Ducati Streetfighter V4 updated in line with Panigale, SP2 flagship limbers up
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is brought into line with its Panigale sibling by receiving a raft of updates for 2023, including the addition of SP2 flagship
The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 has received an overhaul for 2023 with an update to the range in line with the recently launched Panigale V4 refresh and the addition of a new, race track honed SP2 variant.
Launched in 2020, the much anticipated ‘hypernaked’ was billed as a stripped back yet still racing focused version of the fully-faired Panigale V4 revealed in 2018.
However, after Ducati unveiled a thoroughly revised, more powerful version of the sportsbike last week, the Italian marque has gone to the effort of applying many of the same updates to the Streetfighter straight away rather than wait another two years into its life cycle.
As a result, the new Streetfighter V4 and V4 S have risen slightly in power output, with the Desmosedici Stradale engine now pumping out 208bhp (up from 205bhp), while it also makes use of Ducati’s latest electronics package, as debuted on the Panigale only last week.
Among the changes on the electronic side, the Streetfighter V4 now comes with a brand-new Wet Riding Mode for improved grip on slippery surfaces, plus fresh dashboard graphics which are enhanced by the inclusion of a Track Evo display mode which mimics that used on Ducati’s title-winning GP22 MotoGP machine.
Ducati is also touting better stability from its Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software, which it says optimises the intensity of the engine brake as a function of the load on the rear-end, plus Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), which has been retooled to improved the fluidity of shifting at every degree of opening the throttle.
Semi-active Ohlins suspension and tweaks to the front frame and single-sided swingarm have also included for the 2023MY Streetfighter V4 just as they have on the Panigale, while a new layout of the fuel tank improves the weight distribution for more assured handling and braking.
Ducati has also worked to improve what it refers to as ‘Engine Delivery Strategies’ which comprise Full, High, Medium and Low modes. In Low Power Mode, the maximum power is limited to 165hp and is designed to make the Streetfighter V4 more compliant on low grip surfaces, while High and Medium power modes benefit from recalibrated Ride by Wire mapping for greater responsiveness.
2023 Ducati Streetighter V4 SP2
New for 2023, the Streefighter range will benefit from the addition of an SP2 version designed for those who regularly take their motorcycle out onto the track.
Much like the Panigale SP/SP2 variants also available, the Streetfighter SP2 benefits from ‘exclusive technical equipment’, including 5 split-spoke carbon rims that are 1.4kg lighter than those on the standard V4 S and offer reduced inertia for better nimbleness.
The Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers guarantee better braking power and durability for prolonged on track use, while the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch has an optimised slipper function.
In addition to this, the Streetfighter V4 SP2 is available in stealthy ‘Winter Test’ matt black livery inspired by the look of Ducati’s SBK and MotoGP test models, with bright red accents and an exposed aluminium tank popping out against the understated colourway.
Meanwhile, the accessories options include a Ducati Performance by Akrapovic full-racing exhaust, which reduces the total weight by 5kg (from 197kg to 192kg) and increases maximum power to an eye-watering 220bhp.
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