Ducati unleash 208bhp Streetfighter
V4 power for the most outrageous naked of the year
Ducati have officially unveiled the 2020 Streetfighter V4, and with a claimed 208bhp - it looks set to be the most powerful mass-produced naked ever.
As the name suggests, the new Streetfighter V4 is powered by the same engine as the existing Panigale V4 superbike, produces 208bhp as standard alongside a healthy 90.4ftlb of torque, and when fitted with a full Akrapovic racing exhaust system (track only) is capable of producing around 217bhp against a dry weight of 170kg. God help us all.
To help the thing go anywhere other than to the Moon, the Streetfighter also features a striking set of biplane wings, producing a claimed 28kg of downforce at 270kph (168mph). “An early prototype of the bike was built without wings,” Jeremy Faraud, the bike’s designer told MCN in Bologna. “But the test riders came back and said it was wheelying in sixth gear.” Oh joy. If you opt for the standard version you get fully adjustable 43mm Showa BPF forks and a Sachs rear shock but both also come with Ducati’s latest electronics package, meaning a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction, slide, wheelie, launch and engine braking control plus the latest up-and-down quickshifter. The differences between the standard bike and the S version can be found in the suspension and rims, with the S getting Öhlins electronic suspension and steering damper, all controlled by an Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 system plus a set of forged aluminium Marchesini wheels. Ducati claim the look of the Streetfighter’s front end was inspired by the face of comic book villain The Joker and boasts the same V-shaped daytime running light already featured on the V4 and Supersport range. Hiding behind this is a 5in TFT screen taken from the Panigale V4, which sits in front of a set of wide, flat bars rather than clip-ons. Providing a more roadfocused, comfortable ride, the pegs have also been moved for greater comfort and the seat gains an additional 60mm of foam – meaning a seat height of 845mm. But don’t kid yourself – it’s still got a very aggressive riding position. Like the Panigale, the new super naked will be available in both standard trim priced at £17,595 while the S is £19,795. Both will be available in the spring.
‘A prototype was wheelying in sixth gear’ JEREMY FARAUD, DESIGNER