2009 Ducati Streetfighter/Streetfighter S Review

Introduction

No wonder, considering the fact that both the standard Streetfighter and the S version are powered by an L-Twin, Testastretta Evoluzione 1098 engine, the same one found on the 1098 superbike(except the shorter intake tracts), making these very promising Italian bikes…as promising as 155 hp and 85lb-ft of torque at 9500 rpm can be.

Ducati built the Streetfighter with pure performance in mind so, apart from using Showa suspension on the base model and Ohlins on the special one as well as lighter forged-aluminum Marchesini wheels and carbon fiber pieces (front fender and cam-belt covers, like on all other “S” models of the Italian house), both models feature magnesium cylinder-head covers, clutch and headlight bracket for even lighter overall weight.

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

While the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) system, which gathers crucial information concerning throttle opening, gear positions, revs, speed and lap times, is optional on the base Streetfighter, this comes as a standard feature on the S model. This last was built as a version for those who cut no corners and go for the best of the best, not necessarily the best bang for the buck. And the fact that the Streetfighter S features a traction control system sets it further apart from its sibling. Using information from the wheel-speed sensors, the traction control will first intervene by retarding ignition timing and then, if necessary, cut out fuel supply to the engine with the use of the fuel injection system and so prevent dangerous wheelspin.

Although the Ducatis are all-new and stand out as truly unique rides, this is not the first time that the world sees such a courageous idea being put into practice.

Competition

2008 MV Agusta Brutale 1078 RR

The MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR might not look as aggressive as the Streetfighters do, but the fact that the inline four-cylinder engine produces 154 hp and 86.3 ft-lbs of torque makes this also Italian bike a fierce opponent for the latest arrivals.

Exterior

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

The whole idea behind the 2009 Ducati Streetfighter is to have a stripped down superbike so if we look at the “totally necessary pieces” such as the front fender, fuel tank and rear tail section it is easy to spot the same design lines as on the Ducati superbike models.

Designing an aggressive bike was a must and the excellent results show when looking at the main headlight underneath which are found the twin air intakes and LED lighting components. The bike also features an LED taillight, which is perfectly integrated in the sharp tail. Still, this piece of the bike looks like being positioned a little too high given the fact that there are no exhaust pipes running underneath it. In fact, the right rider side shotgun exhaust will have your eyes running between it, the tail and the stylish rear wheel (on both models), which is stood out by the single-sided swingarm.

No fairing means more work masking all the wiring and making components that would have normally been covered look good. We must say that Streetfighter’s engine department unveils nothing but a muscular L-twin motor when looking between the tubular steel trellis frame’s tubes.

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

The instrument panel is brand new and built in the Ducati style. This offers digital speed and revs display as well as time, ambient air/coolant temperature, battery voltage, trip meters and warning lights – neutral, turn signals, high beam, rev limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention status (on the “S” model) and scheduled maintenance.

In both cases, color options include Red, while the Pearl White characterizes the base model and Midnight Black stands for the “S” one.

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Test Ride

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

The all-new Streetfighter is a unique motorcycle, one that makes sure you find that out from the very first contact with it. With the seat being positioned at 33.1 inches from the ground, forward-mounted tapered-aluminum handlebar and the fairly close to the seat footpegs, it’s hard not to find the riding triangle a little too sporty for a roadster. Indeed, the Streetfighter drifts away from the classic roadster riding position, but only to make it easier for the rider to exploit its full engine potential.

Riding this bike makes it actually very easy to forget that there’s no fairing involved (that’s what pretty much distinguishes from its 1098 superbike sibling) because, at least under 100 mph, it’s hard to make the difference between it and the fully-faired starting point for engineers. The unveiled liquid-cooled engine enjoys being revved and recompenses the rider with instant throttle response, a healthy and yet refined exhaust note as well as with linear power delivery, making it ideal for fast launches and wheelies. It is very easy to wheelie the Streetfighter with a simple twist of the throttle when riding in first or second gear. The front end feels like a flake and it is all the result of having the right amount of power and torque (155hp and 85lb-ft of torque) for the 373 (368 on the “S” model) pounds dry weight.

Although naked bikes are also preferred for being easy to ride in the urban environment, the Streetfighter’s dry clutch makes stops and starts a little demanding on the rider. Also, the tranny doesn’t work quite effortlessly, but we won’t dare calling this a disadvantage of the Italian bike.

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

The wide bars make it easy on the rider to unveil the bike’s great cornering potential ensured by a 24.5-degree rake and 114mm trail. We rode both the standard model (slightly heavier and fitted with Showa suspension) and the “S” one (Öhlins suspension, less weight and more style) only to find out that there’s no major difference between them until a certain point. While opening the throttle a little too early when going around a bend will determine the base model’s rear end to slide, this potential crash start is eliminated by the intervention of the traction control system on the “S” model. Still, the system doesn’t prevent wheelies (as we just mentioned) and burnouts, which is exactly what you want on a bike that turns into a stunt favorite.

Still, most riders will feel the safest on a bike when hitting the brakes. On the Streetfighter, these are Brembo radial-mount 4-piston monobloc calipers working on the more than decently sized 330mm discs up front. These provide most of the stopping power and also that much expected safety feel just as smooth and linear as the engine’s acceleration. The rear brake is also efficient and is great for skids and adding extra braking power in emergency situations.

The difference between the two Streetfighter models isn’t dramatic, but significant. This is also how the wind blast will feel when you’ll be trying to touch the gas tank with your chin.

Price

The 2009 Ducati Streetfighter comes with a $14,995 MSRP, which is quite fair if you ask me. Yet, the $18,995 MSRP of the 2009 Ducati Streetfighter S makes it impossible for me to say the same thing about it. The $4K difference is simply not justified, not even by the fancy DDA and traction control systems.

Conclusion

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

Ducati does offer the best there currently is in matter of superbike-derived roadsters and, looking at the Streetfighter’s potential, it’s easy to reckon that this situation won’t change a long time from now.

Following the same recipe used by MV Agusta to build the Brutale 1078RR, Ducati manages to dethrone the “teacher” and start giving lessons of engine performance, handling and refinement on its own.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2009 Ducati Streetfighter Engine

Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled.
Displacement: 1099cc.
Power: 155hp - 114kw @ 9500rpm.
Torque: 85lb-ft 115Nm @ 9500rpm.
Valves: Using the Testastretta narrow valve angle, super-straight intake ducts and specially shaped combustion chambers, the Desmodromic motor continues to breathe through MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies and four large diameter valves per cylinder to achieve its incredible spread of torque.
Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control.

Chassis and Dimensions

2009 Ducati Streetfighter

Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Rake: 25.6°
Front suspension: Showa 43mm fully adjustable usd forks / Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable usd forks with TiN
Front wheel: 10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17 / 5-spoke in forged light alloy 3.50 x 17
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm / Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17 / 5-spoke forged light alloy 6.00 x 17
Rear brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper.
Front brake: 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
Rear tyre: 190/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa III.
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa III.
Dry weight: 169kg (373lb) / 167kg (368lb)

Other

Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Versions: Dual seat