The trial version is the V4 Swith the Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO system with Öhlins suspension and steering damper, and the test is partial, in the sense that it takes place on the track and with the Pirelli Diablo Superbike slick tyres. On the track, even if you try hard, it’s really impossible to drive like on the road, after two bends you are already well beyond the limit, and what’s more, all the variables due to the changeable asphalt are missing: to complete the stage you will therefore need to go back to the topic, and it will be a real pleasure to get back on the Streetfighter. Extraordinarily addictive motorcycle.
The driving position is comfortable, with an excellent saddle triangulation, footrests, handlebars, not tiring and suitable we can say for all sizes. In addition, there is room for arrears, which is mandatory on a straight line given the performance, and everything is designed to move freely in sporty driving.
Fury, but not savage
Needless to deny it, even if you are experienced when you get on the saddle of a motorcycle with over 200 HP there is a pinch (even two) of apprehension, but the electronics have taken another big step forward, compared to the already advanced previous version, and is able to immediately put you at ease in every situation. The same goes for the chassis: the Streetfighter is neither nervous nor hard to insert, but perfectly balanced and with a extraordinarily precise and safe front end. It has very solid support under braking, even when the bike is leaning, it fits into corners naturally, and responds to trajectory corrections with precision, including the most sudden changes of direction.
Chassis and mechanics have precisely this common element, the ability to convey immediate, great safety: the V4 S can thus be ridden with a free mind, despite being to all intents and purposes a superbike with high handlebars and no fairing, with dizzying performance . You would never have said that.
A map for each gear
Il Power Mode High, the one linked to the Sport and Race maps has a map dedicated to each gear, and the response to the accelerator is always natural, since it works by smoothing out the grit (the torque peak) in the low gears and progressively freeing the V4 as you approach the high ones. seamlessly, thus offering a natural and balanced response, appropriate to the ratio and regimen being used at the moment. The result is that you surprise yourself that you are so “good” at handling a motorcycle with stratospheric performance, and at the end of the day you discover that it is not as bad as it seems, in fact, it has become your good companion.
Good, sure, then if you want it bad you just have to open the gas. From mid-rev onwards the V4 launches you into hyperspace and you realize not only what it’s like to race with 200 CV under your butt, but you also begin to understand the space-time concept, with the straights getting shorter visibly and the curves bouncing off you at impressive speed.
What is it for?
The beauty of the web is that it gives everyone the floor, and there are even some who wonder what all that power on the road is for. First of all, if we were to see the one we really need, a quarter of that of the Streetfighter would be enough (three quarters of the bikes are therefore useless), but if you’ve come to read this far, it means that you are a motorcyclist who loves sports bikes, and we know you well: your heart beats just knowing that on your naked there is the engine of a superbike official a few years ago. You turn the key, give a tap on the gas (there’s no shortage of voices, so much for the Euro 5), and a shiver runs up your spine. That’s what it’s for.
How do you do without protection?
Naked: another magic word. How do you do without protection? If you want to travel comfortably, there are many other bikes, even with radios; if instead you want to push your heart to the limiter there is this hypernaked. Obviously, only a small part of the available beer is used on the road; on the track instead the involvement is maximum. Because in addition to having wide handlebars, very tasty in the guided sections, on the straights you also have to fight with the air, and, believe me, it is not a defectit’s a great emotion.
A fight at the last braking sign, at the last km/h, 240-250-260… And then off to push on the brakes (one finger is enough), downshift four gears just touching the gearbox (DQS, we love you), feel the rubber biting the asphalt, slip into the curve drawing it with the compass, open wide the throttle thinking you’re taming the V4 which delights you with glorious wheelies and gentle glides by pointing the wheel to the next braking point. And so on for each curve of the track. At the first corner it’s already love.
