Ducati recently launched the new Streetfighter V2 in India, which called for this specification comparison with its competitors. Here’s how the newest offering fairs with its competition on paper.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs rivals: Engine and output
The Z900 produces the most amount of torque
| Engine and output | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 890cc, V-twin, liquid-cooled | 765cc, inline-3, liquid-cooled | 948cc, inline-4, liquid-cooled | ||
| Power | 120hp at 10,750rpm | 130hp at 12,000rpm | 125hp at 9,500rpm | ||
| Output | 93.3Nm at 8,250rpm | 80Nm at 9,500rpm | 98.6Nm at 7,700rpm | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed | ||
| Power-to-weight ratio | 674.1hp/tonne | 691.4hp/tonne | 586.8hp/tonne | ||
All three engines here are very different. The Triumph produces the most power and delivers it later in the rev band, whereas the Kawasaki produces the most torque, which is delivered at a much lower RPM, aiding rideability. The Ducati has the most distinct engine here, which will be evident in its exhaust note. It will have a distinct exhaust typical of V-twins, as opposed to the smoother note that the Triumph and Kawasaki will deliver.
It is worth noting that even though the Ducati and Triumph have a closely matched power-to-weight ratio, Ducati only discloses wet weight without fuel. Once topped up, the Ducati will be heavier, and its power-to-weight ratio will be lower. However, the Ducati’s figure will not be as low as the Z900, due to the latter’s much higher kerb weight.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs rivals: Weight and dimensions
The Street Triple RS is the lightest of the lot
| Weight and dimensions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducati Streetfighter V2 | Triumph Street Triple RS | Kawasaki Z900 | |||
| Kerb weight | 178kg | 188kg | 213kg | ||
| Seat height | 838mm | 836mm | 830mm | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 15 litres | 15 litres | 17 litres | ||
| Wheelbase | 1493mm | 1399mm | 1450mm | ||
| Ground clearance | NA | NA | 145mm | ||
As mentioned, the Ducati’s kerb weight is much lower on paper, but with fuel fully topped up, it will be heavier than the Triumph, making the Street Triple RS the lightest in this comparison and also in its segment. The Streetfighter also has the tallest seat height, although all three are quite closely stacked. Despite the Z900’s 830mm seat height, it has relatively upright ergonomics, whereas the other two have a noticeable forward lean to reach the handlebar. The Z900 also has a much higher kerb weight that will be noticeable, although it has a 2-litre larger fuel tank than its peers here.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs rivals: Tyres, suspension and brakes
Ducati comes with a wider 190-section rear tyre
| Tyres, suspension and brakes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres (F/R) | 120/70 R17 / 190/55 R17 | 120/70 R17 / 180/55 R17 | 120/70 R17 / 180/55 R17 | ||
| Suspension (F/R) | USD fork / monoshock | USD fork / monoshock | USD fork / monoshock | ||
| Brakes (F/R) | 320mm discs / 245mm disc | 310mm discs / 220mm disc | 300mm discs / 250mm disc | ||
The Ducati has the widest rear tyre, but it’s the Triumph that comes with the stickiest rubber from the factory. The Ducati comes shod in Pirelli Rosso IV rubber, whereas the Triumph runs on Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tyres, which are proper track-grade tyres. The Kawasaki, on the other hand, gets Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tyres.
The braking hardware, too, is top-drawer on the Street Triple and Streetfighter. The RS comes with Stylema callipers paired with a Brembo master cylinder, whereas the V2 comes with M50 monobloc callipers. The Z900 comes with Nissin callipers but they are monobloc units like its European rivals.
The standard V2 comes with a 43mm Marzocchi front fork and a Kayaba monoshock. The RS suspension is handled by Showa’s SFF BP fork, and monoshock duties are courtesy of Ohlins. If one prefers Ohlins on their Ducati, then they would have to bump up to the V2 S, which offers top-drawer Ohlins suspension at both ends. Z900’s suspension setup comes courtesy of Showa.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs rivals: Features
The Z900 comes with cruise-control
All three motorcycles get a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity, a bi-directional quickshifter and ABS, traction control, power modes with IMU-assist. The Z900 is loaded to the brim with features, including one segment-first. It is the only bike in the trio to offer cruise control, which will aid long-distance tourers. At the other end of the spectrum, what will aid track riders is the additional tweakability that the Triumph and Ducati offer for their electronics suite. Each parameter can be individually adjusted to suit the rider’s needs. The Ducati is the only one that comes with a Sachs electronic steering damper, which will rescue you from the uncalled-for tank slappers that Indian roads might threaten you with.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 vs rivals: Price
The Z900 is the most affordable of the lot
| Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducati Streetfighter V2 | Triumph Street Triple RS | Kawasaki Z900 | |
| Price (ex-showroom, India) | Rs 17.50 - 19.49 lakh | Rs 12.92 - 13.23 lakh | Rs 9.99 lakh |
The Z900 remains the most affordable option here by a huge margin and is nearly half the price of the Streetfighter V2 S. The Triumph slots right in between these two, with the Ducati occupying the higher-end. Ducati is known to price its products higher than its peers and they are generally well-finished with a higher grade of components and electronics. However, the price gap here might be too wide to be justified for many and the Triumph too boasts similar levels of fit and finish with comparable componentry.
