I’m a multiple Ducati buyer, but comparison shopping is why I didn’t get another SuperSport. It’s 2022, how is the SuperSport $16,700 without cruise control? I love that bike, but holy smokes does it not justify its price tag. It’s also why I typically recommend Tuono’s over Ducatis.

Does the Ducati panache matter? Yeah, but there are limits. They are a hobby toy, but they still need to have an enjoyment/dollar ratio that works.

My 2 cents on the comparison topic:
I think the Ducati buyer makes no comparison to other brands. For a street bike, you don’t buy a Ducati because is more performant or because it comes with more features. You buy it because of the feel and thrills the Ducati bike and engine gives you. And sound :).

For me, it will be expensive to buy it, but its the only model I am currently considering.
Fast enough for the street, comfortable, amazing looks and sound…and its a Ducati.
I don’t care that for the same money (or less) I can receive more features or performance from other models/brands. “Feel of the bike” is more important.

I doubt the ‘comparison shopper’ ends up buying a Ducati. Makes no sense :)
You buy a Ducati because of many other reasons, not financial or features related.

Its a hobby toy after all, not a necessity. If you are looking for a “practical” bike, then yes, many other options out there, for less money (or with added features for the buck).

Cheers and keep up the good work!
We love reading it.

“If this S2 was Orange, would you not think it a KTM?”

Not even for a second.

“And what is with hiding the engine under a plastic cover that is molded to look like the engine parts underneath it? Same thing is done on the new Monster.”

I do wish the engine was on more display, here. The plastic covers on the Superquadro bikes are for heat management. They tried them without in the early days, but recalls went out to add them because riders were getting roasted. The V4 bikes do mostly without them and it’s better looking for it, though I think the side-mounted shock on the V2 is awesome looking in it’s own right.

The Monster, however, is only covered on the right side because that’s where the cam belts are. It’s been true of every Testrasretta and Desmoquattro Ducati has sold to the public going back to the 851 in 1987.

I agree on the design. Some are saying that the S2 SF is beautiful. I don’t see it.
Ducati’s used to be striking and not look like anything else. Like the 916 and 9XX variants. Even the maligned 999 was distinctive. Now some Ducs look like they could be KTMs or Yamahas. If this S2 was Orange, would you not think it a KTM?

And what is with hiding the engine under a plastic cover that is molded to look like the engine parts underneath it? Same thing is done on the new Monster.

The $17K price may be to have room between the roughly $12K Monster and the S2, but as the excellent write up says- $3K more gets you into the way better in almost every way base V4 SF.

$12-$15-$20 would seem a more logical step sequence?
Ducatisi will probably buy scads of them anyway. I hear from Ducati dealers that the first year production run of S2 SF is already sold out, so there you go.

And you say “suck it up princess”, I say at this point their engineers should just solve the damn issue. Ducatis are bar FAR the most predominant second hand big bikes in Thailand. People lust after them, then hate them once they have them. No one can stand them in the heat and they overheat at our long stop lights. Especially at 17K. There are much better sorted bikes out there.

I’m a design guy too. Historically I’ve loved the looks of Ducati. Sadly, these days, they’re failing in that department. We’re getting Japanese looks with Italian reliabillity…which is not the combo anyone was asking for…

My KTM 1290 SA’s fuel gauge hasn’t worked properly since it was new. Recalls after recalls. Half ass fix’s to the sending unit replaced. I set the mileage to zero at fill up. Base it on 40 mpg. Works. And it gives my brain something to focus on when stopped

Oh, my hyper didn’t have a fuel gauge and neither does my desert sled. Maybe Ducati realized it just couldn’t make a accurate fuel gauge????

Similar to a fast Asian sports car vs a Porsche. My friend gets a new 911 every other year. He likes to claim it’s not a Datsun. Ha

Great article. If their sales are up every year with little too no ending inventory, their pricing is what the market commands.

I own a touno, 1290 KTM, and a desert sled. But I sure sure want this V2.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the prices of the V2 multi and streetfighter in the aftermarket and maybe even dealers with the V4 not requiring desmo service and the V2s requiring it. Long-term, that’s a $2k-$4k long term price cut between the V4 and V2. Maybe we’ll start to see with the used price differences between the multi V4 and 1200 series bikes. I’ll keep an eye out to see if the 1200s depreciate a lot and the V4s hold their value unusually well.

Thanks for the great review!

Ducati can’t make a working fuel level sender anyways. Easier to omit it than handle all the warranty claims.

Also, excellent article.

Maybe a good experience like yours will change my tune.
I’ve been stranded on cars for trusting the fuel gauge (1993-1997 Camaro/Firebird) but those were problematic to begin with and the fuel tank shaped like an upsidedown pyramid.
Thanks, GM ! 👌🙄

Here’s a cookie…

Is no fuel gauge really a deal-breaker though? I set my tripmeter on each fill-up. I know roughly when I’m going to see the fuel light come on, and how far I can go when I see it.

I mean, I agree it should have one…I’m just not going to die on that hill.

“…Fuel level gauge on a motorcycle ? Not really a must have.
I’m OK counting the miles, for now…”

I thought the same way until I experienced my first truly accurate fuel gage when I bought a Triumph Tiger 800. Knowing exactly how much fuel you have left and how far you can go – and relaxing because you can trust that information, is such a great perk that it’s hard to explain.

C.C I can see it being a bother in my particular case at this price range ( If I were shopping at this price range).
I do lots of long straight, boring, open road riding just to get to the slightly curvy fun places.

Fuel level gauge on a motorcycle ? Not really a must have.
I’m OK counting the miles, for now.

Naw, Its not a deal breaker for me. Just thinking it’s 2021 and these new Digital gauges have no reason for not having a fuel gauge now.

Just feel its odd to exclude these features from the bike in this day and age. Especially with such a premium $17,000 asking price.

This bike really would have been a home run if it just had those two features and costed $15,000.

Thanks Jensen – I appreciate your reply and the information!

Your ankle got burnt!

Thanks for reading!

I think you just illustrated why Ducati thinks it can charge more for the SFV2 (and other bikes). At the end of the day, a Tuono is not a Ducati – and that’s a big deal for a certain number of buyers.

I don’t think that’s a fair assessment. The brakes on monobloc, in fact they are the same ones you mentioned – Brembo M4.32. That’s a great caliper.

I rave about the Showa Big Piston forks. Definitely an underestimated piece of equipment.

It’s not an S-spec bike, and if that’s your complaint, that’s fine. But, I don’t think it’s fair to say this is second-rate equipment.