Ducati expands the family

Ducati has two new members of the Streetfighter family, slotting in either side of the existing Streetfighter V4.

Starting with the new entry point, the Streetfighter V2 takes the 114kW/101Nm

955cc V-twin engine from the Panigale V2 and slots it into a lightly modified Streetfighter frame with a dry weight of

158kg. Easy.

But, Ducati has given the Streetfighter

V2 a shorter final ratio than the Panigale

V2, which increases the torque to the rear wheel for better engine response. To prevent accidental wheelies (it’s a Streetfighter so there will be a few), the engineers have extended the swingarm by 16mm.

Suspension components consist of a

43mm Showa BPF front fork and a Sachs rear shock absorber with ‘‘dedicated calibration to make the bike more comfortable on the road as well as easily adjustable’’ for fun on the racetrack.

The brake pads have been given a less aggressive initial bite, making it better for road use, and the braking system has been taken wholesale from the Panigale

V2, including Brembo M4-32 Monobloc calipers.

Also inherited from the Panigale are the electronics, which consist of a sixaxis IMU (inertial measurement unit) that allows for cornering ABS with a ‘‘slide by brake’’ function (think controlled powerslides), traction control, wheelie control, an up/down quickshifter and engine brake control.

The new range-topper is the Panigale V4 SP. Apparently, it is the ‘‘most adrenaline-pumping naked’’ Ducati has ever made.

Being a numbered limited-edition model, it has a few extra bonuses over the V4 S. There are five-spoke carbon rims, exclusive Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers, Ohlins ‘‘Smart EC 2.0’’ suspension, which can vary the damping depending on riding style, and a special ‘‘winter test’’ livery.

Power comes from an 1100cc V4, producing 155kW/123Nm and coming with an upgraded dry clutch to prevent hopping on aggressive downshifts. Wet weight of the SP is a mere 196kg.

Both the new Streetfighters should be here around the second quarter of next year at an as-yet-unconfirmed price.

Ducati hasn’t said how many V4 SPs it will build, but we’d assume not many.