We review Ducati’s accessorized and fully decked out 2021 Streetfighter V4 S.

by: www.motorcyclistonline.com

Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 is easily one, if not, the most aggressive high-performance naked bike the world has seen. And it gets even more rowdy when bathed in accessories from the Ducati Performance catalog. Dripping in carbon fiber, magnesium, and titanium this $47,787.43 (as tested) V4 S is as wild as an accessorized production bike gets.

Editor’s note: We test rode the Streetfighter V4 last year during the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S MC Commute Review article and video. It also received top honors during the Top-5 MC Commute Motorcycle Reviews 2020 video.

As usual, the highlight of this Ducati is the insane performance of its 1,103cc V-4 engine. From bottom to top, this engine has a powerband that feels like it came straight from satan’s workshop (good thing). And it’s even more vicious with the $5,541.15 handmade titanium Akrapovic exhaust and $3,548.65 dry clutch. If you’re a die-hard motorsport enthusiast, this is music to our ears.

There are a lot of neat sounding and high-performance, two, and four-wheeled vehicles out there, but 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.ADVERTISEMENT

Yet, if you lug the engine at lower revs, and short-shift it through the six-speed gearbox, the Streetfighter happily complies offering quasi-civilized manners. MPG figures in the high 30s are also possible if you stay off the pipe. Realistically however, expect around 30 MPG if you ride it like you’re supposed to.

The Ohlins semi-active suspension performs well and filters out the effects of worn pavement yet provides suitable road holding at lean with generous servings of throttle. We preferred the dynamic setting in its most aggressive suspension program.

A high-end electronics package allows for plenty of adjustability. The electronics have a wide range of adjustment allowing the rider to tweak the engine, traction control, and ABS character to their skill set. Advanced riders will especially appreciate the lofty performance barrier the electronics allow. For instance, the ABS programming in Level 3 (most restrictive) is at a higher level than some manufacturers’ setups on modern liter-class superbikes. Well done, Ducati.ADVERTISEMENT

A 5-inch color TFT display keeps tabs on it all. It’s a reasonably sharp looking display, but it should be larger and the user interface remains well behind the competition. The menu navigation, and switchgear is clunky and Ducati could learn a thing or two from Apple, BMW and Yamaha.

With its 4.2-gallon topped off, this bike weighs about 14-pounds less than the standard V4 S courtesy the Akrapovic exhaust (12.1-pound less) and forged magnesium wheels (1.5-pound less). And it makes a difference with it offering incredible agility for a liter-plus sized naked bike. Stability at speed is decent and its overall handling is mesmerizing for sport-oriented riders looking for narcotic-like exhilaration on their favorite backroads.

The taller accessory racing seat ($271.63) and adjustable billet rider foot controls ($1332.50) improve comfort and give added cornering clearance for faster/shorter riders. We also love the accessory heated hand grips that actually get hot and the Sport Kit, which includes folding brake and clutch levers, as well as tiny LED turn signals, a clean-looking license plate bracket. The oddly satisfying, twist-off Rizoma fuel cap is another nice touch.ADVERTISEMENT

There’s certainly no shortage of awesome liter-and-above sized naked bikes, but no other model can touch the performance, character and charisma of the Streetfighter V4 S. Add in a couple key components from the Italian company’s accessory catalog and now you have a machine that further stands out from the competition.

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: REV’IT! HudsonADVERTISEMENT

Gloves: REV’IT! Chevron 2

Pant: REV’IT Austin

Boots: TCX X-Vibe EVO Air

Project Bike Build List

2021 Streetfighter V4 S – Dark Stealth: $24,595.00

Akrapovic full racing exhaust: $5,541.15

Dry clutch conversion: $3,241.05

Modular clutch cover (needed for dry clutch conversion): $307.50

Magnesium rims: $5,227.50

Carbon clutch cover: $230.01

Carbon winglets: $1,435.00

Carbon front fender: $415.90

Carbon rear fender: $415.90

Carbon frame covers: $492.00

Carbon tank cover: $355.47

Carbon dash cover: $266.50

Carbon and titanium swingarm guard: $481.75

Carbon heel guards: $186.62

Carbon chain guard: $174.25

Protective mesh for oil cooler: $96.90

Adjustable aluminum rear sets: $1,332.50

Racing seat: $271.63

Heated grips: $373.14

Pirelli Supercorsa SP V3 tires: TBD

Front LED turn signals: $117.30

Sport Kit (levers, fuel cap, bar end, blinkers, tail tidy): $1,221.80

2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$47,787.43 as tested
ENGINE	1,103cc liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale 90° V-4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 desmodromically actuated valves/cyl.
BORE x STROKE	81.0 x 53.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	14.0:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Electronic fuel injection system; twin injectors per cylinder; full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies
CLUTCH	Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed w/ Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2/chain
FRAME	Aluminum alloy front frame
FRONT SUSPENSION	43mm Öhlins NIX 30 w/ TiN treatment. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustable w/ Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode; 4.7-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Öhlins TTX 36. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustable w/ Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode; 5.1-in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	Radially mounted Brembo Monoblock Stylema M4.30 4-piston calipers, dual 330mm semi-floating discs w/ Cornering ABS EVO
REAR BRAKE	2-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ Cornering ABS EVO
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	3-spoke forged magnesium; 3.50 x 17 in. / 6.00 x 17 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3; 120/70-17 / 200/60-17
RAKE/TRAIL	24.5°/3.9 in.
WHEELBASE	58.6 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	34.1 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	4.2 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT	425 lb.
WARRANTY	24 months
AVAILABLE	June 2020
CONTACT	ducati.com