Ducati Streetfighter S

Power and precision

Ducati’s ‘S’ treatment of the Streetfighter pushes its tech spec to the red line. Öhlins suspension front and rear and lightweight Marchesini forged wheels stack up serious credibility, while the front fender and cam belt covers in super-light carbon fibre help reduce the dry weight to an extreme 167kg (368lb).

The true Ducati spirit is captured with a powerful Desmodromic L-Twin 1098 “Testastretta Evoluzione” engine producing 155hp with an incredibly wide spread of power thanks to 85lb-ft (11.7kgm) of torque. The Streetfighter’s power and precision is further maximised by weighing in at just 368lb (167kg) and further benefits from technology derived directly from Ducati’s GP and Superbike projects. Ducati Traction Control and Data Analysis, racing-style braking system, fully adjustable suspension and forged wheels all come as standard equipment on the ‘S’ to complete the battle-ready package.

1098 power

The world-beating 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione needs little introduction. Debuting in 2007, it went on to form the basis of a motor that powered Ducati to Superstock and Superbike World titles and now its incredible torque powers Ducati’s most extreme naked and the results are mind-blowing.

Producing a ballistic 85lb-ft (11.7kgm) of torque and 155hp, the Streetfighter’s awesome 1098 engine fears nothing of the naked sports competition. The L-Twin, Testastretta Evoluzione engine gives both the best power-to-weight and the best torque-to-weight ratios in its class. Using the Testastretta narrow valve angle, super-straight intake ducts and specially shaped combustion chambers, the Desmodromic motor continues to breathe through GP-derived elliptical throttle bodies and four large diameter valves per cylinder to achieve its incredible spread of torque.

A high performance six-speed box and racing-style dry clutch makes sure the transmission package delivers 155hp as efficiently as possible. Engine surface features include enhanced detailing on the cam belt covers, a black finish for the magnesium dry clutch cover and main outer casings and carbon-grey finish for the crankcases

The Streetfighter’s power is protected by twin coolant radiators, carefully curved in pure naked style for optimum performance and stunning with visual effect. The upper radiator is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies while the lower sits in the front of the belly pan, which also houses a highly efficient oil heat exchanger.

S-spec precision

At a class-leading 167kg (368lb) dry weight, the Streetfighter S comes to the fight with the highest power-toweight ratio in its class. The purpose-built Trellis frame, which uses 25.6° of rake and has a fully cast aluminium single-sided swingarm at the rear, provides a well-planted front and rear-end. The rake, longer wheelbase and cross-mounted steering damper ensure stability even under the extreme acceleration of Ducati’s incredible L-Twin torque.

The Streetfighter S pushes the spec way up with 43mm Superbike-spec Öhlins forks that have sliders treated in low-friction TiN. Fully adjustable in spring preload and precisely adjustable in compression and rebound damping, they ensure ‘S’ feeling and finesse when the fight gets rough.

Taking care of the rear of the ‘S’ is a single high-spec Öhlins unit fully adjustable in spring preload with full adjustment and highly engineered control of compression and rebound damping. The unit is also fitted with a ride enhancing top-out spring which helps maintain rear tyre contact under extreme conditions. Important attention to performance detail is inherited from its Superbike bloodline with Streetfighter S having rear rideheight adjusters that allow fine correction after setting personalised spring preload.

Part of the weight saving of the Streetfighter S over the 848 is down to the incredible Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels by Marchesini, forged and then machined in lightweight aluminium. Reducing the unsprung weight for enhanced performance, the wheels are finished in black, and roll into 2013 fitted with the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires.

The Streetfighter S uses Brembo’s powerful Monobloc calliper race technology. Machined from a single piece of alloy, the callipers achieve higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The result not only delivers planet-stopping brake power, but also gives an enhanced and precise “feel” at the brake lever. The twin Monobloc callipers each have four 34mm pistons that grip huge 330mm discs to achieve their spectacular performance. The weight of the discs has been kept to a minimum by using racingstyle narrow braking surfaces.

Streetfighter S colours

The Streetfighter S continues to be dressed in Ducati red or the sophisticated “race titanium matte” with both schemes using red frames and black wheels with red pin-striping.

Streetfighter reborn

The Streetfighter culture was born on the backstreets of Northern Europe during the late 70s and 80s. If the Café racer movement had taken traditional bikes and transformed them to establish out-and-out sportbikes, then Streetfighters were definitely anti-establishment. They evolved by removing the fairings from sport bikes, fitting higher bars and customising to create high-performance, over-the-top nakeds. Ducati took that concept and applied their own Italian sophistication to a stunning, factory-prepared Streetfighter.

The Ducati Streetfighter is equipped with everything that made the Superbike a legend: Awesome L-Twin muscle with brutal, big-bore torque, thoroughbred chassis technology, beautiful single-sided swingarm, racebred brakes and pure, sophisticated class.

While the tank and seat shapes leave no doubt as to the Streetfighter’s roots, it is the upright and commanding riding position that really starts to shape the character of this ultimate naked. Minimalistic controls, instrumentation and headlight design leave the front looking clean and mean, while twin-stacked right-side mufflers at the rear leave the tail-end high and sharp. No other Ducati has ever achieved such an aggressive stance while providing a comfortable, empowering, controllable and enjoyable ride.

Add the awesome street-going Ducati Traction Control as standard equipment and Ducati Data Analysisready electronics and it’s clear that the Streetfighter perfectly balances the essential DNA of an exciting naked motorcycle with the latest race-derived electronic technology.

Ducati passion

Ducati’s original Streetfighter project was inevitable. The passion to build the most successful Superbikes ever, mixed with the desire to create iconic, naked motorcycles was a rush of adrenaline just waiting to happen. Who else would create a bike for out-and-out purists to celebrate naked power in all its forms? A bike with muscle-engine performance, aggressive chassis engineering and intelligent electronics all laid bare to appreciate, respect and enjoy? Ducati build bikes for enthusiasts – for bikers who appreciate the details that come together to make an awesome bike, for perfectionists who instantly recognise excellence when they see it.

Ducati motorcycles are not just a means of transport, they are the realisation of dreams that set their riders apart from the rest of the world. They are an extension of character and the ultimate personal statement. The Streetfighter is built with pure Ducati passion and it’s ready to impress.

Naked Ducati detail

More attention to detail than ever before went into creating the Ducati Streetfighter. Repositioning many of the components usually hidden by bodywork and continuing to keep them out of sight was a major challenge for the design and engineering teams, but they pulled it off with impressive results. Add details such as the perfectly formed passenger seat cover, a rear hugger fitted as standard equipment and the pre-minimalised licence plate holder, and it’s plain to see that Ducati have gone that extra step to achieve the highest level of finish.

S philosophy

Ducati’s ‘S’ treatment of the Streetfighter pushes its tech spec to the red line. Öhlins suspension front and rear and lightweight Marchesini forged wheels stack up serious credibility, while the front fender and cam belt covers in super-light carbon fibre help reduce the dry weight to an extreme 167kg (368lb).

But the ‘S’ sophistication doesn’t end there. Awesome street-going Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Data Analysis are standard issue, making it clear that the Streetfighter S is not all muscle – it’s intelligent too.

Streetfighter design

The Ducati Streetfighter is equipped with everything that made the Superbike a legend: Awesome L-Twin muscle with brutal, big-bore torque, thoroughbred chassis technology, beautiful single-sided swingarm, planet-stopping Monobloc brakes and pure, sophisticated class.

While the tank and seat shapes leave no doubt as to the Streetfighter’s roots, it is the upright and commanding riding position that really starts to shape the character of this ultimate naked. New, minimalistic controls, instrumentation and headlight design leave the front looking clean and mean, while twin-stacked right-side mufflers at the rear leave the tail-end high and sharp. No other Ducati has ever achieved such an aggressive stance while providing a comfortable, empowering, controllable and enjoyable ride.

Streetfighter culture

The Streetfighter culture was born on the backstreets of Northern Europe during the late 70s and 80s. If the Café racer movement had taken traditional bikes and transformed them to establish out-and-out sportbikes, then Streetfighters were definitely anti-establishment. They evolved by removing the fairings from sport bikes, fitting higher bars and customising to create high-performance, over-the-top nakeds.

Ducati’s Streetfighter project was inevitable. The passion to build the most successful Superbikes ever, mixed with the desire to create iconic, naked motorcycles was a rush of adrenaline just waiting to happen. Who else would create a bike for out-and-out purists to celebrate naked power in all its forms? A bike with muscle-engine performance, aggressive chassis engineering and intelligent electronics all laid bare to appreciate, respect and enjoy? Ducati build bikes for enthusiasts – for bikers who appreciate the details that come together to make an awesome bike.

Engine

Exhaust system

The massive 2-1-2 exhaust system is made from weight-saving 1mm thick steel and flows from 58mm to 63.5mm diameter pipes. The system uses two lambda probes to ensure precise fuel mapping for optimum performance and an electronic valve in the mid-section to achieve a wide spread of power. The cannon-style, vertically stacked, brushed steel mufflers deliver the famous Ducati L-Twin sound synonymous with raw, Desmo power.

High-effieciency cooling

The Streetfighter’s power house is protected by twin coolant radiators, carefully curved in pure naked style for optimum performance and stunning with visual effect. The upper radiator is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies while the lower sits in the front of the belly pan, which also houses a highly efficient oil heat exchanger.

Elliptical throttle bodies

The Streetfighter engine is fed by MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies which are equivalent to a diameter of 63.9mm. Representing a 30% increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the elliptical shape contributes considerable a power increase. The Ducati 1098 engine was the first in the range to introduce this MotoGP technology for street use.

Magnesium alloy covers

Attention to weight reduction is further underlined with both cam covers and clutch outer cover cast in manesium alloy.

Vacural® crankcases

The Vacural® casting process used to make the Streetfighter crankcases ensures consistent and precise wall thickness and increased strength from absolute material purity while reducing weight an incredible 3kg (6.5lb) compared to those of the 1098 Superbike engine.

Power & torque curves

Producing a ballistic 85lb-ft (11.7kgm) of torque and 155hp (114kW), the Streetfighter’s awesome 1098 power house fears nothing of the naked sports competition. The L-Twin, Testastretta Evoluzione engine gives both the best power-to-weight and the best torque-to-weight ratios in its class.

Testastretta Evoluzione

The world-beating 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione needs little introduction. Debuting in 2007, it went on to form the basis of a motor that powered Ducati to Superstock and Superbike World titles that left the competition stunned. Now, its massive bore, short stroke and incredible torque powers Ducati’s most extreme naked and the results are equally as stunning.

Crankshaft

The streetfighter's lightweight crankshaft assembly operates a highly ‘over-square’ bore and stroke with huge 104mm pistons powering through short 64.7mm strokes.

Chassis

Brembo Monobloc brakes

The Streetfighter S uses Brembo’s powerful Monobloc calliper race technology. Machined from a single piece of alloy, the callipers achieve higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The result not only delivers planet-stopping brake power, but also gives an enhanced and precise ‘feel’ at the brake lever. The twin Monobloc callipers each have four 34mm pistons that grip huge 330mm discs to achieve their spectacular performance. The weight of the discs has been kept to a minimum by using racing-style narrow braking surfaces.

Single-sided swingarm

At the rear, the all-new single-sided swingarm, finished in black, is a high-grade aluminium cast that has been lengthened by 35 mm with respect to the Superbike, thus taking the overall wheelbase to 1475 mm for even more uncompromising acceleration.

Fighter frame

The purpose-built Trellis frame uses 25.6° of rake compared with the Superbike’s 24.5° to ensure a well-planted front-end.

Marchesini 5-spoke wheels

The Streetfighter S reduces weight even further by using Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels by Marchesini, forged and then machined in lightweight aluminium. The Streetfighter S wheels are finished in black.

Öhlins rear suspension

Taking care of the rear of the ‘S’ is a single high-spec Öhlins unit fully adjustable in spring preload with full adjustment and highly engineered control of compression and rebound damping. The unit is also fitted with a ride enhancing top-out spring which helps maintain rear tyre contact under extreme conditions.

Öhlins forks

The Streetfighter S pushes the spec way up with 43mm Superbike-spec Öhlins forks that have sliders treated in low-friction TiN. Fully adjustable in spring preload and precisely adjustable in compression and rebound damping, they ensure ‘S’ feeling and finesse when the fight gets rough.

Equipment

Stopwatch

The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.

The Ducati Data Analyser (DDA), which includes PC software, a USB-ready data retrieval card and instructions, enables you to review and analyse your performance and that of the bike's, and to make comparisons between various channels of information. The system records numerous channels of data including throttle opening (A), vehicle speed (B), engine rpm (C), engine temperature (D), distance travelled (E), laps and lap times. It also automatically calculates engine rpm and vehicle speed data, enabling it to display gear selection (F) as an additional channel of information. An additional channel of information is now dedicated to recording the DTC index (G) which can then be viewed as a graphic trace and indicates the amount of DTC interaction during wheel-spin. (Subject to model) At the end of a ride or track session, up to 4mb of data can be downloaded ready to compare, analyse and get an inside view of the performance of both you and the bike.

Lighting

The aggressive looking headlight is the ‘face’ of the Streetfighter and it leaves little doubt as to its character. While the main lighting source and multi-reflector design provides powerful illumination to cut through the night, its two evil eye strips of LED positioning lights give a striking and unmistakable identity to the bike.

Keeping design matters clean and stylish, the directional indicators remain unobtrusive with clear lenses and coloured bulbs, while the rear light is integral to the shape of the tailpiece, providing unobscured illumination while maintaining the smooth and elegant look to the high and sharp rear-end.

Fighter controls

The handlebars are gripped by beautifully shaped clamps that flow sleekly into the bar-risers. Symmetrically mounted, remote brake and clutch reservoirs are small, low and compact and feed slim, radial master-cylinders by Brembo to complete the clean and uncluttered controls arrangement.

Compact instruments

The Streetfighter’s instrumentation blends into the aggressive line of the headlight. Information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the left-hand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus.

The display presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Additionally, the instruments display lap times, DTC status and level selected (if activated on Streetfighter S) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve.

Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention (if activated on Streetfighter S) and scheduled maintenance.

The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA and DTC systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

Carbon fibre

Carbon fibre front fender and cam belt covers not only shave additional weight, they also contrast superbly against the bronze finish of the frame.

DTC

Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) offers a choice of eight profiles, or ‘sensitivity levels’, each one programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill, graded from one to eight.

While level eight administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a much higher tolerance, resulting in less intervention for highly competent riders.

Once the level is selected and DTC activated, both are displayed on the instrumentation. The system then analyses data sent from front and rear wheel speed sensors to detect wheel-spin. Should the system recognise wheel-spin above a certain threshold, the DTC ECU instantly evaluates the many possible wheel-spin scenarios before administering two types of interaction in varying amounts.

DTC is able to sense the exact use that the bike is being put to. From slow mid-corner acceleration with considerable vehicle inclination to high speed corner exits while almost upright, DTC is intelligent enough to react according to each and every situation. It’s even smart enough to not intervene if you decide to perform a burnout or a wheelie.

The first ‘soft’ stage of system interaction is executed by high speed software that instantly makes electronic adjustment to the ignition by administering varying amounts of retardation to reduce the engine’s torque output.

During this initial stage of DTC interaction, both outer warning lights on the instrumentation – normally used to signify over-rev – illuminate to signify that DTC is being applied.

If the DTC software detects that the first ‘soft’ stage of system interaction is inadequate to control the wheel-spin, it continues to administer ignition retardation and instructs the engine ECU to initiate a pattern of constantly increasing injection cuts until, if necessary, full injection cut. During this second stage of system interaction, both outer and central warning lights fully illuminate to signify that DTC has also initiated injection cuts.

After either stage one (ignition retardation) or stage two (pattern of injection cuts or full cut), the system incrementally returns to the original ignition and injection mapping as the wheel speeds approach equalisation. This carefully programmed return to full power delivery is the real key to DTC’s smooth and efficient operation.

In developing its World Championship-winning traction control system for road use, Ducati continue to demonstrate their strategy of transferring technologies from their race bikes into the production environment, and show how solutions developed for performance on the track really can be applied to enhance safety on the road.

Minimalist switchgear

The switchgear presents minimalism at its best. The slim-line bodies house easy-to-use switches and buttons and feature a unique weapons-like ‘trigger catch’ that slides down to cover the starter button when activating the kill-switch.

The Streetfighter 848 and Streetfighter S provide an empowering riding position with seat, footpeg and handlebar relationship optimised to enhance comfort without losing the desired feeling of an extreme naked Ducati.

Showing attention to detail typical of all new Ducatis, the handlebars are gripped by beautifully shaped clamps that flow sleekly into the bar-risers. Even the switchgear presents minimalism at its best. The slimline bodies house easy-to-use switches and buttons and feature a unique weapons-like ‘trigger catch’ that slides down to cover the starter button when activating the kill-switch. Symmetrically mounted, remote brake and clutch reservoirs are small, low and compact and feed slim, radial master-cylinders with adjustable levers by Brembo to complete the clean and uncluttered controls arrangement.

The Streetfighter’s instrumentation continues that same clean look with a compact shape that blends into the aggressive line of the headlight. Information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the lefthand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus.

The display presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Additionally, the instruments display DTC status and level selected, lap times, time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention and scheduled maintenance.

The instrument display can also be used to manage Ducati Traction Control settings, list lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch and additionally as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance for the Streetfighter 848 and supplied as standard equipment on the Streetfighter S. It consists of a special DDA software and memory key that slots into a plug under the seat, which also doubles as the connection for a handy battery charger also available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

Intelligent muscle

The Streetfighter S was Ducati’s first ever naked sportbike to be fitted with the awesome Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system and the Streetfighter 848 is also armed with the same full eight-level DTC as standard equipment. In developing its World Championship-winning traction control system for road use, Ducati continue to demonstrate their strategy of transferring technologies from their race bikes into the production environment, and show how solutions developed for performance on the track really can be applied to enhance safety on the road.

Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the system offers a choice of eight profiles, or ‘sensitivity levels’, each one programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill, graded from one to eight.

While level eight administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a much higher tolerance, resulting in less intervention for highly competent riders. Once the level is selected and DTC activated, both are displayed on the Streetfighter’s instrumentation. The system then analyses data sent from front and rear wheel speed sensors to detect wheel-spin. Should the system recognise wheel-spin above a certain threshold, the DTC ECU instantly evaluates the many possible wheel-spin scenarios before administering two types of interaction in varying amounts.

DTC is able to sense the exact use that the Streetfighter is being put to. From slow mid-corner acceleration with considerable vehicle inclination to high speed corner exits while almost upright, DTC is intelligent enough to react according to each and every situation. It’s even smart enough not to intervene during a burnout or a wheelie.

The first “soft” stage of system interaction is executed by high speed software that instantly makes electronic adjustment to the ignition by administering varying amounts of retardation to reduce the engine’s torque output. During this initial stage of DTC interaction, both outer warning lights on the Streetfighter instruments – normally used to signify over-rev – illuminate to signify that DTC is being applied.

If the DTC software detects that the first “soft” stage of system interaction is inadequate to control the wheel-spin, it continues to administer ignition retardation and instructs the engine ECU to initiate a pattern of constantly increasing injection cuts until, if necessary, full injection cut. During this second stage of system interaction, both outer and central warning lights fully illuminate to signify that DTC has also initiated injection cuts.

After either stage one (ignition retardation) or stage two (pattern of injection cuts or full cut), the system incrementally returns to the original ignition and injection mapping as the wheel speeds approach equalisation. This carefully programmed return to full power delivery is the real key to DTC’s smooth and efficient operation.

Exhaust system

The stylish Streetfighter 2-1-2 exhaust system is made from weight-saving 1mm thick steel and flows from 58mm to 63.5mm diameter pipes. The system uses two lambda probes to ensure precise fuel mapping for optimum performance and an electronic valve in the mid-section to achieve a wide spread of power. The cannon-style, vertically stacked mufflers sport a brushed steel for the Streetfighter 848 and black brushed steel for the Streetfighter S, both delivering the famous Ducati L-Twin sound synonymous with raw, Desmo power.

Single-sided swingarm

At the rear-end of both Streetfighters is a black-finished, single-sided swingarm beautifully cast in aluminium. The long swingarm brings the total wheelbase to 1,475mm (58in) and ensures the Streetfighter’s acceleration is never compromised.

Lighting

The aggressive looking headlight is the ‘face’ of the Streetfighter and it leaves little doubt as to its character. While the main lighting source and multi-reflector design provides powerful illumination to cut through the night, its two evil eye strips of LED positioning lights give a striking and unmistakable identity to the bike.

Preserving the clean and stylish design, the directional indicators remain unobtrusive with clear lenses and coloured bulbs, while the rear light is integral to the shape of the tailpiece, providing unobscured illumination while maintaining the smooth and elegant look to the high and sharp rear-end.