Ducati Streetfighter V4

The 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine was a big turning point in Ducati history when it featured on the Panigale V4. Since then, Ducati has put the same motor into the Streetfighter V4 naked and revised its tuning for the Multistrada V4. On the naked, the V4 motor puts out 208PS at 13,000rpm and 123Nm at 9,500rpm. To harness the raw power, the Streetfighter V4 comes loaded to the gills with IMU-aided electronic rider aids. Besides riding modes, traction control and switchable ABS, the electronics suite also comprises wheelie control, slide control, engine brake control, launch control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. On the standard bike, you get a 43mm Showa USD fork and a Sachs monoshock, both of which are fully adjustable but you have to adjust them manually. The S variant comes with electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension. Adjusting them to your liking is possible by toggling through the controls menu. Both variants get the same top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema calipers with 330mm rotors at the front and a 245mm rear disc with a Brembo twin-piston sliding caliper. While the choice of rubber remains the same on both versions, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 2, the S gets Marchesini forged aluminium rims that are lighter than the aluminium cast wheels of the base model. The Streetfighter V4 SP is suspended on Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension: an Öhlins NIX-30 USD fork up front, and an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock. The braking hardware includes Brembo Stylema R callipers with twin 330mm discs at the front and a 245mm disc at the rear. It rolls on lighter magnesium wheels, however, the international spec gets carbon fibre wheels. The V4 SP is also 2.5kg less than the V4 S model.

Ducati takes its aerodynamics quite seriously. After redefining the sportbike experience with winglets, the Italian firm has gone about generating as much downforce as possible to keep the front end of the Streetfighter sticking to the tarmac. Hence, you get a sleek, angular design with the biplane wings jutting out from both sides of the bike. The front end does look a bit Japanese in our eyes but there’s no doubting the exquisite finish and attention to detail that goes into such an exotic motorcycle. At 199kg (kerb), the Streetfighter V4 is certainly one of the lightest bikes in the class, with an insane power-to-weight ratio.

All the bits and bobs that you expect to find on a Rs 20 lakh motorcycle are present on the Streetfighter V4. All-LED lighting? Check. A colour TFT screen? Check. Six-axis IMU-guided electronic rider aids? Check. What does seem like a bit of a miss is the Ducati Multimedia System, which is an optional fitment. This accessory fitment unlocks Bluetooth connectivity, music controls, and basic data logging.

The Streetfighter V4 currently on sale in the country primarily rivals the Kawasaki Z H2 and the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS. The BMW S 1000 R is yet to arrive on our shores and MV Agusta needs to find a new Indian partner before the Brutale 1000 can be made available here.