2025 Ducati Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2 first look: Bucking the trend

Unveiled at the EICMA show, the two new models are the first to use Ducati's new V2 engine, a 90-degree V-twin that in some ways draws on Ducati's rich tradition (it's still a high-revving, short-stroke, compact V-twin) and in other ways continues some of the Italian company's new directions (no desmodromic valves). Ducati says the new V2 engine is its lightest twin yet, but where it bucks current trends is that it's smaller, at 890 cc, than the Superquadro engine it replaces, which displaced 955 cc. That means the 2025 Panigale V2 claims 120 horsepower compared to current version's 155.

Offsetting that is 30 fewer pounds in claimed weight and prices that are thousands of dollars lower. Just as important, Ducati says the new V2 is more suited to street use than the Superquadro engine. Indeed, the drop in torque is a lower percentage than the drop in horsepower. That's mostly due to the variable valve timing Ducati has incorporated into the new V2, which provides 70% of maximum torque as low as 3,000 rpm.

Like its larger V4 sibling, the V2 engine gets spring-actuated valves instead of desmo units, which allows for an 18,000-mile service interval. Ducati uses the word "versatile" a lot in talking about the new V2, so I expect to see it used in multiple models as the company realigns its lineup. But for now, it makes its debut in the Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2.

2025 Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2: What's different, what's the same

Both the race replica V2 with full bodywork and the (partially) naked Streetfighter come in regular and S versions. The main differences are suspension, with Öhlins parts on the S models, and some additional electronic aids, namely a pit speed limiter and launch control. The S versions come with a lithium battery to shave a few pounds.

Similarly, the differences between the Panigale and the Streetfighter are fewer than you might think. Mainly the full fairing for the Panigale and the semi-naked look for the Streetfighter, the more upright ergonomics on the Streetfighter, and some minor differences in dimensions that result.

In addition to the same 120-horsepower engine, the Panigale and the Streetfighter both get the same full suite of electronic rider aids, with a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) powering lean-angle-sensitive ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and engine braking control. Both offer four preset ride modes, Race, Sport, Road, and Wet. The latter reduces maximum horsepower to 95. All of the ride modes can be customized, changing the various levels of intervention. Setting the ABS to the least intrusive level turns off ABS at the rear wheel. Those settings are controlled through a five-inch TFT display.

Both V2 models get the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0 system previously introduced on the Panigale V4. Ducati says it provides a more direct feel.

Both models also come in any color you want, as long as it's Ducati red.

Ducati not only made the V2 models lighter and more svelte. They also trimmed the price. Significantly. The least expensive of the 2025 V2s, the base Streetfighter at $14,995, is more than $3,000 less than the 2024 Streetfighter.

Moving the V2 to a lower price point, lesser power, and lower weight provides more differentiation between these models and Ducatis V4s. They add some new interest to the traditional Ducati L-twin, a design that was once synonymous with the brand. These days, going less powerful and less expensive with a new version of an existing model is an unexpected and unusual move, but I have to say, I like it.

	2025 Ducati Panigale V2	2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2
Price (MSRP)	V2: $15,995 V2 S: $18,995	V2: $14,995 V2 S: $17,995
Engine	890 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, 90-degree V-twin
Transmission, final drive	Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower	120 @ 10,750 rpm
Claimed torque	69 foot-pounds @ 8,250 rpm
Frame	Monococque aluminum
Front suspension	V2: Marzocchi 43 mm fork, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 4.7 inches of travel V2 S: Öhlins 43 mm fork, 43 mm fork, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 4.7 inches of travel	V2: Marzocchi 43 mm fork, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 4.7 inches of travel V2 S: Öhlins 43 mm fork, 43 mm fork, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 4.7 inches of travel
Rear suspension	V2: Kayaba shock, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 5.9 inches of travel V2 S: Öhlins shock, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 5.9 inches of travel	V2: Kayaba shock, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 6.3 inches of travel V2 S: Öhlins shock, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping; 6.3 inches of travel
Front brake	Dual Brembo M50 four-piston calipers, 320 mm discs with ABS
Rear brake	Brembo caliper, 245 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail	23.6 degrees, 3.7 inches	24.1 degrees, 4.1 inches
Wheelbase	57.7 inches	58.8 inches
Seat height	33 inches
Fuel capacity	4.0 gallons
Tires	Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV, 120/70R17 front, 190/55R17 rear
Claimed weight	V2: 395 pounds V2 S: 388 pounds (wet, no fuel)	V2: 390 pounds V2 S: 386 pounds (wet, no fuel)
Available	Late January 2025	Late March 2025
Warranty	24 months
More info	ducati.com	ducati.com