The winding roads of Srinagar greeted us with an early morning chill, the air crisp and the Himalayan backdrop impossibly dramatic. It was the kind of landscape that demands more than just a camera, it needs a machine that understands rhythm, road, and rebellion. That’s where the Ducati Streetfighter V2 S came in. Compact, aggressive, and honed to surgical precision, it was a sharp blade waiting to be unsheathed against the curves of the mountains. I had my doubts at first, only 120 horsepower? That’s nearly sacrilege in the era of 200+ hp monsters. But as the Duc whispered to life beneath me and I rolled out onto the valley’s ascending serpentines, I was about to find out that numbers on paper mean little when soul and science come together. The ride turned out to be a masterclass in balance, feedback, and that elusive, addictive sensation, pure riding pleasure.
The New V2 Engine Without Desmotronics
This was the elephant in the garage: no desmodromics. Ducati purists might feel a little heartache here, but once you ride it, the grief fades quickly. The 890cc 90° V-twin is a masterpiece of usability. It puts out 120 hp at 10,750 rpm and 93 Nm at 8,250 rpm, not world-ending figures, but forget the spec sheet for a second. This engine feels alive. It’s got character in its pulse and velvet in its throttle response. Without desmodromic valves, maintenance becomes friendlier, while the ride remains thrilling. The clutch is quiet (thankfully), the throttle is smooth, and from 4,000 rpm onward, you’re treated to an eager rush that doesn’t intimidate but still gets the blood pumping. The lighter engine, down 9.5 kg from its predecessor, adds agility and charm, not to mention better weight distribution on tight mountain switchbacks.
There is Nothing Missing in Terms of Electronics
Ducati didn’t pull any punches with electronics. This isn’t a stripped-down bike, it’s a scalpel with a supercomputer riding shotgun. Three ride modes (Road, Road Pro, and Track), lean-sensitive ABS, Ducati Traction Control EVO 2, Slide Control, Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control, and the seamless Ducati Quick Shifter 2.0, all present and flawlessly integrated. As we climbed into the thinner air above 10,000 feet, the electronics adjusted like magic. The ABS and traction control dialed in confidence on loose gravel and unpredictable corners, while the quickshifter became my favorite plaything on short, sharp straights. The 5-inch TFT screen might not be as grand as what the V4 boys get, but it’s crisp, legible even under direct sunlight, and intuitive. The left switchgear allows quick tweaks without ever distracting from the ride.
Comfortable Streetfighter Ergonomics
At 6’3″, I expected to be cramped. But the V2 S welcomed me with surprising hospitality. The seat height is a manageable 837 mm, and the newly shaped 15-liter tank gave my knees something solid to anchor against during late braking into sharp bends. The slightly rear-set footpegs and wider handlebars allow for a commanding yet sporty posture, perfect for city blasts or mountain apex-chasing. The seat, while firm, offers enough real estate for shifting your weight mid-corner or stretching out on straighter sections. I noticed how the small flyscreen actually manages airflow impressively well. It never felt like I was fighting wind at highway speeds. On the narrow Srinagar-Leh highway, the bike sliced through with a composed poise that belied its bare-chested appearance.
Panigale V2 Chassis with Targeted Changes
This isn’t a cousin of the Panigale, it’s a sibling with shared DNA and a few smart street-fighting tricks. Ducati borrowed the Panigale V2’s monocoque frame and made two crucial changes: increased the swingarm length by 30 mm and relaxed the steering angle by 0.5 degrees. That translates to better straight-line stability and more forgiving handling in fast, flowing bends. Up in the mountains, this meant the front always felt planted, even when I was riding a little too hot into a blind left-hander and had to scrub speed mid-corner. The 24.1° rake adds just enough high-speed composure without sacrificing nimbleness. I tossed it from side to side through Srinagar’s empty Sunday morning sweepers, and it begged for more.
Chassis, Almost Like the Big
The S version is blessed with Öhlins gold, a 43 mm NIX30 fork and a premium shock at the rear, both fully adjustable. There’s no electronic suspension here, and thank the motorcycling gods for that. The analog feel of manual damping and rebound is a joy when properly tuned. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IVs wrap around 17-inch wheels, with a 190-section rear tire that gives you grip to spare without dulling turn-in. It’s not overkill, it’s just right. Even with my 120 kg frame and a backpack loaded with gear, the suspension never felt overwhelmed. Mid-corner dips, rough tarmac, gravel-strewn patches, everything was soaked up with reassuring composure.
Exhaust System Inspired by the 1299 Final Edition
The pipes. Oh, the pipes. Ducati knows how to make a motorcycle sound like a battle cry, and this one howls with heritage. Inspired by the 1299 Panigale Final Edition, the underseat-style twin cans look sharp and sing in all the right frequencies. They’re not obnoxious, but they make themselves known, especially above 6,000 rpm, when the mountain echo chamber turned every gearshift into a crescendo of symphonic rage. Those craving more volume (and 6 extra horses) can bolt on the Termignoni race exhaust, but honestly, the stock setup feels just right for street and spirited mountain rides. How Much Does the Fun Cost? The Streetfighter V2 S starts at €17,990, a hefty sum, no doubt. But what you’re buying isn’t just performance, it’s refinement, engineering art, and pure Italian charisma. For €2,500 less, you can opt for the standard version with fewer Öhlins parts but the same soul. And both models can be tamed to 48 hp for A2 license holders, ensuring accessibility without neutering the essence. Considering the level of equipment, chassis finesse, and the overall grin-per-mile ratio, it doesn’t feel overpriced, it feels earned.
Conclusion
Riding the Ducati Streetfighter V2 S through the endless Himalayan loops of Srinagar was more than just a test, it was a revelation. Here’s a bike that doesn’t rely on absurd horsepower figures or shock value. Instead, it speaks to the rider’s core need: connection. It’s a bike that invites you to push harder, lean deeper, trust more. It rewards skill, not arrogance. It forgives, but never forgets. It sings in corners and settles your soul when the world blurs past. The V2 S isn’t a compromise, it’s a calculated strike. Lighter, smarter, and more engaging than most of its competition, it’s the proof that sometimes, less truly is more. On those narrow, whispering Himalayan roads, it was everything I could’ve asked for, and maybe even a bit more.
