Meet the Ducati Streetfighter V4, a monstrous 208 CV hypernaked inspired by the Joker

For a few months now, two things have been on everyone’s lips, two things that, although they have nothing in common, have managed to come together: first, the Joker, the DC Comics villain you have probably seen recently in the acclaimed film starring Joaquin Phoenix and, second, the long-awaited Ducati Streetfighter V4, a motorcycle derived from the Panigale V4 that arrives to set a new benchmark in the supernaked segment.

And now you must be wondering why we are mixing the Joker with the new Ducati Streetfighter V4. To our surprise, the brand claims that the designers of the Streetfighter V4 drew inspiration from the famous villain for its styling. This is something we can see at the front, which looks at us in a defiant and perhaps mocking way, like the Joker, with the winglets mounted on both sides, an image that becomes even more striking when you turn the key and its minimalist Full-LED headlight starts to glow.

Whichever way you look at the new Ducati Streetfighter V4, it is simply spectacular and captivating in equal measure. Although one might think it is just a “naked” Panigale V4, we would be slightly mistaken, because in the Streetfighter V4 its styling and efficiency have been improved to solve the problems that high-performance naked bikes present.

To this end, its aerodynamics have been improved with the introduction of biplane winglets positioned forward, in the same way Ducati once did in MotoGP, revolutionising this area. This prevents, at high speeds, the sensation that the front axle is floating over the asphalt, which translates into improved stability and braking. These winglets, delivering maximum performance from the Streetfighter V4 on track, generate an aerodynamic downforce of 20 kg on the front axle and 8 kg on the rear axle at 270 km/h, also limiting the intervention of the electronics and helping to extract heat from the engine.

Just like the Panigale V4, we find a large electronic package derived directly from MotoGP, which will undoubtedly make life easier when pushing the bike to extract all its potential. It includes systems such as ABS Cornering EVO, Traction Control (DTC), Slide Control (DSC), Wheelie Control (DWC), Power Launch (DPL) and Brake Control (EBC). Added to all this is the experience also drawn from MotoGP for the Front-Frame chassis weighing just 4 kg, the Showa Big Piston Forks with 43 mm stanchions, adjustable like the Sachs rear shock absorber, and the braking system signed by Brembo, with four-piston calipers biting two 330 mm discs on the front axle and a 245 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper at the rear.

Mechanically, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 uses the Desmosedici Stradale 1103 cc engine found in the Panigale V4, a 90º V4 that delivers a spectacular power output of 208 CV together with a practically similar torque of 123 Nm. It can optionally be paired with an Akrapovic exhaust system that is 6 kg lighter and improves both power and torque by up to 6%. A concern with this engine, as it derives from MotoGP, is its maintenance. Let’s not kid ourselves, it is expensive, but Ducati has worked to keep it to a minimum, with services every 12,000 km or 12 months and valve adjustments every 24,000 km.

In addition, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 introduces other changes as a good naked compared to the Panigale V4, such as replacing the semi-clip-ons with a wider handlebar positioned higher, as well as a seat whose height has been modified to 845 mm, which consequently also allows the footpegs to be placed in a new position that is generally more comfortable for the rider. The pillion seat sits on a steel subframe that has been redesigned to provide greater passenger comfort, something that in my opinion could have been dispensed with, leaving it as a single-seater design.

Finally, for those who want a little more technology in case the standard equipment is not enough, there is the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, one step above, which means it features upgraded components. These are found in the suspension, which in this case is signed by Öhlins, with an NIX30 front fork with 43 mm stanchions and a TTX36 rear shock absorber, plus Marchesini forged wheels and an improved electronic package.

The starting price of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 on the Spanish market will be 21,990 euros, while the V4 S version will start from 25,490 euros.