I rather like them.
You will like insects.
You will ride bikes that look like them.
You will eat them.
Vee know vot is best for you ja? You vill not stop us!
I live pretty near an iconic sport bike piece of pavement in So Cal. Back in my sport bike days it was nothing to see several hundred ricky racer bikes trolling up and down that road on a weekend. Today its rare that you see a handful.
Most now are adventure bikes or Harleys. Where is the market for all this Ducati stuff anyway?
I agree, sport-bike sales seem to have fallen off a cliff and I don’t see it improving any time soon.
Yes, that’s why there are now so many versions of the Diavel, Scrambler, and Multistrada.
Times have indeed changed.
Sport Bike Buyers are like me today, mostly over 70, sparse white hair and white beard. We’ve moved onto buying Adventure Bikes.
These old guys are still fast on the bike. They may have a hard time swinging a leg over the bike (literally), but once they get going they’re very smooth and hard to keep up with. I had a very hard time keeping up with Gurney on Ortega Hwy who was well over 70. Though our hair is thinning and our backs are stiff, our balls remain the same size and foolishness still abounds in our hearts.
They destroyed the racing series that advertised sport bikes. The 600cc sport bike used to be a best seller. I think it’s odd that they seem to be making no effort to fix something that is so obviously broken.
That and they slowly made the ergonomics on sport bikes more severe.
It was the classic blunder. Create a racing class that is economically attainable. Brands racing success with marketability and gradually increase the content of the production bike for gains on the race track until the product people actually wanted to buy in the first place is gone.
The Honda CBR600 series up through the F4i’s were all-time great street/sport values that could be used for darn near anything.
I see the steel-framed naked P-twins (SV650, MT07, Z650) as the return to that kind of bike in terms of approach-ability and attainability and I am aware that they are raced in the “Super-Twins” class. Hopefully the people who are buying them for the street don’t become race fans, or we’ll see the cycle repeat again.
“gradually increase the content of the production bike for gains on the race track until the product people actually wanted to buy in the first place is gone”…
Not sure this is what happened. Honda has plenty of production capacity and for sure would have been able to satisfy any demand.
I was in the moto retail business until 2010 and all sport bike sales tanked with the economy. Before then, 600s sold like hotcakes to young people who couldn’t really afford a bike and the insurance was often more than the payment on the bike. You wouldn’t believe what was done to get a young person on a bike. It is a very dishonest business that takes advantage of people. Add to that the fact that preferences change and many young people who used to buy sport bikes these days would rather be entertained by their phone sitting on their ass.
That was my observation as well. I didn’t sell bikes, but I was a member of the 600 club, track days, hangouts, and all. The 600s did get more extreme both ergonomically and tune wise over time, but nobody cared. Everyone wanted the latest and greatest, and contrary to popular belief, they still served as decent street bikes.
The demographic that bought 600s lived by financing at the time, and loans could be had in 60 seconds whether the borrower could actually afford the loan or not. The lending system crashed, job market went south, and insurance rates increased. For about four years, it was about impossible for that demographic to buy a bike, and only a small portion could qualify for several years after that. A good six to eight years of enthusiastic, tribal 600 riders were lost, and they tended to be the ones who engaged and influenced the next slew of young riders to get excited and join the fray to keep the pipeline full. Former 600 sportbike fans who had money had either “upgraded” to a 1000cc or were moving on to adventure bikes.
During that time, most manufacturers gave up on that market, so there was no new fuel to try to rekindle that fire when things did improve. Then social media introduced a new enticement and venue for young people to earn the attention, belonging, glamour, and cred that perhaps a 600 sport bike once provided.
I don’t really see a way back for that market.
Why are we talking about 600s?
They go to extreme lengths to make everything black and formless and then leave the giant silver toasting hanging off the belly.
That’s what I thought, it looks more like a tumor instead of a muffler shield and they just had to accentuate that?
New Ducati rider at hardware store:
“Excuse me, where do I find the flat black high temp paint?”
They had me at “inspired by the Joker of the comics”.
I think the front of the bike looks more close to Riddler by Jim Carrey in “Batman forever”.
So probably not first choice for popping down to the shops? I worry (a little) about these people who design such a bike that makes aggression the sole ethic. But then I’m old…
Correct. That is why there are a lot of street hot shot racers limping at a cycle show, if they were lucky.