Two Iconic Ducati Motorcycles Just Got Better in a Surprising Way

Ozempic may be the hot weight loss drug right now, but it has nothing to do with the dramatic poundage shed by two of a legendary Italian motorcycle brand’s most famous nameplates. 

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking it might, considering the Ducati Panigale V2 weighs a whopping 33 pounds less than its predecessor while the Streetfighter V2 has dropped an eve more stunning 40. 

The real source of the streamlining? A brand-new engine, and the significant bike redesigns that followed.

Motor notes

Let’s start with said engine, as it sheds a lot of light on, well, the lightness. Dubbed the V2, it is in fact the leanest twin-cylinder Ducati has ever made, weighing in at just 120 pounds. That’s 12.7 pounds less than the closest comparable competitor, the Desmodue Scrambler.

We won’t bore you with too many details, but key features include IVT variable valve timing, DLC treatment on the rocker arm and hollow stems for the intake valves. The engine boasts two configurations, 115 hp and 120 hp, each carrying its own characteristics.

Ducati

With a displacement of 890cc, the latter configuration delivers 120 hp at 10,750 rpm and 69 lb-ft at 8,250 rpm. It can also be paired with the racing exhaust for track use, increasing the maximum power to 126 hp at 10,000 rpm and torque to 73 ft-lb at 8,250 rpm, with a weight savings of 10 pounds.

It’s worth noting that the V2 marks the fourth completely new engine Ducati has introduced in just the past seven years. We’ll see it in action next year with the two bikes discussed here, both of which are scheduled to hit US shores by late spring. Here are just a few details that jump out about each model.

Panigale points

The 2025 edition of the fully-faired, track-ready Panigale V2 has all the makings of a champion.

In addition to its gorgeous curves and contours, the bike has some neat technical wrinkles, including a passive ventilation system that redirects fresh air toward the rider while ushering hot air from the radiator away. Meanwhile, the front end has been reshaped to reduce load on the wrists yet maintain comfort and control when cornering. 

Ducati

In track testing, Ducati found that the new Panigale V2 rivaled the performance of the previous edition. Where it really shines, then, is on the road, where the venting and ergonomic upgrades make it the most approachable and enjoyable Ducati sport bike yet.

There’s no doubt the weight savings play a big role in upgrading the experience in both contexts. For the record, the Panigale V2 weighs 395 pounds (wet without fuel), while the sportier V2 S comes in at 388. 

Streetfighter specifics

Essentially a fairing-less aka “naked” Panigale V2, the Streetfighter V2 is similarly new and improved.

Thanks to a chassis based on an ultralight monocque frame and the new 90° V2 engine, the new bike is indeed the lightest Streetfighter ever, with the standard version weighing 392 pounds and the sport edition coming in at 386. 

Ducati

Showing its Panigale roots, the new Streetfighter’s fuel tank, fully faired seat/tail unit and light alloy wheels are all the same as that bike’s. However, it stakes out its own unmistakable identity with wide, high handlebars, a beaklike cowl housing the full-LED headlight with double DRL (daytime running lights) and that gloriously bronzed, fully visible Öhlins NIX-30 fork. 

Interestingly enough, Ducati views it almost exactly the same way as it does the new Panigale: comparable to its predecessor on the track but notably more user-friendly and fun out on the streets.

Availability and pricing

The new Ducati Panigale V2 motorcycles should hit US dealers by March 2025. The Panigale V2 is priced at $15,995 while the Panigale V2 S comes in at $18,995.

Ducati

2025 Ducati Panigale V2

The new Ducati Streetfighter V2 bikes will arrive by June of next year. The Streetfighter V2 is priced at $14,995 while the Streetfighter V2 S will cost $17,995.

Ducati

Ducati Streetfighter V2

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