New Ducati Streetfighter V4 S: Riding the Hypernaked from Wonderland

The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 is essentially a derivative of the Panigale V4, the seventh generation of superbikes from Borgo Panigale, inheriting the same chassis and electronics. Like its faired twin, the Italian hypernaked aims for the ultimate lap time, absolute performance, and everything that contributes to shaving even milliseconds off the clock has been implemented. This cutting-edge technology, born to win the MotoGP World Championship, has been sensibly transferred first to a sports bike and then to this naked bike capable of combining high racing performance with the comfort of a road motorcycle.

The design is unmistakably Streetfighter, with no redesigns, retaining the identity of the previous generation, that is, a bike stripped of fairings, with a threatening look of muscular lines that already evokes strong emotions even before starting it. Of course, it is a bike for "adult" riders, expert pilots who can exploit its immense potential. However, as we discovered during its presentation in Almería, it possesses certain electronic doses of docility that allow enjoyment even if you're not Marc Márquez.

The full-LED front headlight has been revamped, and at the rear, the light cluster is also full-LED with the double C shape characteristic of the sportiest Ducatis. Naturally, in this testosterone-filled aesthetic, what captures the most attention are those front biplane wings, those spectacular wings now even more effective: 45 kg of downforce at 270 km/h (+17 kg compared to its predecessor) and 30 kg at 220 km/h, a technical solution for the circuit that improves the bike's stability and precision.

It features the Desmosedici Stradale engine, with the same configuration as the Panigale, a 90° V4 of 1,103 cc with desmodromic distribution, counter-rotating crankshaft, and Twin Pulse distribution. This Euro5+ homologated engine delivers a whopping 214 hp at 13,500 rpm (with the Akrapovič exhaust it reaches 226 hp), that is, only 2 hp less than its sports sister - due to differences in intake. Its maximum torque is 12.2 Kgm at 11,250 rpm. Compared to the previous version of the Streetfighter, it has gained 6 hp and lost 2 kilos (-4 kg if we go to the S version), now weighing only 191 kg on the scale. The S version, at 189 kg, boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 1.13 hp/kg, the best in its category.

It also shares the chassis with the new Panigale V4, having the engine as the structural element of the bike. In this version, the front frame is lighter (3.47 kg compared to the previous 4.42) and stiffer (-39% laterally) to offer greater confidence in lean and greater efficiency in cornering and maintaining trajectory. The swingarm is also the same, a symmetrical hollow double-arm, lighter and with greater lateral stiffness.

In the Streetfighter V4 S, the wheels are made of forged aluminum alloy with five tangential spokes, inspired by the DesmosediciGP, and the suspension is Öhlins NIX/TTX third-generation electronic control (43 mm multi-adjustable Showa in the case of the standard V4). It features lighter Brembo Hypure front brake calipers with improved heat dispersion. It also incorporates the innovative Race eCBS system with Cornering functionality, developed in collaboration with Bosch, capable of activating and modulating the rear brake during braking even when the rider only operates the front brake. The system offers five levels compared to the three of the previous model.

As for the ergonomics, thanks to slightly higher and wider semi-handlebars than on the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter offers considerable comfort for an ultra-sporty naked bike. Compared to the previous Streetfighter V4, it is slightly more comfortable thanks to the handlebar curve being moved back, now 10 mm closer to the rider, and the footpegs are lower and more forward, and placed 10 mm more inward.

Regarding the electronic package, it would be quicker to say what it doesn't have. This new Streetfighter V4 is equipped with: Ducati Traction Control DVO, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control DVO, Ducati Power Launch DVO, Engine Brake Control, and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0. Additionally, it features the Ducati Vehicle Observer, an algorithm developed by Ducati Corse in MotoGP, which simulates the input of more than 70 sensors, thus perfecting electronic control strategies, allowing controls to intervene almost predictively to adapt to the rider's needs in the pursuit of maximum performance.

The new full-TFT 6.9" instrumentation with an 8:3 resolution offers differentiated views (Infomode) for road or track use, and informs of a multitude of functions beyond the usual, such as TPMS, instant torque and power delivered, lateral and longitudinal acceleration values, instant lean angles, and throttle and brake action.

Tested

Ducati organized a test drive on the roads of Almería, without including a circuit test, so in reality, we could explore less than half of the potential that this new Streetfighter V4 harbors, a blessed madness of a bike whose natural habitat is more on a race track. In fact, the unit we enjoyed was the S version, that is, like the standard but equipped with Öhlins suspension and steering damper, forged wheels, and lithium battery. Both are offered in single-seat configuration, with a passenger kit available as an accessory.

Once on the move, during the first meters, riding in urban areas between traffic lights - the phase before the winding road - the slightest hints on the throttle already make it clear that this bike holds within it an incalculable fury, horsepower to be taken seriously, and with the need to gradually open up all those capabilities. The Streetfighter needs to be progressively understood... It is the most powerful naked on the market and is capable of offering performance and capabilities from another universe.

But it must also be said that Ducati has prepared an impressive electronics package to control those 214 hp, and the Streetfighter V4, on the road, is not as overwhelming as we thought. It even becomes a friendly bike. It delivers its massive torque progressively, and the accelerations are as forceful as they are manageable. The engine pushes in any range, in any gear, from very low, and with a very linear power delivery.

The gear ratio is slightly shorter than on the Panigale V4, so in this bike, it doesn't make much sense to stretch the gears. The suspensions work outstandingly, and the brakes have a powerful and manageable feel. The Öhlins NIX/TTX third-generation electronic control suspension increases its settings, allowing for more comfortable calibrations for road use. The suspensions improve comfort when you're in relaxed mode, and when accelerating, you notice that it will cut the travel of the first part of the shock absorber, to optimize weight transfer.

Needless to say, the bike is a curve devourer, and its racing genetics aim to offer an extremely high precision in the line, as well as enormous agility and reactivity. It closes lines incredibly, it is a very intuitive bike. Thanks to its chassis, in this model, it was not necessary to lengthen the swingarm compared to the Panigale V4 to give stability to the bike, but it was enough to work on the front chassis dimensions (+0.5° steering angle, +1 mm in trail) to find the synthesis between agility and stability.

Obviously, we tested the tip of the electronic iceberg of this bike, as in open traffic, it is not necessary to activate almost anything it offers, more intended for the circuit. But it feels like there's a lot of chip work going on. The bike is as effective as possible, but it also conveys a lot of confidence, precision, and comfort in motion. It has been designed with the rider in mind, not requiring many skills to go fast with this bike, thanks to the electronics and engine.

Although the riding position is derived from the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter offers much more comfort, thanks to those slightly higher handlebars that straighten the back and greater habitability. It feels comfortable, and the ergonomics do not tire, thinking about possible road routes, and offers good freedom of movement. The shape of the seat and its junction with the tank allows the rider to anchor well with the knees for good support in hard braking, and this also helps to reduce arm effort in full curve. On board, it always produces a comfortable sensation and great ease of riding, and the exhaust sound is also more contained than in the sports bike, an aspect that is appreciated if we want to use it with some regularity.