Sometimes, it takes a major change to see things clearly and realize how messed up your perception was. I had motorcycle dysmorphia—that's what the 2025 Streetfighter V2 and V2S have shown me.
Ducati unveiled the latest generations of the all-new Streetfighter V2 and V2S, and finally, this bike makes sense. Too many times, I found myself on the finance page of Ducati's website, happily excited about stepping up the power of my daily rider to 153 HP and getting a V2. But then, seeing that the 208 HP V4 is just a bit more with finance, and knowing the V4S is the one I really want but can't afford, suddenly I feel dejected, and 153 HP isn't enough anymore.
The engine, its output, the parts, and the price tag were all in weird separate leagues and it was hard to make the moto math work.
Then, to quell my low mood, I hop straight off Ducati's website to look at what else I could get for the V2's $18,000 price tag and end up feeling like the V2 was a rip-off and a bad idea in the first place. But now, the 2025 Streetfighter V2, with its $14,995 price tag, 120 HP, and 69 lf-ft of torque output from the company's latest 890cc V2 V-twin, means the model makes so much more sense.
It directly lines up against Triumph's Street Triple, KTM's Duke 990, and Yamaha's MT-09 but costs a bit more, as Ducati's typically do. It makes sense. Likewise, the all-new Streetfighter V2S, with its $18,995 price tag, will duke it out against the Street Triple RS, 990R, and MT-09 SP. And, as you'd expect from anything bearing Ducati's "S" branding, it's suitably equipped for the fight.
The V2S costs $17,995, which is essentially the same as the previous generation V2, but it's loaded with top-shelf parts.
Although the engine is the same as the standard 2025 Streetfighter V2, the V2S gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at the front and rear, along with a full Brembo braking system—M50 monobloc calipers. And a range of new electric features including, Ducati Power Launch and Pit Limiter, Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, and a new 5" full-TFT dash.
Yes, you're getting 33 HP less with the 2025 model, but it's lighter, weighing in at 388 lbs wet, and you'll have a bike that makes sense in the grand scheme of things. You're also saving around $3,000 if you opt for the V2 or pay the same for the V2S but get a bike dripping in the parts you want, as a Ducati should be.
Let us know how you feel about Ducati essentially turning the dial back on the V2. Does it make more sense to you? Or did you like the gap the previous generation filled in the market?
My only criticism is that I think last year's model looked better besides the slick under-tail exhaust system.
