Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali CONFIRMS Streetfighter V4 is COMING.

Rumours have been swirling about the possibility of a new Ducati V4 Streetfighter making it to market – and at the Geneva International Motor Show, CEO Claudio Domenicali has finally confirmed it’s on its way.

We clocked this story on American site Asphalt and Rubber this morning, but it was Swiss site AcidMoto who took the time to speak to Domenicali at the Geneva show – asking him questions about Ducati’s 2019 MotoGP season, the possible of a Bologna-built maxi-scooter Ducati, and the arrival of a Streetfighter V4.

HERE’S THE FULL INTERVIEW;

AcidMoto.ch: Hello Claudio, and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

Claudio Domenicali: Hello. It’s a pleasure !

AcidMoto.ch: The new Ducati Diavel 1260S was presented at EICMA. Although not having tried it yet (note: the presentation to the press is planned in two weeks), we can realize that its line is very much refined, and that the finish is upmarket. Are not you afraid to shade the X-Diavel S, which remains unchanged in the Ducati catalog for 2019?

Claudio Domenicali: The Diavel is a very sporty bike, for those looking for a roadster with brutality and power. While the X-Diavel is a motorcycle much more quiet, to cruiser or to walk. For Ducati, these are two very different segments and the two bikes are complementary.
AcidMoto.ch: If we except the Scrambler (Sixty2 and Icon), the entry-level at Ducati is the Monster 797. What about mid-size cars in the range? In the future, will we have more accessible mid-size cars, or are we heading towards large cars for the premium market, leaving the Scrambler brand as the gateway to the Ducati world?

Claudio Domenicali: Ducati is style, sophistication and performance. It is important for us that our bikes respect these three values, and next year’s entire range will focus on this guideline. It is difficult for me to reveal precisely what the future will be like.

AcidMoto.ch: But is there a desire to create a more accessible entry-level?

Claudio Domenicali: I can not talk about it right now.

AcidMoto.ch: Okay. Let’s talk about the V4. The Panigale V4R wins all the votes, although we have not yet had the honor to test it. Can we hope that this engine is found on other motorcycles, a Streetfighter V4 for example?

Claudio Domenicali: Do you think that Ducati should produce such a motorcycle?
AcidMoto.ch: Yes, there is a big demand, it’s a question that often comes back to our readers.
Claudio Domenicali: Then she will be there as soon as possible!

AcidMoto.ch: So it’s planned. Fantastic ! Speaking of the V4, is a development of this architecture on lower displacements envisaged?

Claudio Domenicali: No. Clearly no. The V4 engine is much more complex than the classic two-cylinder, and it is very expensive to produce. On lower engine, it would raise the price of production and motorcycles should then be sold at a price that would be too high. For this, the V4 engine will remain for the premium motorcycles of the brand.

AcidMoto.ch: Ducati is an Italian brand with a strong identity. How to explain that for a brand from a country where the Vespa was born, and where the scooter is king, there is still no maxi-scooter in the range?

Claudio Domenicali: (with a big smile) It’s a top secret plan!

AcidMoto.ch: The 2019 MotoGP season starts in a few days, in Qatar. During testing in February, the Ducati took the 4 fastest times. You are confident for this season?

Claudio Domenicali: It’s still early to predict. We had excellent tests, and others a little less. We are well placed, but Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki have also improved a lot, and the competition will be very strong, especially at the beginning of the season. But we are confident!

AcidMoto.ch: Claudio, thank you!

Claudio Domenicali: Thank you!

And here’s a look at the Ducati V4 Streetfighter special which started all the speculation.