Second Generation: No Desmo, 18 kg Lighter, 2025 Motorcycle of the Year

The current Streetfighter V2 S is not a model-year update but a complete redesign. Since 2025, it has used the new 890 cc V-twin with IVT instead of the previous 955 cc Superquadro Desmo. The new cast-aluminum monocoque chassis, with the engine serving as a stressed member, brings the motorcycle down to 187 kg—18 kg lighter than its predecessor. MOTORRAD readers voted the Streetfighter V2 the winner of the Naked Bikes category for 2025. For 2026, there are new colors, including yellow, while the technical specification remains unchanged.

Some Superquadro fans will regret the loss of desmodromic valve actuation. What they get in return is a 45,000 km valve-clearance inspection interval instead of the old 15,000 km Desmo schedule. And a motorcycle that is 18 kg lighter and feels even lighter than the numbers suggest.

Engine: 890 cc V-Twin, 120 hp, IVT, No Desmo

890 cc, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin, DOHC, no Desmo, IVT variable intake-valve timing, 120 hp / 88 kW at 10,750 rpm, 93.3 Nm at 8,250 rpm, six-speed transmission, DQS 2.0 Up/Down, wet multi-plate anti-hopping clutch, chain drive, Euro 5+, A2-restrictable, engine weight 54.9 kg. It is the same basic engine used in the 2026 Monster and Hypermotard V2.

On paper, 120 hp from an 890 cc V-twin sounds modest compared with the 150 hp produced by the previous Streetfighter V2’s 955 cc Superquadro. What the new engine loses in outright power, it gains in manageability. Throttle response is more linear from 3,000 rpm, there is no torque hole in the lower rev range, and the engine is pleasantly controllable in city traffic. On a winding backroad between 7,000 and 11,000 rpm, it shows what it can do. Owners describe it as balanced and full of character—not a race engine, but certainly not a lifeless powerplant. Fuel consumption is approximately 5.5 L/100 km. With a 15-liter tank, range is around 280 km.

S Suspension: Öhlins NIX30 With TiN, Öhlins Shock, Sachs Steering Damper

Up front is a fully adjustable 43 mm Öhlins NIX30 USD fork with titanium-nitride coating, TiN. At the rear is a fully adjustable Öhlins shock with external reservoir and progressive linkage, with rebound, compression, and spring preload adjustment, the latter accessible from the side. A Sachs steering damper comes standard.

There is no electronic suspension adjustment. Everything is mechanical. That is a deliberate decision by Ducati: the V2 S’s Öhlins suspension provides enough fine adjustment that electronic control would not add a level of quality the rider could not also achieve manually.

The TiN coating on the fork tubes is not a styling detail. It reduces friction between the fork tube and bushings, improving response to small impacts. In practice, you feel the benefit on poor roads: the fork filters out small transverse joints and broken pavement before they reach the handlebar. The 190-section Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rear tire is wider than on many competitors and provides more grip at lean without significantly compromising agility.

Brakes: Brembo M50—Identical to the Standard Version

Brembo M50 up front, Cornering ABS, radial master cylinder. The M50 calipers on the S are identical to those on the standard Streetfighter V2—they are not an upgrade.

That is unusual because on many other Ducati SP or S packages, the brake calipers are part of the differentiation. With the Streetfighter V2, Ducati decided to equip both versions with the M50 and differentiate the S primarily through its suspension. The consequence is simple: the standard V2 gives you the same braking package as the S, so there is money to be saved.

Ergonomics: 837 mm, Single-Seater, Clip-Ons

Seat height is 837 mm, ready-to-ride weight approximately 187 kg, and fuel capacity 15 liters. A single-seat configuration comes standard, while the standard V2 includes a passenger seat. The Streetfighter V2 S is delivered as a single-seater with a passenger-seat cover, while a passenger seat is available as an accessory.

The clip-ons sit just above the upper triple clamp, creating a sporty riding position with a slight forward lean. It is more accessible than a genuine sportbike and sportier than a conventional naked bike—the right middle ground for a motorcycle intended for backroads and occasional racetrack use.

At 187 kg, this is the lowest weight in Streetfighter V2 history. You notice it immediately when riding. The motorcycle turns in as though it weighs even less. That is the result of the new monocoque chassis and lighter engine. A motorcycle weighing 187 kg that responds to direction changes this quickly can surprise even riders familiar with the previous generation.

Electronics: Power Launch, Pit Limiter, 5-Inch TFT

The electronics package includes a 6-axis IMU, four riding modes, a 5-inch TFT with Road, Road Pro, and Track layouts operated through the Petal Joystick, DTC traction control, DWC wheelie control, EBC, Cornering ABS, DQS 2.0, Power Launch, Pit Limiter, Lap Timer, Coming Home function, and a lithium-ion battery.

Power Launch and Pit Limiter are exclusive to the S and are not included on the standard V2. Along with the suspension, these are the two main S-specific electronic features. For riders who regularly visit the racetrack, both are relevant. For pure street riders, they are nice to have but not a reason to buy the S.

S vs. Standard V2: What Does the Extra €2,500 Buy?

The standard Streetfighter V2 costs approximately €15,490. The S costs approximately €17,990—€2,500 more. For that premium, you get a fully adjustable TiN-coated Öhlins NIX30 instead of the Marzocchi USD fork, an Öhlins shock instead of Kayaba, a Sachs steering damper, which is also fitted to the standard version, a lithium battery, Power Launch, Pit Limiter, and a single-seat configuration. What you give up is the standard passenger seat.

The M50 brakes are identical on both versions. If you use the motorcycle on the racetrack and can exploit the suspension, buy the S. If you ride exclusively on the road and want to use the passenger seat, buy the standard V2 and save €2,500.

Stationary Noise and Tyrol

The stationary-noise figure for the new 890 cc Streetfighter V2 S has not been officially published. The previous 955 cc Superquadro Desmo Streetfighter V2 was rated at 98 dB(A), exceeding Tyrol’s limit. Whether the new generation falls below that figure needs to be confirmed with the dealer.

Verdict

The 2026 Ducati Streetfighter V2 S is the best entry-level performance motorcycle in Ducati’s lineup: 120 hp, 187 kg, Öhlins NIX30/TiN, Brembo M50, 45,000 km valve-clearance interval, 2025 Motorcycle of the Year.

At €17,990, a motorcycle that feels this good is not a bargain—but it is a compelling proposition.

 

Quick Check

+ 18 kg lighter than predecessor; 187 kg ready to ride; 890 cc V-twin with IVT and no Desmo; 120 hp / 93.3 Nm; 45,000 km valve-clearance inspection interval; 2025 Motorcycle of the Year in the Naked Bikes category; complete redesign introduced in 2025

+ 43 mm Öhlins NIX30 USD fork with TiN coating, fully adjustable; Öhlins shock with external reservoir, fully adjustable; Sachs steering damper; Brembo M50; Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV with 190/55 ZR17 rear; lithium-ion battery

+ 6-axis IMU; 5-inch TFT with Road/Road Pro/Track layouts; DQS 2.0; Power Launch exclusive to S; Pit Limiter exclusive to S; Lap Timer; Cornering ABS; four riding modes; A2-restrictable; 15-liter tank; approx. 283 km range; 2-year warranty

+ 837 mm seat height; sporty-upright clip-on riding position; single-seat configuration standard with passenger seat available as an accessory; cast-aluminum monocoque; new yellow color for 2026; €2,500 premium over standard V2 for Öhlins and S-specific extras

 

– Stationary noise not published; confirm against Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit with dealer, predecessor was rated at 98 dB(A); from €17,990 plus €305 destination charges

– Brembo M50 identical to standard V2: no brake upgrade with S version; suspension is not electronically adjustable, but mechanical/manual; 120 hp: Yamaha MT-09 at 119 hp and KTM 890 Duke at 121 hp cost less

– Single-seater standard: passenger seat costs extra; no wind protection standard; navigation only through smartphone app; 15-liter tank means around 280 km of range, modest for sporty riding

– Only 2-year warranty; no more Desmo for purists, although the 45,000 km valve-clearance interval is the compensation; standard V2 at approx. €15,490 has the same M50 brakes and same engine for €2,500 less

 

Technical Specifications: Ducati Streetfighter V2 S (2026)

Make / Model: Ducati Streetfighter V2 S (2026; second generation since 2025; technically unchanged for 2026; new yellow color); manufacturer: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy

What’s New for 2026: New yellow color; technically identical to the second-generation model introduced in 2025

S vs. Standard V2: S, approx. €17,990: Öhlins NIX30 + Öhlins shock, lithium battery, Power Launch, Pit Limiter, single-seat configuration standard. Standard V2, approx. €15,490: Marzocchi USD fork, Kayaba shock, passenger seat standard, no DPL, no Pit Limiter. Brembo M50 identical on both versions.

Engine: Liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin; 890 cc; DOHC; no Desmo; IVT variable intake-valve timing; six-speed transmission; DQS 2.0 Up/Down; wet multi-plate clutch with anti-hopping function and servo assistance; chain drive; Euro 5+; A2-restrictable; engine weight 54.9 kg

Power: 120 hp (88 kW) at 10,750 rpm

Torque: 93.3 Nm at 8,250 rpm

Top Speed / Consumption: Approx. 240 km/h; approx. 5.5 L/100 km; approx. 280 km range

Fuel Tank / Weight: 15 liters; approx. 187 kg fully fueled, 18 kg lighter than previous generation

Transmission / Final Drive: 6-speed; chain drive; DQS 2.0 Up/Down

Electronics: 6-axis IMU; four riding modes; 5-inch TFT with Road/Road Pro/Track layouts and Petal Joystick; DTC traction control; DWC wheelie control; EBC; Cornering ABS; DQS 2.0; Power Launch exclusive to S; Pit Limiter exclusive to S; Lap Timer; Coming Home; lithium-ion battery exclusive to S; LED lighting; dynamic turn signals

Front Suspension, S: Öhlins NIX30; 43 mm USD; TiN coating; fully adjustable

Rear Suspension, S: Öhlins shock; external reservoir; progressive linkage; fully adjustable for rebound, compression, and spring preload, with preload adjustment accessible from the side

Steering Damper: Sachs standard; Öhlins version available as an accessory

Front Brake: Brembo M50, identical to standard V2; Cornering ABS; radial master cylinder

Rear Brake: Disc brake; ABS

Wheels: Cast-alloy wheels; 17-inch front; 17-inch rear

Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV; 120/70 ZR17 front; 190/55 ZR17 rear

Ergonomics: 837 mm seat height; clip-ons positioned just above the upper triple clamp; sporty-upright riding position; single-seat configuration standard with passenger seat available as an accessory; cast-aluminum monocoque; cast-aluminum double-sided swingarm mounted directly to the engine

Stationary Noise: Not officially published; confirm with dealer against Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit; previous-generation 955 cc model was rated at 98 dB(A)

2026 Colors: Yellow, new for 2026; Ducati Red; Winter Test Livery; ask dealer about current availability

Warranty / Service: 2-year manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage; valve-clearance inspection every 45,000 km; service every 15,000 km / annually

Price in Germany: From €17,990 plus €305 destination charges; standard V2 from €15,490