DUCATI STREETFIGHTER V4 SP2 (2023 - on) Review

The 2023 V4 S is already one of the sharpest handling super nakeds, but the V4 SP2 has a more track focussed set-up. Semi-active Öhlins suspension runs the stiffer springs and internal damping settings from the Ducati Panigale V4, albeit with slightly less front preload (reduced from 11mm to 6mm) to suit the Streetfighter’s more upright layout that pushes the rider back from the front wheel.

Here at Imola during our first ride, the Ducati is sharp, precise and dispenses with corners with the serenity of a superbike. But like all super nakeds, it’s easy to get the bars shaking slightly in your hands under hard acceleration and with no fairing to hide behind, you need a fair deal of strength to hang on at full pelt.

With its wide bars, stiff superbike chassis, semi-active Öhlins suspension and a more spacious riding position for ’23, it’s easy to churn out quick laps on the standard Streetfighter V4 S. The job is simpler still thanks to the SP2’s split five-spoke carbon fibre wheels, first seen on the Ducati Superleggera V4.

They’re 1.4kg lighter than the V4 S’s forged ali wheels, 3.4kg less than the base V4’s cast ali wheels and assist the handling in every which way. With less unsprung weight it takes less effort to flick the Ducati from side to side, lets the suspension track more effectively over the track surface and sharpens braking and acceleration performance. They’re slight gains you’ll only notice riding back-to-back with the V4 S, but they’re there.

We got to ride the V4 SP2 on the same day as a Ducati Panigale V4R. The superbike is markedly quicker thanks to its full fairing and more front-biased riding position, but the Streetfighter is more of a laugh.

There’s more room to move around and there’s less pressure to break lap records on a naked, leaving you to savour the majesty of its 205bhp engine, unstickable handling, polished mapping and fool proof electronics (all unchanged from the V4 S), including a useful wheelie control that’s much needed on an undulating track like this. The V4 SP2 also comes with adjustable rearsets to give you the perfect leg position and can be set in a road or race shift gear pattern.

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 uses the same 205bhp, 1103cc V4 motor as the V4 S, which in turn remains mechanically unchanged since its 2020 inception. Engine mapping and electronic rider aids for all the ’23 Streetfighter V4s have been refined making them easier to ride…relatively speaking, of course. It’s still wickedly fast and is all you can do to hang on at full throttle.

Build quality, paint finishes and attention to detail are everything you’d expect for the price. There shouldn’t be any problem with durability, either. Owners’ reviews for the Streetfighter V4 S and previous SP, are glowing.

Costing north of £30k the Streetfighter V4 SP2 costs way more than its super naked rivals, except for MV Agusta’s ultra-exotic Brutale 1000RR and Rush. Is it worth over seven grand more than the Streetfighter V4 S, or nearly twice a Yamaha MT-10? No, but if you’ve the cash it’s a very special machine that won’t disappoint.

The Ducati also costs more than £5000 more than a BMW M1000R in its fanciest competition pack clothes - including carbon wheels - too, but the BMW can't compete in the wall art exotica stakes like the SP2.

As well as its slipper clutch and carbon wheel, the Streetfighter V4 SP2 has an even more serious ‘factory’ look with its satin black ‘Winter Test’ livery, exposed brushed ali tank, V4 SP2 logo stitched into the seat and carbon fibre wings, front mudguard and dry clutch cover. It’s a numbered machine (proudly printed on the bars), although isn’t a limited edition special.