More spankin’ new Ducatis

2023-01-01 -

Streetfighter V4 SP2

Can you have too much of a » good thing? Ducati think not as the racy Streetfighter V4 is sharpened further, including chassis tweaks from the

Panigale (higher swingarm pivot, more supportive tank), updated quickshifter and modes, and a revised dash. Then there’s the new SP2 model. As well as Öhlins suspension identical to the Panigale’s, it has flash Brembos, carbon rims and a dry clutch. £30,751 on the road.

Multistrada V4 Rally

More comfort, greater range, » less thirsty, easier to move. Who’d not want all that? The Rally’s revised seats, larger screen, better footpegs and vast 30-litre tank have clear benefits. But we’re just as intrigued by rear cylinders that shut down on the move (as well as at idle, like a regular Multi’), and electronic suspension that lowers the bike when you turn it on, so it’s easier to heave the bike off its stand. Prices from £23,746.

Panigale R

Pretending you’re WSB hero » Alvaro Bautista doesn’t mean long, braided hair. You can buy the new Panigale V4 and whup everyone on a trackday instead. With new camshafts, fancy con-rods and a special oil developed with Shell, the R’s bonkers 998cc V4 (which can rev to 16,500rpm) now makes 237bhp when fitted with the race exhaust. Eek. The new R has modified electronics and wings too. Obviously. It costs £39,151 on the road.

Monster SP

The standard Monster is light, » chuckable, punchy, fun, and was our 2021 Bike of the Year. The SP takes this friendly-yet-fruity bundle and dials-up sportiness with stiff, tall, light Öhlins suspension, posh Brembo brakes, a steering damper and tweaked electronics (with a new Wet mode). We’re not convinced a harder Monster is what we wanted, but it’ll fly out showrooms when it appears in January at £14,151 on the road.