When it comes to "hyper-naked" motorcycles, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 sits at the very top of the food chain. It is essentially a Panigale V4 superbike that has been stripped of its fairings, given a wider handlebar, and tuned for slightly more road usability.

However, for potential buyers in India, there is a tough choice to make. Ducati offers this beast in two primary versions: the Standard V4 and the V4 S.

With a price difference that runs into several lakhs (INR), is the "S" model really worth the extra money, or is the Standard version enough to thrill you? Let’s break it down.

1. The Heart: What Remains the Same?

Before looking at the differences, it is important to know what you get with both bikes. Fortunately, Ducati does not discriminate when it comes to the engine.

Both the Standard and the S variant are powered by the same 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine.

• Power: 208 HP
• Torque: 123 Nm

Both bikes also feature the famous "biplane" wings to keep the front wheel down at high speeds and share the same aggressive "Joker-inspired" LED headlight design. In terms of raw speed and sound, both bikes are identical.

2. The "S" Upgrades: Where Does the Extra Money Go?

The price premium for the Streetfighter V4 S in India (usually around ₹3.5 to ₹4 Lakhs more than the Standard) pays for three major upgrades: Suspension, Wheels, and Weight reduction.

A. Suspension: Manual vs. Electronic

This is the biggest difference.

• Standard V4: Comes with fully adjustable Showa Big Piston forks at the front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. These are excellent, but they are mechanical. This means if the road gets bumpy or you go to a track, you have to stop the bike and use tools to adjust the settings manually.
• V4 S: Comes with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension. This system is semi-active. It "reads" the road and your riding style and adjusts the suspension stiffness automatically while you ride.

B. Wheels: Cast vs. Forged

• Standard V4: Uses cast aluminum wheels. They are strong but slightly heavy.
• V4 S: Uses Marchesini forged aluminum wheels. These are lighter. Lighter wheels reduce "unsprung mass," which simply means the bike turns much faster and handles sharper with less effort from the rider.

C. Weight

Because of the lighter wheels and a lithium-ion battery, the V4 S is slightly lighter than the Standard version. In the world of high-performance bikes, less weight equals better handling.

3. The Indian Context: Why the "S" Makes Sense Here

In Europe or the USA, where roads are smooth, the Standard version's manual suspension is fine. You set it once, and it works.

In India, road conditions change constantly. You might ride on a smooth highway one minute and hit a broken patch full of potholes the next.

• With the V4 S, the electronic suspension softens up instantly when you switch riding modes (like moving from 'Race' to 'Street'), making the bike much more comfortable over bad Indian roads.
• With the Standard V4, the suspension will feel stiff and harsh on bad roads unless you manually soften it with tools, which no one wants to do mid-ride.

4. Resale Value

In the Indian luxury bike market, buyers usually want the "top-spec" model. When you eventually decide to sell the bike, the Streetfighter V4 S will hold its value much better and find a buyer faster. The Standard version, while amazing, is often viewed as the "entry-level" option by second-hand buyers, making it harder to sell at a premium price.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Standard Streetfighter V4 if:

• You are on a strict budget and want to save that Rs.3-4 Lakhs for riding gear or fuel.
• You are a heavy rider who plans to set the suspension up once and never touch it again.
• You don't care about having the "Gold" Öhlins forks on your bike.

Buy the Streetfighter V4 S if:

• You want versatility. The electronic suspension makes it two bikes in one: a comfortable tourer and a stiff track machine.
• You ride frequently on mixed Indian road conditions.
• You want better resale value later.
• You want the sharpest handling possible (thanks to those lighter wheels).

Final Value Score:
In India, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S offers better value. The cost to upgrade a Standard bike with forged wheels and electronic suspension later would cost double the factory price difference. For our unpredictable roads, the electronic suspension is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for a bike this powerful.

Summary

If you can stretch your budget, go for the V4 S. It is the definitive Streetfighter experience. If you stick with the Standard, you are still getting one of the fastest naked bikes on earth, but you might miss the "magic carpet" ride of the electronic suspension.