Ducati’s utterly anticipated V4 Streetfighter can boast the sort of numbers that would have put it in contention for a WorldSBK win a decade ago. It wasn’t that long ago that Superbike manufacturers were chasing a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1, 200hp from 200kg was jaw dropping.

Now, a road-focussed nakedbike fresh off the Ducati production line swaggers onto the scene gloating 153kW (205hp) from a 178kg (dry) package.

The recipe? Take the firm’s V4 Panigale, remove all the bodywork, add some aggressive-looking aerodynamic wings and, hey-presto, the new Streetfighter V4 S. By the way, those double wings aren’t just for show; along with the very latest sophisticated electronics, they help to control the immense power with much needed downforce. They also look very cool, which is an added bonus. 

When I chatted with Ducati’s Project Manager Paolo Quattrinu he said something which whet my appetite.

“We wanted to create a mad bike,” he said. On paper they’ve thoroughly succeeded, but on the road? There is only one way to find out.

Check out our full test in the latest issue on sale now…