Ducati Streetfighter V4 Review (2020)
What Is It?
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is a premium naked bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 1,103 cc V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine, producing 205.2 bhp at 12,750 rpm and maximum torque at 11,500 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (845 mm / 33.3 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (201 kg / 443 lbs)
- Economy: Poor (35 mpg / 8.1 l/100km / 12.4 km/l)
- Range: Average (120 miles / 193 km)
- Power to Weight: Very high (1.020 bhp/kg / 0.761 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (200 mph / 322 km/h)
Pros
- Awesome engine
- Handling
- Comfort
- Brakes
- Finish
- Power
Cons
- No cruise control or fuel gauge
- Expensive new
- Economy
What Is It Like?
About me
I'm a 40 year old male, 5’10”, who started playing on MX bikes and who has been on the road since 16 on a DT50.
I've had a DT125, Bandit, CBR600, R6s, CB1000R, Streetfighter 1098, Monster 1200R, Speed Triple RS and now the Streetfighter V4.
Why did you choose it?
I loved the Streetfighter 1098 I bought new in 2009, at the time the best bike I ever had and loved it, regretted selling it after a few months with the Monster 1200R.
What is good about it?
Power, handling, grip, brakes. Easy to push hard. It’s even comfortable enough to do 600 miles in a day.
What could be improved?
Fuel range, a fuel gauge and cruise control - the gauge and cruise are not that important to me.
What's the economy like?
Slightly hard on petrol at about 28-31 mpg approx.
Any mods or upgrades?
I got the Akrapovic slip-ons for sounds and looks. I thought they were expensive enough at £2,200, list price was nearly £3,000, but got a deal as I ordered them on Black Friday. For me I didn’t need the extra cost of the full system plus the huge fitting cost, due to hours of stripping.
Living in the north of Scotland I found the £220ish for heated grips was a wise investment too and I find them excellent early in mornings now Autumn is here.
£195 for an easily home fitted Evotech tail tidy was a no brainier due to horrible huge pile of plastic spoiling the bike!
How is the engine?
Power, power, power, NOISE! Love it, anyone I know that I’ve past in their cars cannot believe the thunderous sound.
How does it handle?
On the Scottish twisties it drops in easily and I can push it well through bends on roads I know, plus it’s confident on roads / bends I don’t know too.
What are the brakes like?
Sharp and responsive with plenty of feeling.
Is it comfortable?
Yes. The Speed Triple RS I had for a short period previously was more comfortable, but this is more than acceptable for 9-10 hours in the saddle in one day. I have been used to big bakers for well over 12 years on long journeys, only one more comfortable was the Triumph.
How reliable have you found it?
I only got her in July 2020, but 2,000 miles and 3 months in, it’s been flawless.
To sum up
At over £20,000 the way it is, it’s been my most expensive bike yet, but I LOVE her. I can happily look at her for the Winter awaiting next spring without a problem.
The Triumph, Monster R and CB1000R always gave me a nagging “but” with the looks or feel of them. The original Streetfighter 1098 was the one I really loved and so far this has more than filled the hole left by her when she went in 2016.
I can keep up with sports bikes without a problem, I can do 600 miles in a day and the kids can go on the back for an hour to go for an ice cream. I’ll find out about how a little touring goes next year - 2020 was supposed to include that, but the bike arrived 4 months late.
I don’t regret anything about her including the cost!
- Andrew R, 2020
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Ducati Streetfighter V4 S - Premium version with a lightweight battery, forged wheels and Ohlins semi-active electronic suspension / steering damper.
Ducati Panigale V4 - Sports bike the Streetfighter is based on.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.