Ups
- Think Panigale V4 superbike performance in a (more) upright package
- Top-of-the-line electronic rider aids from end to end
- Exhilarating power and sound from the 1,103cc liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V-4
Downs
- Tricky navigation and relatively small size of the 5-inch TFT display
Verdict
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is a stripped-down Panigale superbike left with only lean-muscle and road-friendly ergonomics. Its serious sporting potential makes this a backroad or racetrack slayer.
Overview
Remove the fairings then tweak the ergonomics and engine mapping from the Ducati Panigale V4, and what do you get? Ducati’s high-performance naked bike, the Streetfighter V4. It has road-ripping power, superbike-precise electronics, and showstopping looks—it’s purely Italian.
Updates for 2021
All Streetfighter V4 models have a new self-bleeding front brake and clutch pumps. For 2021 Ducati also introduced a new color for the V4 S: Dark Stealth.
Pricing and Variants
The base Streetfighter V4 price starts at $19,995, followed by the up-spec V4 S for $24,395, which features semi-active Öhlins suspension and Marchesini aluminum forged wheels. The new V4 S Dark Stealth retails for $24,595.
Competition
A majority of the Streetfighter’s competition comes from Europe, namely, the BMW S 1000 R, Aprilia Tuono V4, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS. Japanese competition includes the Kawasaki Z H2 and Yamaha MT-10
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
What’s in a name? Well, in the Ducati Streetfighter V4′s case, it has not only a term synonymous with its bold character, but one that hints as to what powers this machine: a liquid-cooled 1,103cc 90-degree V-4. The desmo engine is claimed to have 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 90.4 pound-feet at 9,500 rpm. “Nothing sounds as mean, nor accelerates as quickly as this Streetfighter—especially when you’re giving it the beans near its 15,000-rpm redline.”
Handling
In a first ride review, our test riders have had absolute confidence in the Streetfighter’s handling capability, so much so that electronic rider aids like traction and wheelie control settings could be minimized. Additionally, fully adjustable suspension such as the V4 S’ Öhlins semi-active unit “performs well and filters out the effects of worn pavement yet provides suitable road holding at lean with generous servings of throttle.”
Brakes
Where there’s a high-performance engine, there must be top-shelf braking, and the Streetfighter comes to a standstill with none other than Brembo Monoblock Stylema calipers. In last year’s test, the brakes brought the bike to a quick halt with seamless intervention from the cornering ABS.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
During our testing of a V4 S Dark Stealth project bike, we found that a realistic 30 mpg could be had if ridden as intended—aggressively, that is.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The handlebars are long and low giving the rider an aggressive riding position, but not so much to cause discomfort. In the past, the saddle was comfortable for about 250 miles.
Electronics
Like the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter V4 and V4 S pack MotoGP tech: riding modes, power modes, ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quickshift (bidirectional), Engine Brake Control EVO, and Ducati Electronic Suspension—all of which are accessed via the 5-inch TFT display.
Full LED lighting, daytime running lights, and self-canceling turn signals come as standard equipment as well.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
A two-year warranty is included with a Streetfighter V4 or V4 S purchase.
Quality
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is quite possibly the highest quality naked bike. Excellent tech, performance, and sound combine to make one fine machine.
2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4/S Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $19,995 (V4)/$24,395 (V4 S)/$24,595 (V4 S Dark Stealth) |
| Engine: | 1,103cc liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale 90° V-4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 desmodromically actuated valves/cyl. |
| Bore x Stroke: | 81.0 x 53.5mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ elliptical throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate slipper and self-servo; hydraulically actuated |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | N/A |
| Frame: | Aluminum alloy |
| Front Suspension: | 43mm Showa BPF fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel (V4) / 43mm Öhlins NIX 30 fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel (V4 S) |
| Rear Suspension: | Sachs shock, fully adjustable; 5.1 in. travel (V4) / Öhlins TTX 36 shock, electronic compression and rebound adjustable; 5.1 in. travel (V4 S) |
| Front Brake: | Brembo Monoblock Stylema 4-piston caliper, dual 330mm discs w/ cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 2-piston floating caliper, 245mm disc w/ cornering ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 5-spoke light alloy (V4), 3-spoke forged aluminum alloy (V4 S); 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 6.00 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II; 120/70-17 / 200/60-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.5°/4.0 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 58.6 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | N/A |
| Seat Height: | 33.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.2 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 443 lb. |
| Contact: | ducati.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com