Ducati’s flagship naked bike receives an update for 2025
In the motorcycle business, a “naked bike” is basically what it is – the naked version of its fully-faired sportbike counterpart, stripped off of its fairings while leaving a few for aesthetics. Ergonomics are also adjusted to be more manageable on the street as opposed to an aggressive riding position for the race track.
For 2025, Ducati has updated its Streetfighter V4, claiming that it is now a more direct derivation of the Panigale V4 superbike.
Design
The design of the new Streetfighter V4 maintains the unmistakable Streetfighter DNA, and its Panigale nature stripped of the fairing. With more balanced proportions and distribution of volumes between the front and rear, the Streetfighter V4 has lines aimed at the front that make the bike look ready to launch itself toward the next bend. A completely new full-LED headlight enhances the aggressive face of the new Streetfighter, maintaining its iconic light signature. At the rear, the full-LED light cluster is functionally divided into two parts, generating that double C that characterizes the sportiest Ducatis.
The 16-litre tank, particularly narrow in fit and characterized by a very distinct shoulder, is reflected in the greater presence of the tail, more elongated towards the rear, with a shorter license plate holder and the passenger seat positioned lower than the 2024 Streetfighter V4. Both components have been designed to combine style and functionality, improving ergonomics in sportbike riding.
Finally, the forward-slanting biplane wings, a distinctive element of the Streetfighter V4 since its first version, could not be missing. Compared to the previous model, they are more effective (+17 kg of downforce at 270 km/h) and integrated into the line in a more refined and sophisticated way. The wings allow for a bike with very nimble chassis qualities but at the same time stable and rigorous at high speeds. Finally, the exhaust placed under the engine maintains the stylistic imprint of Ducati sportbikes, keeping the center of gravity low and leaving a clear view of the new double-sided Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, also visually lightened by the large exhaust openings on both sides.
Desmosedici Stradale engine
The Streetfighter V4 engine derives from the Panigale V4, with an even more direct link than the previous model. The Desmosedici Stradale engine is closely derived from the Ducati MotoGP bikes, which share numerous technical solutions, starting with the architecture. It is a 90° V4 with desmodromic distribution, counter-rotating crankshaft, and Twin Pulse timing, which gives the Streetfighter V4 a sound very similar to that of the Desmosedici GP.
This engine delivers 214 ps of power at 13,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 120 nm at 11,250 rpm. Values that can be higher in track configuration: by adopting the Ducati Performance by AkrapoviÄ racing exhaust, the maximum power increases to 226 ps. The Streetfighter V4 has never been so powerful.
Ergonomics
The riding position of the new Streetfighter V4 is derived from that of the Panigale V4, but has been defined with the dual objective of improving control of the vehicle and increasing comfort, especially for taller riders. The seat-tank unit, thanks to greater roominess, offers more freedom of longitudinal movement and makes it more natural to reach and maintain the aerodynamic posture. A deep recess in the upper part avoids interference with the helmet chin guard.
At the same time, the rear area of the tank, combined with the side covers and the shape of the saddle, better supports the rider during braking, corner entry and cornering. The rider finds it easier to anchor himself with his knees to counteract deceleration and leaning out of the saddle once the bike is in a curve, thus reducing the effort on the arms and therefore fatigue.
Compared to the previous Streetfighter V4, the bend of the handlebar has been moved back, now closer to the rider by 10 mm, and the footpegs are lower and more forward, and positioned 10 mm further inward. This increases comfort for the rider without compromising ground clearance. Finally, the two conveyors located inside the side panels move hot air away from the rider's legs, improving thermal comfort.
MotoGP-derived chassis
The Streetfighter V4 has never been so close to the Panigale V4. Thanks to the very rigorous chassis of the new superbike from Borgo Panigale, on this model it was not necessary to lengthen the swingarm to give stability to the bike, but it was only sufficient to work on the front chassis dimensions (+0.5° steering angle, +1 mm on the trail) to find the synthesis between agility and stability.
Deriving directly from the new Panigale, the chassis of the Streetfighter V4 is completely new. The Front Frame is therefore lighter (3.47 kg in weight compared to the previous 4.42) and remodulated in stiffness compared to the previous model (-39% in lateral) to offer greater confidence when leaning and greater effectiveness in taking the apex and maintaining the trajectory.
The third-generation electronically controlled Öhlins NIX/TTX suspension of the Streetfighter V4 S expands its adjustment spectrum, allowing the use of more comfortable calibrations for road use and more sustained and effective when riding between the curbs of a circuit. At the same time, the increased speed of the hydraulic valves offers a more precise and accurate response in every riding situation. Furthermore, compared to the Panigale V4, the rear suspension link has been revised in progressivity to offer greater comfort on the road, which is further increased thanks to the “Cruise Detection” strategy. The latter softens the suspension when it detects a constant pace, such as on motorway transfers, significantly increasing rider comfort.
Ducati Vehicle Observer
The Ducati Vehicle Observer, an algorithm developed by Ducati Corse in MotoGP, simulates the input of over 70 sensors, thus refining the electronic control strategies, which can achieve unprecedented effectiveness in series production. The precision of this functionality allows the controls to intervene in an almost predictive way to promptly accommodate the needs of the rider in the search for maximum performance.
The 2025 Streetfighter V4 is in fact equipped with a complete package of electronic controls: Ducati Traction Control DVO, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control DVO, Ducati Power Launch DVO, Engine Brake Control and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0. The DQS 2.0 system uses a strategy based solely on the gear drum angular position sensor, thus being able to use a gearshift rod without microswitches and therefore offering the rider a more direct feeling with reduced travel.
Like any of the bikes in Ducati’s stable, the 2025 Streetfighter V4 is packed with lots of features worthy of a true Italian bike. The new Streetfighter V4, available in V4 and V4 S versions, featuring Öhlins suspension and steering damper, forged rims and lithium battery, will arrive in dealerships starting March 2025. Philippine availability and pricing will be announced soon by Access Plus Group.
