Ducati’s much awaited Streetfighter V4 was all set for its debut for the global media but the ongoing global pandemic has led to a much quieter launch. In fact, team Ducati decided go live on YouTube and tell us all about the Streetfighter V4 including its design inspiration, aero package, ergos, engine and much more. Here’s a lowdown on what to expect from the Streetfighter V4 when it comes to our shores. Alas, Ducati India hasn’t promised any launch date to us so far but we are certain about its arrival sooner or later.
1. Joker Inspired-Face
The lead designer was inspired by the iconic Joker character from DC Comics. The face may look similar to the Panigale V4 but when viewed in isolation it does resemble the wicked grin of Joker. The designer also suggests that the Streetfighter V4 also gets inspired character traits of Joker including ‘fun and wickedness’. There’s minimal approach to the design being a naked streefighter which means unlike the Panigale V4, the Streefighter V4 gets a super-tall saddle at 845mm, wide and tall ‘bars and slightly forward-set pegs for maximum legroom. The frame weighs just 4kg and behind the radiator, Ducati has also incorporated F1-inspired hot air extractor rims. They are supported by MotoGP-inspired overlapping double wings for maximum stability.
2. Desmosedici Stradale
Powered by a relatively-new 1,103cc 90deg V4 that’ll be soon featured on the Multistrada V4, the V4 produces 205bhp as compared to 210bhp on the Panigale V4. Power can be upped by 12bhp with the addition of optional Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovic that also brings down the weight by 6kg. The firing (70deg) is inspired by MotoGP as well in an N pattern in which the cylinders fire from front left to back left to right front to back front and so on. The compression ratio is substantially high at 14:1; again a derivative of the MotoGP inspired traits.
3. MotoGP-Derived Chassis
Featuring the same front frame as that of the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter too uses the engine as a load-bearing member. Weighing just 4kg, the front frame is directly attached to the upper crankcase of the front-cylinder bank and the rear-cylinder back which is then extended to the rear suspension and single-sided swingarm. The under seat Trellis connects with the front frame and the total wheelbase is up by 16mm when compared to the Panigale V4 insuring even more stability in corners. The rake is 24.5deg and the trail is set at 100mm.
4. Electronically Adjustable Suspension and more
The Streetfighter V4 is being launched in two variants - Standard and S. The Standard variant features manually adjustable 43mm Showa BPFs and a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock, 5-spoke alloys and the kerb weight stands at 201kg. The S variant on the other hand comes with 43mm Ohlins NIX30 fully adjustable forks that are semi-active, electronically adjustable Ohlins TTX36 monoshock, 3-spoke forged aluminium Marchesini alloys and a kerb weight of 199kg. Features include IMU-based cornering ABS, launch control, Ducati Slide Control, traction control, wheelie control, bi-directional quickshifter, engine braking control and Brembo Stylema callipers. Phew.
5. Where does the Streetfighter V4 stand?
Ducati probably has the most complete product portfolio in the world today. However, after the Streetfighter was discontinued, the Monster was playing multiple roles in several guises - 797, 821 an 1200. However, the Monster was never meant to be an allout performance naked and that’s exactly where the Streefighter V4 comes in the pic- ture. Like most of the other Ducatis, the Streefighter V4 is Italian exotica at its seductive best. Of course, you’d have to be as mental as Joker to think about going all-out on a 200bhp+ naked on streets but that’s probably makes the Streetighter V4 a very unique proposition. We know that MV Agusta is also ready with Brutale 1000. The battle of hypernakeds has just begun. Exciting times ahead for sure.