Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs. V4: Battle on the Backroads

The Ducati Streetfighter V2 S (2025 model) emerges as a completely reengineered motorcycle with a clear focus on backroad riding.

With 120 HP, 93 Nm, and a ready-to-ride weight of just 175 kilograms without fuel, it brings exactly the ingredients needed in this domain: low weight, high agility, and a direct character.

At its heart is the new 890cc V-twin, now more compact and significantly lighter. While the raw power might seem lower on paper compared to its predecessor, what truly matters is how efficiently this power can be harnessed on the road.

This is where the V2 shines: accessible, lively, and designed to perform in real-world conditionsnot just on the spec sheet.

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S (2025 model) represents the other end of the spectrum.

With 214 HP, 120 Nm, and approximately 189 kilograms ready to ride without fuel, it delivers specs that clearly lean towards the superbike territory. However, what's crucial is not just the raw power, but how controllable and accessible it has become.

Compared to its predecessor, the new V4 S is noticeably more refined. It feels more confident, predictable, and surprisingly well-controlled in tight corners.

Especially on challenging backroads, it stands out not just for offering more performance, but for making that performance significantly more usable.

Even at a standstill, it's clear: these two are cut from the same cloth but take different approaches.

The V2 S appears sleek, compact, and minimalist. Its design is clean and tidy, with a tight, sporty knee grip. The deliberate omission of winglets emphasizes the focus on a natural riding feel. It's not about maximum aerodynamics here, but about accessibility and lightness.

The V4 S, on the other hand, comes across much more assertivelywider, more aggressive, and equipped with integrated winglets that not only look cohesive but also serve a functional purpose. Given the V4's performance figures, additional downforce definitely makes sense.

In summary: the V2 is streamlined and elegant, while the V4 is unapologetically performance-driven.

A glance at the numbers reveals the clear difference: - V2 S with 120 HP, 93 Nm, 175 kg - V4 S with 214 HP, 120 Nm, 189 kg

The power-to-weight ratio of the V4 is about 65% higher than that of the V2a difference that's clearly felt on the road.

However, what's crucial is the riding experience: The V2 S impresses with linear power delivery and unmatched accessibility. From mid-range revs, it builds pressure smoothly without overwhelming, delivering precisely in the rev ranges most often used in everyday riding and twisty backroads.

The V4 S, on the other hand, offers another dimension. From mid-range revs, it unleashes massive, continuous acceleration that extends into the highest rev ranges.

Both show slight shortcomings with the quickshifter and throttle response in the lower range, due to the Euro5+ tuning.

Regarding sound, the V2 S is more subdued but characterful, with a dominant intake noise and pleasant presence. The V4 S comes across much more extroverted: aggressive sound, intense presence, and an audio profile that clearly matches its performance.

On the road, clear character differences emerge: The V2 S is intuitive, light, and forgiving to ride. It quickly instills confidence and glides effortlessly through corners. A bike that just works right out of the gate.

The V4 S demands more effort. It is more front-heavy, direct, and requires a more active riding style, while simultaneously impressing with high stability and precise feedback.

The difference lies in the approach, as the V2 is straightforward, predictable, and accessible, whereas the V4 remains sportier, more demanding, and despite significant improvements, still more challenging.

The V2 S relies on a comfort-oriented, fully adjustable Öhlins suspension that handles bumps smoothly while still maintaining a sporty feel.

The V4 S takes it a step further: electronic suspension, greater stiffness, and a clear focus on maximum performance.

Clear differences are evident in the brakes as well. The V2 impresses with strong, well-modulated deceleration, while the V4 offers brutal bite and enormous reserves, ultimately presenting a noticeably sharper and more uncompromising character.

The V2 S is deliberately kept simple, offering all essential systems and impressing with its intuitive, straightforward operation.

The V4 S provides a significantly more extensive package with systems like the Ducati Vehicle Observer and Race eCBS, which actively intervene in the riding behavior.

In everyday use, the V2 clearly has the advantage: - Better practicality in city and backroad settings - Lower fuel consumption - Greater range - Longer service intervals

Price-wise, the V2 S is significantly below the V4 S. While it starts at around 18,400 euros in Germany, the V4 S comes in at about 28,400 euros. For that, it offers more technology and features but also requires a correspondingly higher investment.

NoPain was equipped with the touring-ready Shoei NXR 2 full-face helmet in striking "Shiny Red"where sporty performance meets high long-distance comfort. Combined with the photochromic Transitions visor, which automatically adjusts to changing light conditions, our protagonist was well-prepared from the first rays of sunshine until the evening hours.

We have tested the limits of this premium visor in everyday use and on the racetrack, and will soon report on it in the 1000PS Performance Check.

Both Streetfighters take different approaches but meet on the same ground: the backroads. The V2 S stands out as the more cohesive packagelight, accessible, and strong exactly where it's truly used in everyday riding.

The V4 S, on the other hand, impresses with immense performance, cutting-edge technology, and significant reserves, but it also demands more effort and experience.

While it's hard to declare an outright winner, a clear recommendation can be made: For most backroad riders, the V2 S is the more sensible choice, whereas the V4 S caters to those seeking maximum performance and willing to harness it.