By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Ducati Streetfighter V2 (MY2022-S) vs Streetfighter 848 (MY2011)
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs Streetfighter 848: no fairing, no excuses. Here's how to pick.
Low in the revs, the Ducati Streetfighter V2's fueling won't settle, and a small throttle opening snatches, then hangs for a beat. The Ducati Streetfighter 848's throttle hooks into a thick shove that's waiting in the middle of the revs. It's happiest rolling on from there.
So which one do you buy?
The Streetfighter V2 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Slight edge: Streetfighter V2
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the Streetfighter V2 pulls a nose in front. It's down to simpler maintenance. Your own commute could easily flip it.
Keeping running costs low
Small edge: Streetfighter V2
Over a year of riding, the Streetfighter V2 noses ahead on running costs. A neglected example would wipe that out.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: Streetfighter V2
The Streetfighter V2 is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Just a touch.
What makes each one tick
Streetfighter V2
Under the Streetfighter V2's bare bodywork sits the heart of a Panigale V2 superbike, and it's tuned for thrills. The wide bar and tall seat set a committed stance, but there's next to no wind protection. On the S, the Öhlins suspension takes a bump and keeps the handling razor-sharp. The twin pulls hardest up top.
Streetfighter 848
The Streetfighter 848 steers off wide, raised bars that put it precisely where you aim through the bends of the Angeles Crest Highway. A steady twist of the throttle brings a muscular punch, and the motor doesn't need wringing out. The Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock ride plush yet keep the chassis in check. The fork reports the tire's grip.
Nils rode the Streetfighter 848 in 2012 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Streetfighter V2 makes more peak power: 153 hp (113 kW) vs 132 hp (97 kW).
- The Streetfighter V2 makes more peak torque: 75 lb-ft (101 Nm) vs 69 lb-ft (94 Nm).
- The Streetfighter V2 has the larger engine: 955 cc vs 848 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not built for this
As first bikes, both are a stretch. Starting smaller isn't a step down.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Streetfighter V2
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Choppy low-speed throttle response
Streetfighter 848
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile, confidence‑inspiring handling
- High‑quality, fully adjustable suspension
- Strong mid‑range with accessible power
- Upright and comfortable riding position
Known problems to check before you buy
Streetfighter V2
- Throttle hesitation / fueling dip around 5,000 rpm Many owners report a noticeable hesitation and flat spot in the power delivery around 5,000 rpm, making smooth low-speed riding challenging. Aftermarket ECU flashes often cure the issue.
Streetfighter 848
- Voltage regulator/rectifier failure The voltage regulator/rectifier can fail, causing erratic electrical behavior, starting problems, and dash voltage spikes. Replacement with an updated unit resolves the issue.
What they share
- Engine
- L-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/60-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Streetfighter V2 | Streetfighter 848 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.3 in (845 mm) | 33.1 in (840 mm) |
| Wet weight | 441 lb (200 kg) | 439 lb (199 kg) |
| Streetfighter V2 | Streetfighter 848 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 955 cc | 848 cc |
| Power | 153 hp (113 kW) | 132 hp (97 kW) |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft (101 Nm) | 69 lb-ft (94 Nm) |
| Streetfighter V2 | Streetfighter 848 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 4.4 US gal (16.5 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Streetfighter V2 | Streetfighter 848 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Quickshifter | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
