Longtermers: Streetfighter V4 S let off the leash on road ‘n’ track
Making the most of quieter roads and blistering track forays
Riding to Morrison’s for my shopping and the local farmer’s egg vending machine, was about as exciting as it got in the depths of lockdown. It’s not exactly what my Streetfighter V4 S was designed for, but for a naked superbike with 186bhp at the rear wheel and a 15,000rpm rev limiter, it was still happy to prowl the near-empty streets at 30mph.
As restrictions slowly eased, I braved the great outdoors and spooled-up more miles - enough for its 620-mile oil change service, which costs around £145. It’ll need that same service every 7500 miles or annually, whichever comes first, but the big valvechecking ‘Desmo’ service isn’t until 15,000 miles and costs around 500 quid. That’s a long way off for most owners.
It’s also screamed its head off on the dyno and recorded 186.8bhp - the kind of insane power figure that would have kept a noughties BSB winner happy - and at an MSVT track evening at Brands. It’s the first time MCN has ridden the new Streetfighter on a circuit, as Ducati cancelled its Ascari launch just as the world’s wheels fell off. The track evening was even slicker than in pre-Covid times with the signing on and briefing done online before you arrive. You still have to queue up for a wristband and to show your licence, but socially distant queues suit me. With the formalities done the fun part is the same as before and with just two groups and 20-minute sessions stretching from 5.30 and 8pm, MSVT spoil you with quality track time.
In fact, with the Ducati’s fuel light coming on after 48 miles - halfway through the third session, there was more play time than I had fuel for. To be fair, the light always seems to come on early (85 miles on the road) thanks to the tank’s six-litre reserve. Its thirst is forgiven when you discover it’s more than a match for a fully faired superbike at Brands and it’s a doddle to transform from mild-mannered naked to foaming-at-the-mouth track weapon. Just select ‘Race’ mode to sharpen everything up from the power delivery to suspension and it never lacks anything in the brakes, handling or speed department.
It stays planted over the front straight’s whoops at over 150mph, so the wings must be doing their bit and the standard Pirelli Rosso Corsa II rubber is impressive, too, especially with so much power on tap. Back in ‘Street’ for the two hour each-way run to Brands, the Streetfighter’s seat is as comfy as a tourer’s and the riding position roomy, but on a long jaunt I wish it had a small screen (Ducati do one for £205.20) and cruise control.