THE FIGHTER
MACHINES
I
t was back in 2017 that Ducati revealed
their Panigale V4 model to the people.
The bike was essentially a MotoGP
prototype for the street, packed with
a MotoGP-derived 1103cc V4 engine making
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Streetfighter V4 — same chassis — same
engine, but with a stripped-down aesthetic.
Just don’t assume stripped-down is a
weakness in its armour, as this is one sinister
new prototype. In profile, it looks identical
to the Kawasaki Z1000; and because of the
minimal fairings that brilliant engine just
dominates the aerodynamic profile. Its tail
section is similar to the Panigale V4, but with
a wider one-piece handlebar more suited to
road use than track carnage.
The Panigale V4’s 1103cc motor is expected
to be carried over to the Streetfighter, but
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the power here to be toned down to 135kW.
Fear not, as it still makes the Streetfighter
V4 one of the most powerful hyper nakeds
in the world - scary.To harness that power, the bike will
enlist the aid of the Panigale’s go to electronic
riding aids like EVO Cornering ABS, Ducati
Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, and
Ducati Quick Shift.
The Streetfighter V4 will make its official
debut at the EICMA motorcycle show in
November, but will be seen before that as
it smokes up the mountains at the Pikes
Peak race in Colorado Springs. The Ducati
obsessives will be there in force, watching
as other spectators become converts.BY BILL VARETIMIDIS