2025-on Ducati Streetfighter V4S review: A gentle giant with a brutal, wild side!

Adopting a raft of changes from the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter now has a front frame with a 39% reduction in lateral stiffness, along with the new, double-sided swingarm that offer 37% less lateral stiffness. But that’s not all; the 2025 V4S adopts a different head angle than that on the Panigale, new, more efficient wings, beefier Brembos and the latest and greatest Öhlins electronic suspension, which adds up to a machine so capable and effective for fast riding, it’s almost overkill.

The previous generation Streetfighter V4S proved to be a fun and engaging beast for fast road and track riding, but the changes in lateral stiffness (which aren’t always that easy to pinpoint in isolation) have moulded the big Ducati into a machine that is sublime in its feedback; the Streetfighter feels ever so slightly more compliant when ridden hard, and talks to the rider in a way that only a well set-up superbike would do, just a few years ago.

Wherever you look, that front end will go with no issues whatsoever thanks to the incredible amount of agility on offer, although it does lose a little in terms of stability on faster changes of direction because of this.

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However, the suspension does an incredible job of keeping everything in check, with an Öhlins set-up that works wonders to absorb abuse and will allow you to go as fast as you dare with barely any qualms, whatsoever. On track, Pirelli slick tyres help us make the most of the Streetfighter’s capabilities. And those Brembo Monobloc Hypure stoppers? Out of the box, they’re utterly incredible, both in terms of the initial bite with the smallest amount of lever pull and the sheer amount of stopping power.

Combine that with a new riding position (‘bars are 10mm closer, pegs, 10mm inwards for better clearance, the tank is sharper to dig in and the seat is wider and longer) and it’s hard to find any faults on track with the Streetfighter V4S on track besides a slight nervousness when changing direction at slow speeds, which is easy to predict.

It’s a devastating machine that not only goads you on to ride fast, but helps you along that journey at the same time.

Although the previous generation of Streetighter V4 was absolutely no slouch, Ducati have upped the ante even further for the 2025 model, while also making it Euro5+ compliant in the process.

Updates include a new cam profile, a new alternator rotor and oil pump, gearbox drum and longer travel variable length intake trumpets, alongside a new exhaust reduction valve which not only drops the weight by a kg, but ups the power output to a whopping 211bhp.

In the real world, that makes the Streetfighter’s 1103cc Desmosedeci Stradale engine a potent and explosive weapon, especially when it’s unleashed with less electronic intervention and in ‘Full’ power mode. From just a few thousand rpm there’s a shed-load of torque on hand, meaning that even though those new wings may add additional downforce, nothing can stop the front wheel’s tendency to reach for the sky, as that slick up/down ‘shifter throws the gears at through the V4 motor.

Yet even so, the beauty of the big V4 is just how flexible it can be, given a few tweaks through that new, TFT dash. That initial thrust can be blunted and electronic safety barriers increased, which turn the Streetfighter into a docile, friendly bit of kit.

It feels like having two bikes in one; softened off, it’s calm and collected but when let loose, the Streetfighter V4 has an attitude and aggression that is not only addictive, but also an absolute beast to tame.

Although the Streetfighter V4 has received a raft of changes for the 2025 model, there is nothing to suggest that any of it should affect the reliability which has been predominantly positive from owners.

The build quality looks good too, even if it the nature and appearance of a naked bike isn’t for everyone. Up close it looks smart, with a nice finish and a sharp, aggressive stance.

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At £26,195, it’s hard to argue that the Streetfighter V4S is cheap, but it’s in a reasonable ballpark considering the specification and technology that you get. It’s closest rival in terms of performance come in the form of BMW’s £19,900 M1000R (although this price rapidly increases to £26,090 with the M Competition package), while Aprilia’s £16,750 Tuono V4 Factory and KTM’s £19,599 1390 Super Duke R Evo are cheaper, but don’t quite have the spec-sheet Top Trumps as the Streetfighter. MV Agusta’s Rush is a whopping £44,000.

There’s also a raft of slightly lower powered supernakeds on offer too, including the £17,495 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and Yamaha’s £16,626 MT-10 SP, although they offer less in terms of performance, and arguably, desirability.

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Ducati aren’t a brand for skimping when it comes to equipment, and the Streetfighter V4S doesn’t buck that trend.

Componentry is taken care of thanks to the highest-spec offerings from Pirelli, Öhlins and Brembo, while the electronics suite is absolutely stacked, in terms of performance aids. Four rider modes, launch control, wheelie control, cornering ABS and traction control, Race eCBS with slide-by-brake, and even a Ducati Vehicle Observer, which predicts the mannerisms for the electronics too. The rider aids and assists are incredibly effective too.

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The new dash set-up is also incredibly effective and easy to use, although it does lose a mark for lacking in a couple creature comforts such as cruise control and heated grips as standard, even though they can be purchased as an additional option.