Ducati softens the Panigale V2’s edges with a set of high handlebars, a longer, wider seat, and lower footpegs. Modern naked bikes offer consumers a comfortable and pragmatic alternative to hard-edged sportbikes. It’s that adrenaline-fueled crowd that will flock to the Streetfighter V2, because for all of its performance and precision upsides, the Ducati also has a practicality downside. The rider aids aren’t all nannies, however, with the firm’s Quick Shift EVO 2 returning practically seamless upshifts and downshifts for thrill-seekers. Of course, electronic safety aids such as traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and engine braking control help nurse those dual-compound tires. Given the Streetfighter’s spec sheet, I would have preferred the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II hypersport tires found on the Panigale V2, but the road-oriented rubber performed admirably in all conditions.

My only moment for pause came after realizing that Ducati wrapped the five-spoke wheels in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires. It’s that mix of supersport agility and super naked power that makes the Ducati such an intoxicating experience. After long straights, the dual Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers, self-bleeding master cylinder, and twin 320mm discs provided pinpoint accurate braking, allowing me to carry optimal corner speed before firing the Superquadro out of the exit. Where I looked, the bike followed, tagging apexes with consistency and ease. That combination delivered a sufficiently comfortable ride over pothole-littered city streets, but it truly proved its mettle in the twisties.Įven Malibu’s technical canyon roads couldn’t upset the Streetfighter V2’s composure. Ducati compliments that compact package with a 43mm Showa BPF fork, Sachs rear shock, and Sachs steering damper. The die-cast monocoque frame bolts directly to the Superquadro V2’s cylinder heads, saving weight while also housing the air filter, throttle bodies, and fuel circuit. That's due, in part, to the advanced monocoque aluminum frame. The Streetfighter V2 only concedes two horsepower and 1.9 lb-ft of torque to its sportbike counterpart, making the Superquadro right at home in the hyper naked.

For experienced riders, the sensation shouldn’t be frightening or panic-inducing, but it’s certainly worth a handful of chuckles. Peripheral vision blurs, wind rushes by, and you hold on for dear life. In Road mode, that 8,000-rpm boost is exhilarating, but in Sport mode, it’s like engaging warp speed.

Naked vs supersport