“Push Forward” is the slogan that Ducati has chosen for the fifth episode of the World Ducati Première, which actually presents 3 new models. In fact, these are not really new products at all, since they are facelifts for the 2023 version. In fact, Ducati is refreshing all three Streetfighter V4 models. The V4, V4 S and V4 SP2 receive theSimilar updates to those the Panigale received last year regarding the chassis and electronics. Performance remains high, with a power of 208 hp, but prices increase up to €2 depending on the model.
By joining the Ducati range in 2020, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 was developed from the Panigale V4 1100 and immediately stood out with its record performances in terms of power and lightness. An authentic hyper sports car without a fairing and with higher and straighter handlebars, perhaps the most extreme example in the world of the hyper-roadster.
For 2023, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 family further evolves, inheriting all the improvements introduced on the latest Panigale V4. We therefore find the 1 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine but without its variable intake horns, capable of providing 103 hp for a motorcycle which has an empty weight of between 208 and 196,5 kg depending on the version. And in 201,5, there are three Streetfighters: Streetfighter V2023, sold at a price of €4, Streetfighter V22S which can be obtained from €990, the most ultimate version, the V4 SP 26, available in promotion to €290.
The 4 cc V1, which develops 103 hp at 208 rpm and 13 Nm of torque, has been revised to match the larger diameter of the muffler outlet, introduced to reduce exhaust back pressure. In addition, on the right side is the clutch cover of the Panigale V000, which allows easy mounting of the dry clutch and the relative protection of the clutch cover.
To leave no doubt about the sporty character, the standard configuration is single-seater, with the saddle and passenger footrests provided as standard. The minimalist design still adopts the full Led projector with the V-shaped DRL light reminiscent of the front of the Panigale V4. The front is low and leaned forward, to continue loaded lines.
The fuel tank is the same as that of the 4 Panigale V2022, designed to better support the rider when braking and cornering. It also offers an increased capacity to 17 liters and displays new side covers.
The typical Front Frame chassis and Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine were left visible as much as possible, with superstructures kept to a minimum. The V4 S version sports a new Gray Black livery, in contrast between gray and different shades of matte and glossy black.
The chassis includes the famous front frame and single-sided swingarm, both in aluminum, with inverted fork and mechanically adjustable shock absorber on the V4 version. The V4 S version is equipped with semi-active Öhlins suspension (30 mm NIX43 inverted fork and TTX36 shock absorber) with Smart EC 2.0 interface. On the V4 S, the rims are Marchesini forged aluminum alloy.
As on the Panigale V4, the swingarm pivot is 4mm higher, increasing anti-squat action. Weight distribution shifts forward. Ergonomics have benefited from the new shape of the tank.
Concerning the electronic package, the biggest evolution concerns the driving modes as on the latest Panigale V4 and V4 S, with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale developed for the Streetfighter.
There are four power modes: Full, High, Medium, Low. The Full and Low modes are newly designed, while the High and Medium modes have been revised. Full and Low are newly designed, while High and Medium have had a revamped strategy. Full power mode allows the engine to express its full potential with torque curves without electronic filters, except for first gear.
For High and Medium power modes, a new Ride by Wire mapping management system has been developed, with dedicated calibration for each of the six speeds, allowing the rider to obtain the optimal thrust every time that he opens the gas. The calibrations dedicated to the Streetfighter V4 guarantee maximum correlation between the torque value requested by the pilot and that actually delivered.
The Low power mode, on the other hand, has been designed for riding on roads or low-grip surfaces, limiting the motorcycle's maximum power to 160 hp and providing a particularly manageable throttle response.
The standard equipment is enriched by the lithium-ion battery for the S version, 1,7 kg lighter than the previous one and already present on the Streetfighter V4 SP.
The dashboard follows the evolution of the Panigale V4 with revised graphics. The shift signal is generated with the external green signaling LED. It also offers the Track Evo display mode, which reproduces the layout used on the MotoGP of the Borgo Panigale brand and offers an immediate view of the most important information and the intervention of the electronic controls.
The equipment includes new Engine Brake Control EVO 2 software characterized by different calibration speed by speed on each of the three selectable levels.
As on the Panigale V4 from which it derives, the Streetfighter V4 family also adopts a new Quick Shift strategy which improves the fluidity of gear changes: during partial acceleration, the strategy acts both by an injection cut-off and a reduction in advance. At full throttle, typical of track use, the strategy includes a torque restitution phase which gives the motorcycle greater stability and more homogeneous thrust. Finally, the cooling fan control has been updated to improve thermal comfort at road speeds.
But that's not all, because the top-of-the-range model is produced in a numbered version: the Streetfighter SP 2 is ready to take to the track thanks to the most advanced technical equipment. It is offered in the Winter Test color inspired by the Ducati Corse motorcycles used during MotoGP and SBK championship tests. The motorcycle's serial number is laser engraved on the handlebars.
The V4 SP 2 has double-spoke carbon rims, 1,4 kg lighter than the forged aluminum wheels fitted to the V4 S and which reduce the moment of inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear. the rear. Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers guarantee high stopping power and consistent performance even under extreme use. It is equipped with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which offers a better anti-dribble function and greater fluidity in all phases of driving at the limit.
The Öhlins suspension has springs and a hydraulic system identical to those of the Panigale V4. The equipment is completed by the adjustable aluminum footrests which increase the lean angle, the carbon front mudguard and the accessories that can be used on track days, such as the open carbon clutch cover , the cap for removing the license plate holder and mirror shutters.
The V4 and V4 S will be available from January 2023, while the SP2 version will arrive in dealerships in March. The color range consists of Ducati Red and the new Gray Black livery which will only be available for the S version.
