Ducati Streetfighter V4 S 2025 Review – No Stopping the Streetfighter

The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 S comes with some changes. We find out if it makes a difference on the road.

Story: Joshua Varghese
Photography: Sanjay Raikar

In my books, there is no better naked motorcycle in India than the Ducati Streetfighter. Its closest rivals include the BMW S 1000 R/M 1000 R and we have not ridden either of them here. No one was really asking for an updated Streetfighter but Ducati gave it a few improvements last year.

A quick glance at the changes shows us that Ducati have used the launch of the new Panigale to transfer much of the previous model into the new Streetfighter. This “Grey Nero” colour is exclusive to the motorcycle and a few changes have been made to the shape and capacity of the fuel-tank (whose capacity has gone up by half a litre). The revised shape of the fuel-tank has also paved the way for a slightly different seat which is comfortable and marginally better than the previous unit.

Ducati have not done much to the chassis or the suspension and braking componentry. Top-of-the-line electronic suspension from Öhlins continues to do duty here. Although they claim some tweaking has been done, it is difficult to ascertain its effects and certainly impossible to do so on the road. Overall, it is just as precise as we knew it. Braking is still the visceral experience it used to be. The Brembo Monobloc Stylema units are powerful and responsive, practically flawless. The most significant change here is the repositioned swing-arm pivot. Ducati claim they have raised it by four millimetres to mimic the Panigale V4’s stance and improve cornering abilities but such a change is most likely to go unnoticed by riders who use this motorcycle only on the street.

In terms of the engine and exhaust, revisions have been made to the tail-pipe diameter and back pressure and there is new calibration. However, the output remains unchanged. The Desmosedici Stradale continues to develop 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and a peak torque of 123 Nm at 9,500 rpm. Just about anybody can ride this motorcycle because Ducati’s electronics suite is that good. In fact, it is so good that it allows some riders to exceed their potential safely. Until now, one did not have access to all of the Stradale’s potential minus the electronic nannies.

This model gets new “High” and “Low” power modes. The latter limits the power to a usable 165 hp with gentle responses that goes well with the new “Wet” mode. The High power mode is the stuff that should give riders a fair assessment of their own abilities. There are no electronic interventions in terms of power delivery except in first gear; best used by skilled riders on a racetrack. It is worth noting that the strategies for other modes have also been revised.

The revision in the quick-shifter’s calibration is among the most obvious changes. It is indubitably more usable than before, especially at lower speeds. The new Streetfighter V4 S weighs almost 1.5 kilograms less than its predecessor, largely credited to the new lithium-ion battery. Although Ducati claim to have improved the cooling system, this motorcycle is not happy about idling in traffic but the good news is that it keeps the heat away from the rider’s legs once on the move. Finally, it also gets the previous Panigale’s console which, in my opinion, is easier to use than the previous Streetfighter’s.

These are just the most road-relevant changes in the Streetfighter V4 S. There are more, but they are track-oriented.

In its latest iteration, it costs an eye-watering Rs 28 lakh (ex-showroom) for what is essentially an enticing blend of technology and performance but to make the most of it, a racetrack is mandatory. For purely road use, the difference between the old and new Streetfighters is marginal but for the racetrack, this is the one to have, especially for skilled riders.

At the end of the day, what I said initially still holds true. This is the best naked motorcycle on sale today, even better than its previous iteration.