2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4/S

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is a stripped-down Panigale superbike left with only lean-muscle and road-friendly ergonomics. Its serious sporting potential makes this a backroad or racetrack slayer.

Remove the fairings then tweak the ergonomics and engine mapping from the Ducati Panigale V4, and what do you get? Ducati’s high-performance naked bike, the Streetfighter V4. It has road-ripping power, superbike-precise electronics, and showstopping looks—it’s purely Italian.

All Streetfighter V4 models have a new self-bleeding front brake and clutch pumps. For 2021 Ducati also introduced a new color for the V4 S: Dark Stealth.

The base Streetfighter V4 price starts at $19,995, followed by the up-spec V4 S for $24,395, which features semi-active Öhlins suspension and Marchesini aluminum forged wheels. The new V4 S Dark Stealth retails for $24,595.

A majority of the Streetfighter’s competition comes from Europe, namely, the BMW S 1000 R, Aprilia Tuono V4, KTM 1290 Super Duke R, and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS. Japanese competition includes the Kawasaki Z H2 and Yamaha MT-10

What’s in a name? Well, in the Ducati Streetfighter V4′s case, it has not only a term synonymous with its bold character, but one that hints as to what powers this machine: a liquid-cooled 1,103cc 90-degree V-4. The desmo engine is claimed to have 208 hp at 13,000 rpm and 90.4 pound-feet at 9,500 rpm. “Nothing sounds as mean, nor accelerates as quickly as this Streetfighter—especially when you’re giving it the beans near its 15,000-rpm redline.”

In a first ride review, our test riders have had absolute confidence in the Streetfighter’s handling capability, so much so that electronic rider aids like traction and wheelie control settings could be minimized. Additionally, fully adjustable suspension such as the V4 S’ Öhlins semi-active unit “performs well and filters out the effects of worn pavement yet provides suitable road holding at lean with generous servings of throttle.”

Where there’s a high-performance engine, there must be top-shelf braking, and the Streetfighter comes to a standstill with none other than Brembo Monoblock Stylema calipers. In last year’s test, the brakes brought the bike to a quick halt with seamless intervention from the cornering ABS.

During our testing of a V4 S Dark Stealth project bike, we found that a realistic 30 mpg could be had if ridden as intended—aggressively, that is.

The handlebars are long and low giving the rider an aggressive riding position, but not so much to cause discomfort. In the past, the saddle was comfortable for about 250 miles.

Like the Panigale V4, the Streetfighter V4 and V4 S pack MotoGP tech: riding modes, power modes, ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quickshift (bidirectional), Engine Brake Control EVO, and Ducati Electronic Suspension—all of which are accessed via the 5-inch TFT display.

Full LED lighting, daytime running lights, and self-canceling turn signals come as standard equipment as well.

A two-year warranty is included with a Streetfighter V4 or V4 S purchase.

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 is quite possibly the highest quality naked bike. Excellent tech, performance, and sound combine to make one fine machine.