Ducati rolls into MY2023 with a fresh update for its naked-sport Streetfighter V4 platform. It follows a natural path of evolution with new framework, refined suspension, new fuel-tank layout, and new engine-cowl ventilation; all powered by an apex-predator engine in the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale V4.
The electronics come programmed with new strategies to support improved control over the beast under the bodywork. It retains carryover equipment that competes with the best from any of the big-name manufacturers from around the world.
The Streetfighter V4 first saw the light of day in 2020 and was almost instantly a hit with the naked-sport riders who were looking for something with bona fide racing chops and top-shelf suspension and electronic yummygoodness throughout. So, it's still a young model family in the grand scheme of things, but with little room to grow with the current technology as it sits at or near the top of the naked-sport totem pole.
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4
- Recalibrated Ride Modes and New “Wet” Riding Mode
- New Engine Brake Control Software
- New Ducati Quick Shift Strategy
- Panigale-Inspired Improvements
- Improved Stability
- Model: Streetfighter V4
- Engine:: 1,103 cc V4
- Power Output: 208 HP @ 13,000 RPM
- Torque: 90.4 LB-FT @ 9,500 RPM
- Transmission: 6Sspeed Manual
- MSRP: $22,095
- Packs A Lot Of Ponies
- Electronics Are At An Amazing Level
- Trackworthy Handling And Performance
- Too Stupidfast For Public Roads
- Paint Is Predictable And Limited
- Pricey
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Performance And Capability
The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 produces 208 horsepower and 90.4 pound-feet of torque. These figures come on at 13,000 rpm and 9,500 rpm respectively, to make this an engine that loves to be wound up tighter than Dick's hatband. It has a majorly over-square layout with an 81 mm bore and 53.5 mm stroke for a 1,103 cc displacement and an incredibly hot, 14-to-1 compression ratio that comes with some very specific octane requirements.
Here in the bottom end, we find something very interesting. It's a counter-rotating engine, one that rolls toward the back instead of the front so that the gyroscopic forces actually pull the nose down instead of up for some extra insurance for the front contact patch integrity. The valvetrain is the classic Ducati Desmodromic variety that exchanges the valve springs for a pull-closed cam. It provides positive poppet closure and eliminates harmonic valve float in its entirety. Each cylinder bears a quartet of valves and dual fuel injection with individual throttle bodies for effective induction and exhaust-gas scavenging.
A slipper-type clutch couples engine power to the six-speed transmission, and Ducati's Quick-Shift lets you unerringly bang your way both up and down the range with nary a touch of the clutch lever. The electronics suite is extensive to say the least. Riding modes allow for quick personality changes with Power Modes that tailor power delivery along with the addition of the Wet Riding Mode, new for 2023.
Traction-, Wheelie-, Slide-, and Engine Brake-Control join with the Ducati Power Launch that helps you nail the holeshots and the quickshifter that ensures you don't miss a shift as you wind it up down the road. The Streefighters V4's top speed is 180 mph, so you can forget about ever doing it justice on public roads unless you're on the Bundesautobahn or something.
Design
The factory started with its Panigale V4 and stripped it down to serve as the Streetfighter's base platform. Right out of the gate, the front fender – cut down to the limits of function – reduces drag and has a molded shape with tall uprights that double as spoilers for the fork tubes.
As a matter of inspiration, the factory drew from the look of the Joker from the Batman franchise for the headlight housing design. It carries LED headlights and V-shaped DRLs with dual intake ports that cool the lights and pressurize the airbox for a cheap boost to the overall volumetric efficiency. A color, TFT display handles all the instrumentation and ride-control electronics in one handy location to make for a clean cockpit indeed.
Short risers and a short-rise handlebar let you push off for comfort or tuck in for speed as you like. The bodywork is sparse with just enough coverage to shroud the radiator with a chin fairing to complete the scoop. Here we find something special. Ducati mounted bi-plane spoilers on each side to generate downforce at the front wheel in addition to the gyroscopic forces.
This makes for a significant boon for the front contact patch. The deep-scoop pilot's saddle leads with a heavily sculpted front end to give your thighs a break when you put your feet down, and leave plenty of room for extreme body English. There's a pillion pad here, hidden just under the tail-fairing cover with an LED taillight and a skinny mudguard to mount the rest.
Ducati Streetfighter V4 Specs | |
|---|---|
Seat Height | 33.3 in |
Wheelbase | 58.6 in |
Fuel Capacity | 4.36 gals |
Curb Weight | 444 lb |
Dry Weight | 397 lb |
Chassis
Load-bearing engines are nothing new, but Ducati takes it to the Nth level by using the engine as the main structure with an aluminum front frame and rear frame bolted up therewith for a fabulous stiffness-to-weight ratio. In furtherance of the weight-saving initiative, the swingarm is of the single-sided sort that wastes not an ounce. To that end, the Streetfighter V4 weighs in at 444 pounds curb weight, which contributes to an agile nature with quick flicks and reversals.
The front end also sports a stock Sachs steering damper that takes the edge off the kickbacks to help you stay in control when the front end comes down, especially at higher speeds. Inverted, 43 mm Showa forks float the front end on Big Piston Forks with the full load of adjustments, with a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock on the single-side swingarm out back.
Alloy wheels round out the rolling chassis in a 17-inch diameter, front and rear, and come shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa hoops in a 120/70 ahead of a 200/60. A top-tier speed rating ensures that the rubber will hold up to whatever you and the Streetfighter's lump can throw at it and then some. Brembo anchors do their thing with four-bore calipers and dual, 330 mm front discs ahead of a twin-piston binder and 245 mm disc. Cornering ABS EVO comes with the stock equipment package.
Chassis & Suspension | |
|---|---|
Frame | Aluminum Alloy “Front Frame” |
Front Suspension/ Travel | Fully Adjustable Showa BPF Fork. 43 mm Chromed Inner Tubes/ 4.7 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Fully Adjustable Sachs Unit. Aluminum Single-Sided Swingarm/ 5.1 in |
Rake | 24.5° |
Trail | 4 inch |
Front Wheel | 5-Spoke, Light Alloy 3.5” x 17” |
Rear Wheel | 5-Spoke Light Alloy 6” x 17” |
Front Tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa 120/70 ZR17 |
Rear Tire | Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa 200/60 ZR17 |
Front Brake | Dual 330 MM Semi-Floating Discs, Radially Mounted Brembo Monobloc System® (M4.30) 4-piston calipers w/ Cornering ABS EVO. Self-bleeding Master Cylinder |
Rear Brake | 245 mm Disc, 2-Piston Caliper w/ Cornering ABS EVO |
2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 Price And Availability
The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter costs $22,095. It comes only in the Ducati Red colorway with ample black accents to preclude any sense of monotony.
Pricing & Features | |
|---|---|
Features | Last-Generation 5-inch color TFT Display |
Warranty | 24-Month, Unlimited Mileage |
Colors | Ducati Red |
Price | $22,095 |
Competitors
Rather than going to one of the Big Four, I decided to look for an alternative source of competition. I found the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS.
Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
The Brit manages to do with even less in the way of bodywork to leave little to the imagination. A goggle-eye headlight arrangement comes with an even smaller housing than its counterpart for an absolute minimalist look. The Trumpet even has a pillion pad hidden beneath a cover, so you can share the fun with a friend or go for that solo streetfighter vibe.
The Triumph's 1,160 cc triple generates 177 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque against 208/90.4, which really isn't that bad, it's just a little short of the mark. Öhlins suspension supports both ends on 4.72 inches (120 mm) of travel and Brembo brakes show up again on the Brit.
Electronics favor the Duc. The Speed Triple comes with Riding Modes, a two-way quickshifter, Front Wheel Lift Control, and corner-optimized traction control, which is a pretty good package, but still falls shy of the unmitigated fandanglery the Ducati is packing. The price might save Triumph somewhat as it rolls for $18,895 for significant savings, but with significant concessions.
He Said
“This may be my new favorite from the Ducati lineup. It's just a little more dressed up than its Monster siblings, but not nearly as enclosed as its Panigale parent. Nothing says 'serious business' like wing spoilers that generate downforce at the front axle, and this thing has two winglets on each side. It looks fast even when standing still.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“Not as up-spec as the V4 S or the V4 SP, the base V4 is still a nice ride. It has a better power-to-weight ratio than a good many of its competitors, and it has an electronics suite sure to impress. Yeah, it's a little pricey, but when you reach this level of sophistication, you're in it for the long haul so quality matters.”
FAQ
Q: How much is a Ducati V4 streetfighter?
MSRP on the base model Ducati Streetfighter V4 is $22,095. The up-spec V4 S starts at $27,595 and the V4 SP2 starts at $37,995.
Q: How fast can the Ducati Streetfighter V4 go?
Top speed of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 is 180 MPH.
Q: How much horsepower does a Ducati Streetfighter V4 have?
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 produces 208 horsepower at 13,000 RPM and 90.4 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 RPM.
Q: What is the difference between Ducati Streetfighter V4 and V4 S?
The Streetfighter V4 and the V4 S share the same 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 engine. Other than wheels and battery, the big difference between the two is in the suspension. The base V4 has a fully-adjustable Showa BPF front fork and fully-adjustable Sachs rear suspension. The V4 S has an Öhlins NIX30 front fork and Ohlins TTX36 rear suspension, both ends electronically adjusted with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0.