ducati streetfighter!

Ducati Streetfighter world first ride

By Marc Potter

Bike tests

25 March 2009 10:04

Ducati’s Streetfighter is one of the liveliest bikes Ducati currently makes. And since it comes out of the same gates as the Hypermotard and super powerful 1098R, that really is saying something.Our first ride on the 1098-powered super naked at the Ascari racetrack in Spain this morning showed the bike is every bit as good to ride as it looks.

In the morning sunlight, the stubby 155bhp V-twin looks even better in the metal than it does in pictures. However you can't help being reminded that it does look like a crashed 1098, but in a good way.

Although after just a brief session I’m still familiarising myself with the track, the Ducati lets you stick it in fourth and find your way round.

The grunt from the motor is strong and it’s the kind of bike that brings a massive smile to your face. I rode an air-cooled Monster 1100S last week to familiarise myself again with naked Ducatis. Although it has a similar silhouette, the bikes are completely different. That was good but this thing is more fierce. I’ve got loads more time on the bike today so will bring you more detailed feedback later on.