Ducati Streetfighter V2 (2025 - ) review

Proof that less, sometimes, is more. There was nothing much wrong with previous 955cc Streetfighter V2, other than the fact it was perhaps a bit too fast and expensive, and gap to the V4 too narrow for it to stand apart on its own. That’s changed for 2025 with a yet faster and more sophisticated V4 and this lighter, less powerful and more competitively priced V2 built around Ducati’s new 890cc twin. The result is superbly executed, in no way feels the lesser, and is all blended into possibly the best real-world street sportster you can buy. And if that isn’t the very definition of brilliant design who knows what is.

While materially all-new at first glance this Streetfighter V2 looks to have the same aggressive style and riding position as before. The most obvious visual differences are the replacement of the previous single-sided swingarm with a more conventional twin one and new twin-exit, mid-height exhausts. Position-wise it’s much as before, with a relatively aggressive combination of low bars, semi rear-set pegs and a stepped seat. It’s actually more comfortable than that all sounds, the switchgear and TFT dash are classy and for most normal road riding it’s fine. But on motorways or longer rides you’ll bemoan the lack of a screen and in stock trim for the S tested here there’s no pillion provision or potential for luggage. But then that’s what you’re signing up for with this kind of bike.

If you want a practical, versatile Ducati with the same V2 engine buy the Multistrada equivalent! That said, the Streetfighter V2 makes a great road or street sportster and, due to its more affordable price and tractable manners, it’s also more usable than the somewhat extreme previous model. As a B-road blaster it’s probably one of the best super nakeds of all, the V4’s extra performance being less exploitable in the wild. It’s also OK around town, could make a reasonable commuter (although is probably too precious for that) and wouldn’t be out of place on a track day. But that’s about your lot.

In an age of 200-plus horsepower sports bikes and super nakeds costing over 20 grand it might sound hard to get excited by a bike with ‘just’ 120 horsepower and consider it nigh-on perfect. But that’s how the Streetfighter V2 S feels. The new 890cc V-twin is gloriously flexible, loves to rev to its bellowing redline and, enhanced by a slick quickshifter/blipper and effective riding modes seriously makes you wonder why you’d want for anything more for the public road. Braking is equally impressive through twin 320mm front discs, radially mounted Brembo Stylema four-pots and cornering ABS. Combine that with a dry weight of just 175kg for this S version – 3kg less than the regular one – and the Streetfighter goes and stops brilliantly.

If the new Streetfighter V2’s engine performance is a pleasant surprise its ride and handling is possibly even more so. The S version tested here gets fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension in place of the Marzocchi/Kayaba combo on the standard model, a lighter lithium battery and less practical single-seater arrangement but for street sport connoisseurs this and the price premium are all worth it. The ride is controlled and cultured, its steering ultra nimble and precise without ever feeling flighty or twitchy and the light build, slim proportions and upright but sporty riding position add up to a roadster that’s addictive to ride hard. Which, with the performance, you can do while retaining a grip on your licence.

Premium Ducati ownership never comes cheap, and although the new Streetfighter is impressively more affordable than before the V2 S is still a high-end machine with the price and running costs to match. True, the power output means it shouldn’t eat through tyres, chains and brake pads as fast as the V4, the base version looks relatively affordable to buy and insurance may not be as extreme either. But it won’t be cheap to run. We also wonder if the new 890 Monster built around the same engine might prove to be more reasonable for running costs.

The days of fragile Ducatis have thankfully long gone. That said we do have the one caveat of this still being a new engine, and too fresh to the market to know if it will prove dependable. Especially given the riding style the Streetfighter encourages. We’re hopeful, though.

Standard stuff on the warranty, which is two years, unlimited mileage with European roadside assistance included. Ducati service intervals are much better than they were, though, and the new Streetfighter needs a basic check every year and/or a more extended oil service every two years or 9,000 miles. The more extensive valve clearance service comes round every 28,000 miles.

Although more prestige super nakeds than a full-bore superbikes, the Streetfighter V2 and S want for little. A six-axis IMU powers Ducati’s traction control, ABS and wheelie control systems, which are among the best in the business. The S also has a pit limiter plus launch control. There are four riding modes plus a slick new five-inch TFT dash with accompanying switchgear which looks good, is comprehensive and easy to use. To reiterate, the base V2 gets Marzocchi/Kayaba suspension, a regular battery and no pit limiter while the S gets the Öhlins and other goodies. It’s a naked, so obviously there’s no screen or luggage but you can’t have everything.

This was always the question with the previous Streetfighter V2 – why spend over 16 grand on an extreme 153 horsepower super naked when you could have the full beans 208 horsepower V4 version for not a lot more. Now it’s been answered. The new V2 may sound ‘less’ on paper, but works so brilliantly on the road you have to wonder why you’d want anything more, the S version adding further class and refinement. As a brilliant, sweet handling and cultured street sportster there are none better.