Ducati Streetfighter V4
Ducati’s 2023 Streetfighter V4 is an impressive super naked with 208hp and an impressive performance range. The 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine delivers peak power at over 9000rpm while remaining smooth at lower speeds.
Full power mode limits torque delivery slightly in first gear, but otherwise unleashes its full force. It’s controlled through a revised dash taken directly from the Panigale.Ducati Streetfighter V4
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Power
Ducati have upgraded the Streetfighter V4 with electronics upgrades designed to make it simpler and more intuitive to manage on track, such as lean angle sensitive engine braking and an up/down quickshifter that makes for smoother gear changes. While still an aggressive super naked, 208bhp are produced at 13,000rpm while 123lb-ft of torque are on offer from 4000-9000rpm; yet now more manageable thanks to lean angle sensitive engine braking and user friendly up/down quickshifter functionality.Ducati Streetfighter V4
The latter feature uses a system to detect when you’re riding at a leaned over angle and automatically cut ignition advance at shift points to ensure smooth changes up or down the gearbox. Furthermore, its engine benefits from an upgraded Ride by Wire mapping system which improves how it hooks up its next gear without needing to feather the throttle before upshifting.Ducati Streetfighter V4
Even with all its extra power on hand, we still found that the Streetfighter V4 had an insatiable thirst for revs. While starting our day on Sport mode – more forgiving than last year’s peakier offering – Race mode was quickly switched on later during our session and provided us with a massive gear position indicator on the left of dash and an immense rev counter with GPS lap timer clearly visible; additionally this mode activates Ducati GP-style dashes, as preferred by MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso himself!Ducati Streetfighter V4
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Performance
The Streetfighter V4 was designed to evoke strong emotional responses while you ride it, and it certainly achieves this feat on the road. This new version feels razor-sharp at low speeds while being surprising friendly when accelerating hard.Ducati Streetfighter V4
It remains a formidable super-naked, but can now serve as an everyday driver thanks to a more comfortable seat, improved wet weather mode, and smoother quickshifter – features which help make living with the V4 easier day after day.Ducati Streetfighter V4
However, it’s also an effective track day car thanks to its stiff aluminum monocoque chassis and semi-active Ohlins suspension – and even better than its predecessor which was already outstanding at this task.
Ducati has struck an exceptional balance between on-paper power and usability with this latest Streetfighter model, making it truly outstanding. Additionally, its superb riding position offers comfort up to motorway speeds while the electronics provide rider aids such as traction, slide and wheelie control for an engaging riding experience.
All this tech helps unlock the full potential of the Ducati V4, which may initially seem intimidating but eventually you realize it’s the most thrilling naked bike on the market.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Riding Position
The Streetfighter V4 isn’t known for being subtle; rather it boasts its capabilities with pride. This is especially evident during cornering when small body movements elicit exaggerated responses from the bike.
Thanks to its wide bars and well-positioned foot controls, the Streetfighter is relatively straightforward to ride. Its tall flat handlebars make putting weight onto pegs easier while keeping elbows out reducing risk of wrist cricking.
Ohlins semi-active suspension (NIX30 upside-down fork and TTX36 shock absorber) makes riding this bike even more pleasurable, providing surprising compliance over rough surfaces while remaining evenly balanced front to rear for an enjoyable riding experience.
Ducati’s 205bhp Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine remains powerful, yet more easily manageable thanks to modified engine mapping that spreads its power more evenly throughout its rev range. Coupled with shorter gearing and antiwheelie control features, it makes this beast of a motorcycle easier for street use.
Ducati may have taken an aesthetic hit by adding wheelie-reducer winglets to its naked sportsbike, as these add extra weight and reduce wheelie potential, but these do reduce stress on the Pirelli tire and enhance traction under hard acceleration. Finding balance may still take practice and care must still be taken when controlling clutch and throttle operation.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Electronics
Ducati Ride by Wire technology comes standard on Streetfighter V4 and V4 S models and features custom mappings tailored specifically for each riding mode, guaranteeing optimal engine performance by adjusting torque curves based on settings chosen. As an additional optional function, Full Power Mode unleashes all of Desmosedici Stradale’s potential by permitting it to demonstrate full throttle response without electronic filters limiting full throttle response.
The Wet Riding Mode was specifically created for safe riding on low-grip surfaces. It restricts maximum power output to 160 horsepower while offering manageable throttle response, and in V4 S versions includes an effective suspension set-up to maintain grip and stability on slippery roads.
As with the Panigale V4, an additional optional feature of note is the DSTC EVO 2 system, which, similar to its counterpart on the Panigale V4, enhances power delivery out of corners with a strategy better tailored to lean angle. This optimizes intervention by altering slippage levels accordingly and eliminating peaks while improving consistency of intervention.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 engine features a full-colour TFT display that features a virtual circular tachometer as well as comprehensive graphics for various configurable parameters. Furthermore, using Track Evo mode of display you can quickly personalise dashboard settings according to rider preferences.
