Motorcycle test | Ducati Streetfighter V4S 2023: six rounds with a “steroidal” monster

(Almería (Spain) ) In the dark corner, our tester – seasoned, certainly, but decidedly intimidated – opposes a beast signed Ducati. In the gray corner, a 208 hp monster named Streetfighter V4S. The conditions of the confrontation: six rounds of 20 minutes on the long and complex layout of the Andalucia Circuit, in the south of Spain. Ding ding!

Round 1

After studying it closely, how not to doubt my abilities against the Streetfighter V4S? It was tweaked in 2023 to be “easier to drive”, but all I see is a ridiculously huge engine wedged between two wheels. And with nothing to shelter from the wind, it promises to be brutal at high speed. I do have a few tools at my disposal, mainly state-of-the-art riding aids and very advanced semi-active suspensions, but exploiting these technologies effectively is never guaranteed. Predictably, with the new track added, I was overwhelmed during the first confrontation, which the V4S won easily.

Round 2

Spending 20 minutes on the track with the beast is even more exhausting than I would have thought. I use every second of the break before round two to catch my breath, rehydrate and think about strategy. I choose not to change anything in the settings, it’s too early. I now have a better idea of ​​the monster’s mannerisms and the track layout is no longer a complete mystery. It should logically be better. Indeed, with the initial doubts aside, the confrontation seems slightly more positive to me and the fight, more nuanced, sees the Streetfighter continue to jostle me, but without my losing control. Let’s say a draw.

Round 3

Already the start of the third? Some water ! I will never last until the end. The Ducati’s 208bhp have so far been a big challenge to master, especially out of corners where it heaves up, slips its rear tire and shakes its handlebars. Between the V4S and a furious rodeo buffalo, the differences are subtle. Following some advice from my corner, I switch to full power, since it will have to be done sooner or later, and I firm up the rear suspension. The effect is immediate and greatly stabilizes the Italian that I manage for the first time to drive well. I’m drained, but this round comes back to me.

Round 4

Apart from the energy it drained from me, the big Streetfighter cooperated rather well in the previous round. So I choose to keep the same settings. The decision is the right one. Although its power is majestic and it generates incredible speeds without the slightest effort, its chassis now cooperates wonderfully. Limit braking, late corner entry, full lean line keeping and maximum acceleration – literally destroying a rear tire per hour! – follow each other lap after lap with ever more precision on my part. The lap times go down quickly and although I finish the round absolutely drained, I feel I deserve it.

Round 5

Difficult choice: keep things stable or try some changes. Come on, we didn’t come here to hammock. Adjustments are made without tools, by navigating the menus. Since it worked well, we firmed up the rear a little more and we asked for a slight trim correction to keep the nose a little lower. It works as expected. The feeling of control increases and the times improve, but, ironically, the more intense accelerations, the more violent brakings and the approximately 250 km/h taken in the straight line are physically very hard and I finish the round bruised. But I still improved, so let’s say a draw.

Round 6

The Streetfighter took me too far in the last round. Could I go faster to his commands? Yes, definitely. But not today. She seems able to continue this escalation ad infinitum while I am exhausted. Besides, I have this superstition about the last outings on the track. So I throw in the towel and give him this round, but I still go on the track, just for fun. I turn off the wheelie limiter that kept the front wheel close to the ground and allow myself some serious stunts that make me giggle into my helmet. Strangely, this last round belongs to him, but it was one of the most pleasant for me.

Conclusion

What a machine! What a force of nature! What an engineering achievement this Streetfighter V4S is! Refined and docile enough to allow almost anyone to cruise quietly at its controls. Precise and advanced enough to dissect a very complex track at a crazy pace without even frowning. Powerful enough to wow even the most accomplished pilots. And drawn with great taste. After six brutal rounds, it gives a draw, I believe. But I don’t deserve it. When I look at the Streetfighter V4S, I now see the aura of essentially limitless capability that surrounds it. I have so much to learn.

Technical sheet

Brand: Ducati
Model: Streetfighter V4S
Price: $31,395
Warranty: 2 years/unlimited mileage
Engine: 1103cc liquid-cooled V-four
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Fully fueled weight: 197.5 kg
Front brake: 2 discs with 4-piston calipers and ABS
Rear brake: 1 disc with 2-piston caliper and ABS
Front tyre: 120/70 ZR17
Rear tire: 200/60 ZR17

Note: transportation and accommodation costs were paid by Ducati.