Thirty years ago, Italian designer Massimo Tamburini created the Ducati 916, which became an iconic milestone in Ducati’s history and paved the way for future Ducati sportbikes. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the 916, the company is offering a 2024 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 limited to only 500 units and dressed in a special livery inspired by the bike that Carl Fogarty rode to victory in the Superbike World Championship in 1999.
The 30th anniversary bike will feature all of the top-of-the-range components of the Panigale V4 SP2, including the liquid-cooled 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4 Producing a claimed 210 hp at 12,500 rpm and 90.6 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm.
Separating the 30th Anniversario 916 version from the standard Panigale V4 SP2 are a number of details, including the striking livery. The tricolor fairing and white numberplate are inspired by the 916 from the 1999 Superbike World Championship. The tank cover features a laurel logo as it was on the 916, and the logo on the fairing is also borrowed from the 916 but with a modern twist that creates a 3D-like effect.
A limited run and top-range motorcycle like this deserves nothing but the best, and that’s just what Ducati has given it. It features a billet aluminum racing fuel tank cap, air ducts for cooling the front brakes, wings with a double-profile design, and a carbon-fiber fender. The carbon-fiber 5-spoke wheels reduce weight by 3 lb compared to the wheels of the V4 S and 7.5 lb compared to those of the Panigale V4.
Carrying over from the Panigale V4 SP2 are two 330mm front brake discs paired with Brembo Stylema 4-piston monoblock calipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO and a Brembo MCS 19.21 master cylinder with a remote adjuster. Also from the Panigale V4 SP2 is the Öhlins NPX25/30 43mm fork with electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment, and well as an Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension unit with electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. The 17-inch wheels are shod in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires.
The Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 weighs in at 381 lb, according to Ducati, and has a seat height of 33.5 inches. The wheelbase is 57.8 inches with a 24.5-degree rake and 3.94-inches of trail. Fuel capacity is 4.5 gallons.
The billet aluminum footpegs are adjustable to fit the rider. The Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down comes as standard equipment and can be set up with either a traditional gearbox or with a racing pattern. Also included in the package is the Ducati Data Analyzer+ system, which tracks and monitors the rider’s performance.
The Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 comes with a track-ready kit that includes billet aluminum caps for removing the mirrors, a removal kit for the license plate holder, and an open carbon clutch cover. This bike is available in a single-seat configuration only. A billet aluminum steering plate features a laser engraving of the model name and number, and it comes with a certificate of authenticity and a bike cover.
The 2024 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916, limited to 500 units, will have an MSRP of $45,995 and arrive in dealerships in March 2024.
The new 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono joins Ducati’s lineup as the first Ducati in nearly 30 years to feature a single-cylinder engine, called the Superquadro Mono. In typical Ducati fashion, the Hypermotard 698 Mono leans on its Panigale pedigree of top performance and technology but in a compact and lightweight package that’s sure to be a fun ride.
The new Superquadro Mono is a 659cc Single with a claimed max power of 77.5 hp at 9,750 rpm, power levels unheard of from a single-cylinder engine. Peak torque of 46.5 lb-ft arrives at 8,000 rpm, and the motor has a lofty rev limit of 10,250 rpm. The engine is derived from one cylinder of the Superquadro V-Twin found in the 1299 Panigale. In the Hypermotard 698 Mono, the 116mm bore remains but with a longer stroke of 62.4mm, giving it 659cc of displacement. The Superquardo Mono also inherits the Superquadro V-Twin’s combustion chamber, titanium intake and steel exhaust valves, and Ducati’s Desmodromic valve timing. Fitting the optional Termignoni exhaust increases power by 7 hp for a max of 84.5 hp, according to Ducati.
In terms of style, the Hypermotard 698 Mono leans into a racing aesthetic with sharp lines and a slim profile. Adding to its look is a tall and flat seat, a high front mudguard, and a sharp tailsection, along with a compact LED headlight and double silencers mounted up high on the sides of the tail. The upmarket RVE version, which includes a bi-directional quickshifter, comes in a “Graffiti” livery with black and red graphics.
The Hypermotard’s steel trellis frame features various sections and thicknesses to cut weight, resulting in a frame weight of 16 lb. Cast-aluminum rims, brake discs with aluminum flanges, and an aluminum double-sided swingarm also help to keep weight down. Ducati says it weighs in at just 333 lb with its fuel tank empty.
The Hypermotard 698 Mono has a tall seat height of 35.6 inches for its flat seat covered in grip fabric. Up front, 8.5 inches of travel is provided by a fully adjustable inverted 45mm Marzocchi fork, which is paired with a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock with 9.8 inches of travel. Providing braking power is a Brembo M4.32 4-piston radial-mount caliper biting a 330mm front brake disc and a 240mm disc at the rear. The Hypermotard rides on 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires.
On the electronics side of things, the Hypermotard 698 Mono is equipped with several rider aides, including cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and power launch. A bi-directional quickshifter is supplied as standard on the RVE version and is available as an option on the standard version. All of this is managed by a 3.8-inch LCD display with white characters on a black background.
Riding modes include Sport, Road, Urban, and Wet, and each adjusts traction control, engine brake control, and ABS levels.
This model is Ducati’s first to offer four levels of ABS, two of which integrate the Slide-by-Brake functionality to facilitate backing in during cornering. Level 4 provides the most ABS assistance and is ideal for low-grip conditions and riding on wet roads. Level 3 is designed for less experienced riders at the track to provide a more manageable experience. Level 2 allows more sliding into corners, and Level 1 is for experienced riders who want the least amount of intervention. In Level 1, ABS is only active in the front.
The bike also offers four levels of wheelie control to regulate front-wheel lift. Level 4 allows the least front-wheel lift, and Level 1 allows the most lift. The Ducati Performance software is available as an accessory and adds Wheelie Assist to help riders execute wheelies by regulating engine torque based on how far the front wheel is off the ground. The Ducati Performance software is only available with the Termignoni Ducati Performance exhaust and is not street legal.
The 2024 Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono will be available in Ducati Red with an MSRP of $12,995. The RVE version with Graffiti graphics, a black frame, and a quickshifter will be available for $14,495. Both versions will begin arriving at dealerships in February 2024.
Choices for smaller, affordable motorcycles are growing, and that’s good news for riders looking for a fun bike that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re new to riding and want something easy to handle or an experienced rider looking for a lighter or shorter bike, you have more options now than ever when it comes to finding the best motorcycles for smaller riders!
Below is Rider’s 2023 list of best motorcycles for smaller riders, an update of the popular post from 2019. This list includes motorcycles with seat heights between 31.0 and 31.9 inches with an MSRP of $17,000 or less.
When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride reviews so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022-2023 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), seat height, and claimed wet or dry weight. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.
The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list.
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Review With Rennie Scaysbrook, Photography by Ducati Being a bike journo is hard. You have to ride all these new bikes, travel the world, eat great food and hang out with your friends in strange countries, and punch out a few words at the end of it all. I know. Bloody […]
Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.
In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers.
This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.
The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list.
Ducati has announced details for the new 2023 Ducati Scrambler family, which includes the Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift. The company says the Scrambler has always combined fun, technology, safety, and ease of use, and adds that the new generation continues this trend.
The 2023 Ducati Scrambler range will still feature the air-cooled 803cc L-Twin with a desmodromic valve system making a claimed 73 hp and 48.1 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm (compared to the 2022 Scrambler Motard’s claimed 48.5 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm) with a 6-speed gearbox (Ducati Quick Shift is standard on the Full Throttle), a slip-assist clutch, and chain final drive.
The new engine is 5.5 lb lighter than the previous generation and has been equipped with a new eight-disc clutch, which Ducati says is softer in operation. The clutch is also more compact, which has made it possible to reduce the size of the right side cover and offer more space for the rider’s foot. The new Ducati Scrambler is also equipped with a transmission shift drum mounted on bearings.
The 2023 Scrambler frame is still a trellis design but has also been updated and lightened, with a redesigned swingarm and a repositioned shock absorber. And for custom bike builders, the rear sub-frame is now easily removable without modifying the frame.
The 2023 Ducati Scramblers now have electronic management of the Ride by Wire throttle, which Ducati says “makes the engine response ready at every throttle position, but always progressive and easy to manage at all revs.” It allows the adoption of Ducati Traction Control and two Riding Modes: Road and Wet. The standard equipment is completed by ABS Cornering.
Riding improvements also come from a slightly increased steering angle. The wheels are a completely renewed design with 18 and 17 inches respectively at the front and rear (light alloy on the Icon and Full Throttle and spoked aluminum on the Nightshift).
All said and done, the bike has been lightened by 8.8 lb for total wet weights of 408 lb. on the Icon and Full Throttle and 421 lb. on the Nightshift.
Perhaps as important when it comes to the Scrambler is the style, and Ducati says the design of the 2023 Scrambler range keeps “the soul of the Ducati Scrambler family intact, preserving its distinctive elements.” The front headlight, now full LED, keeps the iconic “X” but has been redesigned with an even more recognizable style. The new taillight design is now with a semi-circular line, always full LED, along with the direction indicators.
The steel tank has been redesigned and equipped with an interchangeable cover that, along with the fenders and details on the headlamp, gives the bike its color and allows easy and quick customization. Anodized aluminum covers below the tank complete the renewed design of the front of the bike.
New instrumentation includes the 4.3-inch color TFT and dedicated HMI. The Ducati Multimedia System is available as an accessory, allowing you to listen to music and make calls by connecting your smartphone.
2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon
The 2023 Ducati Scrambler Icon version with the new tank design and interchangeable covers offers the three standard colors (’62 Yellow, Thrilling Black, and Ducati Red), and a further six are available as accessory kits that include tank covers, front and rear fenders, headlamp covers, and wheel tags to complete the customization.
The Icon features a revised handlebar that is lower and closer to the rider, and the seat has been redesigned with a more tapered, streamlined shape. Completing the design of this new generation of Icon are black under-seat side panels with Ducati Scrambler graphics.
The Ducati Scrambler Icon will arrive to the U.S. in spring 2023 starting at $10,995.
2023 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle
The 2023 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle was inspired by U.S. Flat Track competitions on dirt oval tracks. The side number plates have the number 62 in Tracker style – representing the 1962 debut year of the first Ducati Scrambler – combined with the sump guard for what Ducati says is “a decidedly grittier aesthetic for those who do not want to go unnoticed.”
The Full Throttle’s sporty character is underlined by the sport-look seat cover, a dedicated livery in GP19 Red/Dark Stealth, and the black finish of the exhaust heat shields and front side covers. A shorter front fender, a tail without a rear fender, red tags on the alloy wheels, a street-legal Termignoni silencer, Ducati Performance LED turn signals, and standard Quick Shift up/down complete the package.
The riding position is also different than the Icon thanks to a variable section handlebar, and the Rosso GP19 seat cover is available as an accessory for a single-seat look.
The Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle will arrive at U.S. dealerships in spring 2023 starting at $12,195.
2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift
Ducati says the 2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is “the most elegant of the proposals” in the 2023 Scrambler range. Like the Full Throttle, the Nightshift features side number plates, a sporty front fender, the absence of a rear fender, and compact LED indicators.
The Nightshift has a Nebula Blue color scheme and spoked rims, now completely black, and the same flat-shaped, variable-section handlebar and bar-end mirrors in café racer style as the 2022 model.
The Ducati Scrambler Nightshift will arrive to U.S. dealers in summer 2023 starting at $12,195.
Scrambler Customization
To allow enthusiasts to express their personality in the best way possible, Scrambler offers a wide choice of accessories, including three exhaust proposals made by Termignoni. There is the street-legal silencer with black finish and contrasting ring available in yellow, red or blue. The complete steel exhaust is not street legal and is mounted in a high side position in Flat Track style, with black finish and accompanied by dedicated mapping for the ECU (not homologated for road use). The third exhaust accessory is a street-legal short silencer, also in steel, again with black finish and accompanied by dedicated map. All three choices have a contrasting ring available in yellow, red, or blue.
Other accessories include saddles, many details machined from billet – footpegs, mirrors, tank caps – and soft bags, all viewable via the online configurator.
The Ducati Diavel has seen some dramatic evolutions since the power cruiser was introduced in 2011. The Diavel originally featured a 1198cc Testastretta L-twin that made a claimed 162 hp. In 2016, Ducati introduced the XDiavel, with more conventional cruiser styling and ergonomics and a new 1,262cc Testastretta L-twin offering more low-end torque, and in 2019, Ducati released the best-of-both-worlds Diavel 1260.
This year, Ducati is changing the Diavel game again with the introduction of the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4, featuring the 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine making a claimed 168 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque.
Ducati says the V4 Granturismo is “the ideal engine for a muscle cruiser, capable of combining linear power at lower revs with vigorous torque throughout the rev range,” adding that the Diavel V4 should appear to a wide variety of riders, “from the sports enthusiast looking for a more comfortable and stylish bike to those looking to ride in an urban and relaxed setting to the lover of performance and drag racing iconography.”
From a visual standpoint, the Diavel V4 continues to offer the mix of conventional yet still muscular styling characteristic of the 2011 bike. Ducati says the bike was inspired by the look of muscle cars and superhero aesthetics and results in a style reminiscent of “an athlete ready to sprint off the starting blocks, with all the masses concentrated on the front and an agile, streamlined tail.”
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Engine
The V4 Granturismo engine is a central element of the Diavel V4’s design. Ducati says this technical choice simultaneously improves performance, dynamics, and riding pleasure as a result of a counter-rotating crankshaft, which reduces the gyroscopic effect while increasing the bike’s agility. The light and compact V4 Granturismo derives from the Desmosedici Stradale of Panigale and Streetfighter V4.
The V4 Granturismo is also characterized by low operating costs, with major maintenance at 37,000-mile intervals, and is efficient in fuel consumption and emissions due to the extended cylinder deactivation system. This feature allows the engine to operate as either a two-cylinder or four-cylinder by shutting off the rear bank not only when the vehicle is stationary but also while riding at low engine speeds under reduced engine load.
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Chassis and Ergonomics
Compared with the Diavel 1260 S, the 2023 Diavel V4 has shaved 28.6 lb off the curb weight for a total dry weight of 491.6 lb.
The Diavel V4 has an inverted 50mm fork and a cantilever-pattern shock absorber, both fully adjustable. Travel has been increased by 0.6 inch over the outgoing model. The supersport-like braking system features 330mm discs and Brembo Stylema calipers.
The bike has a wide and low seat (31.1 inch), central footpegs, and a high handlebar set 0.78 inch closer than on the Diavel 1260, and passengers ride on a spacious seat, footrests that retract under the tail, and a telescoping rear grab bar. With the retractable aspects of footrests and the grab bar, the easily installed standard passenger seat allows the Diavel V4 to be transformed from a two-seater to a single-seater with minimal effort.
2023 Ducati Diavel V4 Electronics
The Diavel V4 comes with three power modes and four ride modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, and the new Wet mode, designed for low-traction surfaces. Riding aid systems include a 6-axis IMU, Ducati Traction Control in Cornering version, ABS Cornering, and Ducati Wheelie Control, as well as Cruise Control, Launch Control, and Ducati Quick Shift.
All the electronic systems are managed through backlit controls on the handlebar and the new 5-inch color TFT display, which also offers Bluetooth connectivity to pair your smartphone for calling, text messaging, and music. An optional turn-by-turn navigation system is also available.
Other options include semi-rigid cases with 48 liters of capacity, a passenger backrest, and a touring windscreen. Billet parts, carbon parts, dry clutch (for racing use only), forged wheels, and red or black brake calipers further expand the possibility of customizing the new Diavel V4. The 2023 Diavel V4 will be offered in classic Ducati Red or Thrilling Black and will be available in U.S. and Canadian dealerships beginning in Spring 2023.
Pricing will begin at an MSRP of $26,695 in Ducati Red color or $26,995 for Thrilling Black.
Adding another notch to the company’s proverbial belt of 2023 bikes, Ducati announced the continued evolution of its “Fight Formula” with the 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 and V4 S models, as well as an exclusive Streetfighter V4 SP2.
Unveiled in 2019 for the 2020 model year, the Streetfighter V4, with aggressive and minimalist aesthetic and characterized by a front inspired by the Joker from the comic series, was hailed as setting new performance benchmarks in the supersport naked segment.
Ducati says the 2023 Streetfighter V4 models push the concepts of the “Fight Formula” even further, the key elements of which are the Panigale V4 stripped of its fairing, high and wide handlebars, a 392-lb dry weight, a 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale making a claimed 208 hp at 13,000 rpm (with revised calibration to match the larger diameter of the silencer outlet), biplane wings, and the latest generation electronic package.
But the removal of the bodywork isn’t the only area where the new Streetfighter V4 aligns with the 2023 Panigale V4.
The new Streetfighter implements the Power Modes logic already developed in the Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S with calibrations dedicated to the Desmosedici Stradale engine in the Streetfighter configuration. In addition to the previous High and Medium power modes, which have been revised for 2023, two new power modes have been developed: Full and Low.
For the High and Medium power modes, a new throttle-by-wire map management system has been developed with a dedicated calibration for each of the six gears for optimal acceleration. The new Full power mode allows the engine to have its full potential torque without electronic intervention, except in 1st gear, and the Low Power Mode has been designed for riding on low-grip surfaces, limiting the maximum power of the bike to 165 hp and offering a softer and more manageable throttle response.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also sees the introduction of the new “Wet” ride mode to make riding even safer on low-grip surfaces. The standard equipment is upgraded by a lithium-ion battery for the S and the SP2 version (which is 3.7 lb lighter than the previous one and already equipped on the Streetfighter V4 SP).
The dashboard of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 also follows the evolution followed by the Panigale V4. The graphics are revised in all views, which Ducati says makes the information more straightforward and allows the rider to make calibration adjustments easier.
As on the Panigale V4, the gear indicator is displayed via an external green LED signal. The dashboard offers the “Track Evo” display mode, which replicates the layout used on the MotoGP Desmosedici and provides an immediate view of the most important information and the intervention of the electronic controls.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also features the new Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2 software, which is said to improves stability, precision, and directionality in the braking and corner entry phases. This software features a different gear-by-gear calibration on each of the three selectable levels. The new strategy was developed to optimize the amount of the engine brake based on the load on the rear end. In the first braking phase, when there is little load on the rear tire, the EBC EVO 2 provides less engine brake, increasing braking as the rider approaches the center of the corner. This upgrade provides additional control using the engine braking in all riding conditions and reduces locking up of the rear wheel in the most demanding braking sections.
The 2023 Streetfighter V4 also implements a new strategy for the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) that improves the fluidity of shifting at every throttle opening, having dedicated strategies with the two situations for when the throttle is partially or fully open.
In partial throttle shifting, the strategy acts both through an injection cut and a reduction of ignition advance, making shifting smoother on roads. In full throttle shifting, typical of track use, the DQS strategy is refined with an evolution of the torque return phase that reportedly gives more stability to the bike and more consistency, therefore reducing lap times.
Finally, the cooling fan control strategy sees an update that now offers better operating temperature management and greater thermal comfort for the rider at typical road use speeds.
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Chassis and Ergonomics
On the new Streetfighter V4, the chassis also follows the evolution of the Panigale V4 family to offer enthusiasts stability improvements, front-end feeling, and riding safety. The chassis includes a Front Frame and a single-sided swingarm, both in aluminum, with an NIX30 inverted 43mm fork and mechanically adjustable TTX36 shock absorber.
The Streetfighter V4 S semi-active Öhlins suspension also features SmartEC 2.0 interface for versatility and improved effectiveness and set-up time. In addition, the V4 S version features Marchesini forged aluminum wheels that reduce unsprung weight versus the standard V4 model.
As on the Panigale V4, the swingarm pivot of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 is positioned 0.16 inch (4mm) higher, increasing the anti-squat action for greater stability, precision, and the ability to maintain the trajectory in all acceleration situations.
The weight distribution also moves toward the front, loading it more and thus increasing accuracy and speed in corner entry. Finally, the ergonomics benefit from the new layout of the fuel tank, which is the same shape of the 2022 Panigale V4 and offers greater support to the rider during braking and cornering. The wet weight of the 2022 Streetfighter V4 S stands at 435.4 lb (197.5 kg).
The new “Front Frame” and the Desmosedici Stradale are left uncovered as much as possible, with minimal bodywork and streamlined lines for what Ducati says is a “clean, essential combination.”
The Streetfighter V4 and V4 S models will be available in the U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting in spring 2023. The U.S. pricing for the Streetfighter V4 will start at $22,095 for the Streetfighter V4 in Ducati Red color, with the Streetfighter V4 S starting at $27,595 in Ducati Red and $27,795 for the new Grey/Nero color.
Story continues below 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S gallery
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2
To push the performance of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 even further, Ducati is also presenting its top-of-the-range Streetfighter V4 SP2 model in a numbered version that’s ready to hit the track.
On the Streetfighter V4 SP2, the Desmosedici Stradale is equipped with the STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, which Ducati says provides an improved slipper function, even in the most aggressive situations, and more fluidity in all “off-throttle” phases, essential to be effective on the track when riding at the limit.
The Öhlins suspension has seen an update with springs and hydraulics identical to those of the Panigale V4. The bike features a carbon front fender and adjustable, machined aluminum foot-pegs that increase the lean angle and allow the rider to find the optimal position while riding, as well as a carbon clutch cover and block-off covers for removing the license plate holder and mirrors for strictly closed-course circuit riding.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 is equipped with five-split-spoke carbon rims, 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) lighter than the forged aluminum ones mounted on the Streetfighter V4 S, which contributes to a reduction in the moment of inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, impacting the feel of the bike when changing direction. The Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers give high braking power and consistent performance even in the case of extended use on the track.
The Streetfighter V4 SP2 will also be available in spring 2023 in the Winter Test livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse bikes used during the preseason tests of the MotoGP and WorldSBK Championships. The matte black of the bodywork, combined with the matte carbon finish of the rims and wings, contrasts with the bright red accents and exposed brushed aluminum tank and side covers of the radiators. The progressive number of the bike is lasered on the handlebar. The 2023 Streetfighter V4 SP2 starts at $37,995.
Ducati has announced the 2023 Panigale V4 R, a street-legal superbike that now surpasses earlier models as Ducati’s closest production model to a competition motorcycle. With technical solutions derived from MotoGP and WorldSBK Championship bikes, Ducati claims a max 240.5 hp for the updated Panigale V4 R. The 2023 V4 R also features several upgrades over the previous year model.
The maximum horsepower of 240.5 sounds impressive, but it’s a little more complicated than that. A few things have to fall into alignment for that max to be reached. The 2023 Panigale V4 features the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, seen in previous models.
Ducati claims the Desmosedici Stradale R can reach 16,500 rpm in 6th gear and deliver 207 hp at 13,500 rpm with 82 lb-ft of torque. Add on the racing exhaust, and the Stradale R bumps up to 237 hp, which is 3 hp higher than its predecessor but still 3.5 hp short of the claimed max. To give the Stradale R another boost, Ducati collaborated with Shell to produce a special performance oil that claims a 10% reduction in mechanical friction, bumping the ponies up to 240.5.
The special Shell oil only works because the bike uses a dry clutch. The oil contains racing-type additives that can cause problems with a wet clutch. The clutch on the 2023 Panigale V4 R is new, derived from the version used in the WorldSBK. The diameter and axial length have been reduced by 0.9 in and the weight by 1.8 lb. To help with lubrication, the V4 R features gun-drilled titanium connecting rods, which facilitate oil passage.
Also new to the 2023 model is the lengthened gear ratios. The new ratios are the same as those used by WorldSBK Panigale race bikes and were first seen in production models on the 2022 Panigale V4 S. The ratios are lengthened in 1st (+11.6%), 2nd (+5.6%), and 6th (+1.8%) gears. Ducati says the longer gears offer improved engine management when braking and better acceleration coming out of corners. They also allow the quickshifter to work more effectively.
The V4 R also allows riders to choose from four engine configurations: full, high, medium, and low. Full power mode is exactly what it sounds like: It allows the engine to run its full potential without electronic filters (except for first gear). In medium and high power modes, a Ride by Wire map has calibration for all six gears so riders achieve ideal drive. The low power mode is intended to be used for riding on road and for low-grip surfaces. Low power mode limits the max power to 160 hp and features a more manageable throttle response.
The ride mode is visible on the Track Evo display, first seen on the 2022 Panigale V4. The display features a horizontal tachometer along the top of the dashboard. The gear engaged is in the center of the screen. The display also features lights to indicate when an electronic control is working on a particular parameter, such as the Engine Brake Control and the Dual Quick Shift, making it easier for the rider to figure out what controls are helping and what controls have been working against the rider in any given scenario.
The suspension system, updated in the 2022 Panigale V4 and V4 S, is fully adjustable, with an Öhlins NPX25/30 fork with 4.9 inches of travel (0.2 inches more than the 2022 Panigale V4 R) and an Öhlins TTX36 shock. Other updates include a more aggressive profile of the intake cams to improve breathing at high revs and an aluminum tank capacity increase to 4.5 gallons.
Ducati offers a number of accessories for the Panigale V4, such as the Akrapovič titanium complete exhaust system, lighter magnesium rims, adjustable aluminum footpegs, and more.
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R in MotoGP-derived racing livery will retail for $44,995 and is expected to arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2023. Visit Ducati’s website for more information.
When the top-of-the-range Ducati Multistrada platform adopted the 170-hp V4 Granturismo engine for 2021, fans of the powerful, high-tech adventure bike waited with anticipation as additional models were rolled out.
For 2023, Ducati has introduced the Multistrada V4 Rally, which fills the gap left by the departure of the Multistrada 1260 Enduro. Like the Enduro, the V4 Rally comes standard with spoked tubeless wheels in 19-/17-inch sizes, additional suspension travel (7.9 inches front/rear), and a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank (up from 5.8 gallons on other Multistrada models).
Among the models in the Multistrada family, the V4 Rally is best suited for long-distance, two-up travel. Its additional fuel capacity gives it more range, its windscreen is 1.6 inches taller and 0.8 inch wider than the one on the V4 S, its longer tailsection provide more spacious passenger accommodations, and its rubber-mounted passenger footpegs reduce vibration. A centerstand is standard equipment, which facilitates loading/unloading luggage and performing basic checks and maintenance.
The V4 Rally is equipped with semi-active Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO, and it features two comfort features. The Minimum Preload function allows the rider to “lower” the bike when stopping and riding at low speed by minimizing the preload of the shock absorber. The Easy Lift opens the suspension hydraulics at key “on” and reduces the effort required to lift the motorcycle from the sidestand thanks to the compression of the fork and shock absorber.
Other electronic rider aids include four ride modes (Sport, Touring, Urban, and Enduro), a quickshifter, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection, and IMU-enabled features such as lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, wheelie control, and cornering lights. The 6.5-inch TFT display offers map navigation through the Ducati Connect app, which supports the use of a smartphone to answer calls or listen to music while using a helmet equipped with an intercom system.
The Multistrada V4 Rally also introduces a new strategy to extend the deactivation of the rear cylinder bank, which is available in all ride modes. In addition to switching off the rear cylinders at idle when stopped (a function already available on the Multistrada V4), the V4 Granturismo now keeps the rear cylinders deactivated in other operating conditions to optimize fuel consumption and emissions. Deactivation occurs even with the motorcycle in motion. As speed increases – or above a specific power request – the rear cylinders are reactivated, and the full performance of the V4 Granturismo is returned.
The 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally will be available in North America in one version: Adventure Travel & Radar, equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, aluminum side cases, and heated grips and seats. MSRP is $31,495 for Ducati Red and $31,995 for Brushed Aluminum & Matte Black. A full range of accessories will also be available.
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally Specs
Base Price: $31,495 (Ducati Red), $31,995 (Brushed Aluminum & Matte Black) Website:Ducati.com Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 90-degree V-4, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,158cc Bore x Stroke: 83.0 x 53.5mm Horsepower: 170 hp at 10,750 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 89 lb-ft at 8,750 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch w/ quickshifter Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 61.9 in. Rake/Trail: 24.7 degrees/4.2 in. Seat Height: 34.3/35.0 in. Wet Weight: 573 lb Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gals.