Rennie Scaysbrook | October 23, 2019
There have been few motorcycles as eagerly awaited in recent times as the Ducati Streetfighter V4, and today we finally see what all the fuss is about.
Based heavily on the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter will come in two models—a $19,995 MSRP base and an up-spec, $23,995 MSRP Streetfighter S that packs electronic Ohlins running Ducati’s DES (Ducati Electronic Suspension) EVO algorithm and forged Marchesini aluminum wheels—in true Ducati style.
After an eight-year hiatus, the Ducati Streetfighter is back for 2020.
Powering both Streetfighters will be the same 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 that’s found in the Panigale V4, with Ducati claiming an eye-watering 208 hp pushing a claimed 438 lb curb, which puts it right at the top of the nakedbike power tree, tying with the as-yet, not on sale MV Agusta Brutale 1000, which also claims 208 hp.
But the Ducati has MotoGP on its side, which is where the wings come directly from. Ducati claims the bi-plane wings on either side of the bodywork came directly from Andrea Dovizioso’s GP16 MotoGP machine and add 61 lb of downforce at 167 mph, offering greater stability on braking and during cornering for the nakedbike.
The base model will run with conventionally-adjustable suspension from Showa and Sachs, but the Streetfighter S will come with the latest generation, electronically-adjustable Ohlins suspension, an Ohlins electronic steering damper, and those pretty forged wheels.
Both machines will run Brembo’s Stylema four-piston front calipers and three ECU riding modes of Race, Sport and Street, and be graced with the now ubiquitous Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit that will oversee a full suite of rider aids such as Ducati Traction Control, Slide Control, Wheelie Control, Launch Control, up and down quick shift for the six-speed gearbox, ABS and Engine Brake Control.
Those who remember the late Carlin Dunne’s race weapon from the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be happy to see the bodywork has hardly changed, but an interesting thing to note is the LED headlight. Notice anything familiar? The movie buffs out there will instantly recognize the face of The Joker, and his wide, evil grin, which has been breaking box office records this year in the film starring Joaquim Phoenix.
It’s about time Ducati brought the Streetfighter back!
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2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Main Features
- Color: Ducati Red with dark grey frame and black wheels
- Main as-standard features:
- 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine
- Front frame
- 16-litre aluminum tank with under-seat extension
- Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF)
- Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock
- Sachs steering damper
- Braking system with Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires (rear 200/60)
- ‘Biplane’ wing configuration
- Latest-generation electronics package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU):
- ABS Cornering EVO; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2; Ducati Slide Control (DSC);
- Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO; Ducati Power Launch (DPL); Ducati Quick Shift
- up/down (DQS) EVO 2; Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
- Keys for fast level changes
- Full-TFT 5” screen
- Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street)
- Full-LED headlight with DRL
- Two-seater configuration
- Ready for Ducati Data Analyzer+ GPS (DDA+ GPS) and Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Main Features
Main as-standard equipment – as per Streetfighter V4 except for:
- Color: Ducati Red with dark grey frame and black wheels
- Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO
- Öhlins NIX-30 forks with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 control system
- Öhlins TTX 36 shock absorber with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 control system
- Öhlins steering damper with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 control system
- Forged aluminum Marchesini wheels
