The Streetfighter V4 SP is powered by the 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale: a 90° V4 with MotoGP-derived desmodromic timing, unique in its class thanks to its counter-rotating crankshaft and ‘Twin Pulse’ firing order.

For Ducati, the 90° V4 is the ultimate expression of sports attitude for a motorcycle engine. It is no coincidence that MotoGP Desmosedici engines adopt the same solution. 

The 90° V layout of the cylinders allows for a natural balancing of first order forces, with no need for a countershaft – with an increase in weight and power absorption - to eliminate vibration. A very important benefit in terms of the reliability and mechanical efficiency of an engine that reaches engine speeds in excess of 14,000 rpm.

The Desmosedici Stradale is designed around the Desmodromic system, essential in terms of performance. The four camshafts move sixteen steel valves - with intake valves measuring 34 mm in diameter and the exhaust valves measuring 27.5 mm, impressive values if related to the 81 mm bore. The valve seats are made of sintered steel. Considering the high engine speeds of the V4 and the significant size of the valves, these would not be able to follow the aggressive cam closing profiles if a spring system were used. This is why the Desmodromic system is indispensable.

As on the MotoGP prototypes, the crankshaft is counter-rotating, which means it rotates in the opposite direction to the wheels, to counteract the gyroscopic effect and ensure handling and agility in the changes of direction, as well as reducing the tendency to wheelie during acceleration and braking. 

Crank pins offset by 70° combined with the 90° V layout of the engine result in a firing order that Ducati calls “Twin Pulse”, because it is as if the engine were reproducing the firing sequence of a twin. The distinctiveness lies in the fact that the two left-hand cylinders fire closely together, as do the two right-hand ones. On the timing chart, the ignition points are at 0°, 90°, 290° and 380°. This particular firing order makes the V4 sound very similar to the MotoGP Desmosedici.

As for maximum power, the new camshafts have increased lift (+ 0.75 mm for the intake cam and + 0.45 mm for the exhaust cam) and are also lighter thanks to larger lightening holes and narrower toothed drive wheels. The lengths of the variable-height intake ducts have been modified to match intake to the new lifts; the long-duct configuration is increased by 5 mm, while the short-duct configuration is reduced by 10 mm.

The cooling system has been redesigned to guarantee consistent performance even in very high temperatures or during extreme use on track. The effective cooling area of the water radiator has been increased by 17%, while the oil radiator benefits from a more efficient, race-derived water circulation layout that is dual flow. 

The Brembo MCS (Multiple Click System) radial master cylinder allows the rider to adjust both mechanical travel and the lever ratio, tailoring braking feel to their riding style. The 330 mm front discs are cooled by carbon-fiber air ducts, which are not homologated for road use and enhance braking efficiency and consistency. Rounding out the system are Brembo Hypure calipers in Ducati Red, a distinctive detail that strengthens the bike’s sports attitude also from an aesthetic standpoint.

The adjustable footpegs on the Streetfighter V4 SP are created in billet aluminum and offer three different positions to optimize the height from the ground and adapt the configuration according to rider preference. They also allow the gearshift pattern to be reversed and come complete with carbon fiber heel guards.

The new Streetfighter V4 SP flaunts a dashboard complete with a 6.9” color screen, an 8:3 aspect ratio, and 1280 x 480 resolution, which sets new standards in terms of its readability, ease of use, and the amount of data it provides. Thanks to the use of Optical Bonding technology, with graphics on a black background and glass protection, the aesthetic is impeccable and offers excellent visibility also during the day. The dash is controlled by an HMI that uses two rocker controllers positioned on the left handlebar block. The visualization options, known as Info Modes, are Road and Track. The first is very clean with a circular rev counter in the center of the screen, while the second features a rev counter bar that stretches across almost the entire width of the screen, along with data needed to monitor the bike settings and lap performance. The rider can swiftly select one of the four Riding Modes, modify the electronic controls, and choose one of the four available Power Modes depending on riding style and bike usage.

The electronic controls evolve with the use of the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO), developed by Ducati Corse. This algorithm can simulate the input of seventy sensors and measure 70 physical quantities for a precise estimate of the levels of intervention of the traction and wheelie control systems. These systems work in an almost predictive fashion while also heightening riding safety and confidence on track.

The Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 allows the rider to shift up and down without using the clutch, swapping the traditional lever with microswitch for a direct mechanical lever.

The electronic strategy is entrusted to the positioning sensor on the gear drum that identifies the gear shift, offering the rider more direct feeling that is easier to repeat, less “spongy” and with reduced travel.

The Streetfighter V4 SP has a braking system managed by Race e-CBS, a combined braking system with Cornering function developed by Bosch in collaboration with Ducati. The system autonomously applies braking pressure to the rear, based on predefined strategies, when the rider activates the front brake.

The system ensures safer and more stable braking on the road and heightens performance on track, even for amateur riders who don’t usually use the rear brake. On the road, Race eCBS increases stability and reduces braking distances by limiting front load transfer and increasing average deceleration.

Streetfighter V4 SP flaunts an advanced electronics package based on the six-axis IMU that evolves thanks to the use of a revolutionary algorithm developed by Ducati Corse, known as Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO). 

Thanks to the DVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) heightens control of rear wheel slip, working more precisely and continuously during the maneuver to limit any loss of grip and subsequent recovery. 

Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) also benefits from the introduction of the DVO, allowing for more accurate identification of wheelies and more precise intervention that is almost predictive. 

Ducati Slide Control (DSC) supports the rider, controlling the amount of torque delivered depending on the slide angle. It operates thanks to the IMU and improves corner exit performance by preventing slide angles that would otherwise be difficult to manage. 

Ducati Power Launch (DPL) can guarantee lightning starts, allowing the rider to focus solely on releasing the clutch. DPL also benefits from the introduction of DVO, helping to increase repeatability and boost rider confidence in the system.

The Engine Brake Control (EBC) helps riders to optimize bike stability in extreme conditions of corner entry, balancing the forces to which the rear tire is subjected with aggressive application of the engine brake.

The Streetfighter V4 SP is equipped with Öhlins suspension and steering damper, controlled by the third-generation SmartEC 3.0 system with new OBTi user interface. 

The suspension heightens riding comfort on the road and guarantees precision and performance on the track. The user interface allows more precise adjustment of the suspension’s hydraulic response during the different riding phases. When traveling at constant speed, the system reduces hydraulic braking to heighten comfort during road use. 

The new Suspension Modes offer four preset configurations for the reference parameters governing hydraulic damping - two for the track and two for the road - that can be customized by the rider.

The Streetfighter V4 SP offers four engine configurations: Full, High, Medium and Low. 

Full Power Mode is the most extreme. Not associated with any Riding Mode, it allows the engine to express its full potential, with torque curves free from electronic filters in all gears except first.

Associated with the Race Riding Mode, High Power Mode satisfies the needs of amateur and professional riders on track.

Medium Power Mode is associated with the Sport and Road Riding Modes. Both can deliver full power and use a matrix-tire torque management that allows the ECU to optimize the curves required for each gear, improving continuity and reducing compromise.

Low Power Mode, on the other hand, is designed for low-grip surfaces and wet conditions. Associated with the Wet Riding Mode, it limits maximum power to 160 hp for a very manageable throttle response.

The Streetfighter V4 is as insolent in looks as it is easy to ride. This, thanks to Riding Modes that make it the perfect bike for leisurely local jaunts and the ideal naked with which to launch a time attack at any track.

“Race” Riding Mode – The Race Riding Mode offers the rider the full power of the engine (205 hp) with direct Ride by Wire response when opening the throttle (High Power Mode) and a very firm suspension setup (Active Track) for optimum performance. Race A mode provides a default low-intrusive electronics setting, designed for track riding, with Race eCBS at level 1.

“Sport” Riding Mode - The Sport Riding Mode is associated by default with the Medium Power Mode (maximum power of 205 hp and a more progressive Ride By Wire response) and a sports suspension setup (Active Dynamic). The electronic controls are set in such a way as to support the rider during sports riding on the road.

“Road” Riding Mode - The Road Riding Mode is recommended for road riding, especially on less-than-optimal surfaces. This mode provides the rider with 205 hp of power with a progressive response when opening the throttle (Medium Power Mode) and an Active Comfort suspension setup, particularly suited to absorbing the bumps.

“Wet” Riding Mode – The Wet Riding Mode is designed for riding on low-grip surfaces, or on wet surfaces. The RM limits maximum power to 160 hp with a particularly gentle throttle response (Low Power Mode) and a softened suspension setup (Active Low Grip) to favor grip and safety.