ROAD NEWS

V2 now tips the scales at a paltry 176kg , a whopping loss of 17kg from its predecessor . With the new models gaining autonomy in Ducati ’ s design department , the V2 is now designed from the ground up as its own entity , no longer leaning on the V4 machines for R & D . And weighing in at 175kg is the new Streetfighter V2 . With the same horsepower as its fully-faired sibling , the Streetfighter has new , even more aggressive styling and shares the WSBK-inspired exhaust outlets . The all-new new engines powering these bikes weigh in at a svelte 54.4kg , the lightest twin ever from the Borgo Panigale brand . The latest offering has IVT variable valve timing , DLC ( as in diamond-like-carbon ) on the rocker arms and the intake valves have hollow stems to reduce mass . In what may come as a shock to many , valve control is no longer a Desmodromic affair , but this does come with the advantage of 30,000km valve clearance checks ( yes , you read that right ) to keep maintenance costs to a minimum . The V2 range utilises the new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 system which eliminates the need for microswitches , making for great lever feel and reduced travel , avoiding the rubbery feel of some systems . Aligned with an 8-plate slippertype clutch , the two new lightweight models represent a new level of commitment to the class ( and expect to see this engine appear in other bikes soon ).

KIWI RIDER 105