THE 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4S naked bike is based on the platform of the Panigale V4.
There are similarities between Streetfighter and Panigale as both use the same mini spar frame connecting the fork to the front of the engine and a swingarm is used at the rear.
The Streetfighter carries the same 5.5-inch TFT screen, 16-litre fuel tank and has a tails section that is similar the Panigale’s.
Its electronics – traction control, ABS, quick shifter, suspension, anti-wheelie, and engine braking control that are all lean-sensitive – are also the same as the superbike’s.
However, the sitting position of the Streetfighter is much relaxed compared to the Panigale’s, similar to many other naked bike brands.
I took the Streetfighter to the foot of Fraser’s Hill via Kuala Kubu Bharu.
My route allowed me to encounter as few twisty roads as well as straight stretches that allowed me to test out the Streetfigher’s performance and handling.
Every time I twist the throttle, Streetfighter moves on like a missile knowing the target while holding the riding line true be it in the tight or sweeping corners.
The bike is easy to control and its throttle is light and responsive. Simply amazing.
The Streetfighter’s power and torque are something you can handle well despite the whopping a 208hp at 12,750rpm and a maximum torque of 123Nm at 11,500rpm.
In the corners, I was able to flip and dance with the bike graciously.
The bike’s horsepower was not intimidating at all. The front wheel was sticking to the tarmac like a gecko complemented by personalised suspension settings.
Like the Panigale, the Streetfighter comes with biplane wings.
You may ask what is the use of these wings, placed as close as possible to the front wheel near the radiator side panels.
The wings help to stabilise the bike if the owner decides to unleash all the 205hp.
The wing-generated downforce decreases the possibility of front wheel float as there is a tendency to wheel up at high speed.
In addition, the wings also improves stability during braking at the turn-in point and through the corner.
The wings generate 28kg of downforce at 270kph of which 20kg goes on the front wheel and 8kg on the rear.
The wings also help draw heat off the engine.
With all that power on tap, the rider needs good control of this machine.
Ducati has always been associated with the best brake makers which is none other than Brembo.
The Streetfighter is fitted with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers (M4.30) biting hard on the 330mm disc with 4-piston caliper on the front and 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper at the rear.
Besides the brakes, it gets a host of riding aids such as Slide Control, Engine Brake Control and ABS with a Cornering System for emergency braking at lean.’
I can only assume that when the folks at Ducati came up with the idea to build this Streetfighter; they considered the requirements of speed junkies as well as moderate-skilled riders who are slowly moving up up to fast bikes.
For these ‘speed’ newbies, it is very important to them that they know that the power is within their control without any surprises.
Thus, a rider is able the manage the power delivery of the bike from insanely fast to much slower.
The bike comes with riding modes of street, sport and race. Street mode is recommended when riding on surfaces with poor grip.
This riding mode gives the rider 208hp and progressive Ride by Wire throttle response and a suspension set-up that is well-suited to bumpy or pitted roads.
Electronic control settings ensure grip and stability to maximise safety.
Selecting Sport gives the rider 208hp, with direct sport-style Ride by Wire throttle response and, a sport-style suspension set-up. Electronic controls are set to give riders perfect dry road ride responsiveness.
Rear-wheel lift detection during braking is on and the ABS Cornering function is set to maximise cornering performance.
Like the name suggests, Race riding mode allows riders, including those who are less expert, to enjoy excellent bike performance on high-grip track surfaces.
By selecting Race, the rider can count on 208hp, with direct Ride by Wire throttle response and with a firm suspension set-up to optimise performance.
Race mode sets the electronics at a low intervention level but without lowering safety, with ABS set to Level 2, lift-up control off, and the “slide by brake” function (which lets riders drift the bike into corners safely) on.
I found it easy to personalize the settings to suit my riding style and subsequently restore Ducati-set parameters.
They can also enable ABS Level 1 (intended for on-track use by highly expert riders) which acts on the front wheel only to allow full-on braking performance.
After riding the bike for for two days, I realised that to get the full experience and be able to enjoy what the bike has to offer, one must take it to the racetrack and ride it as it should.
Even though this bike is also designed to be ridden on the streets, but the amount of power that can be unleashed on the
street is only the tip of the iceberg.
There is so much more and believe me when I say that.
This RM145,900 bike is mind-blowing from start to finish, be it the design, performance, speed, road handling, and technology.
SPECIFICATIONS
Ducati Streetfighter V4S
Engine: 1,103cc, Desmosedici Stradale 90-degrees V4, four valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled
Maximum power: 208hp at 12,750rpm
Maximum torque: 123Nm at 11,500rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed
Front suspension: 43mm Öhlins NIX30 fully adjustable fork, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode
Rear suspension: Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode
Front brake: 2X330mm semi-floating discs with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema (M4.30) 4-piston calipers, Cornering ABS EVO
Rear brake: 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper, Cornering ABS EVO
Features: ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO2, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quick Shift up/down EVO 2, Engine Brake Control EVO, Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO, Ducati Quick Shift
Fuel capacity: 16 litres
Wet weight: 201kg
Price: RM145,900 (without insurance, road tax and registration)
Keyword: Ducati Streetfighter V4S: A refined beast