Ducati will soon to launch the newest varian of motorbike in 2010. This motorbike is he high-end S model Streetfighter earlier this year when we hammered it around the marvelous Ascari Circuit in Spain at its press introduction. It certainly impressed us on the track, but what we didn't yet know is how well the new Duc works in the wide-ranging conditions on the street. We also needed to find out if the base Streetfighter is also worthy of our Italian bike rapture. At $14,995, the standard Streetfighter retails for $4,000 less than the upmarket S version, and by doing so it goes without trick Ohlins suspension, Ducati Traction Control and some carbon fiber bits. Also, cast-aluminum wheels replace the lighter forged hoops on the S.
The Streetfighter experience begins even before inserting its key. It looks downright menacing sitting cocked left on its sidestand, although it's a bit dense and cluttered, especially compared to the tidier air-cooled Monster lineup. It's not exactly what we'd describe as beautiful, but its stripped-down appearance of industrial art gives it a real sense of purpose and machinery-ness. Let's be plain: This thoroughbred isn't suited for a casual or inexperienced pilot. A touchy throttle and a highly responsive engine give the SF an enthusiastic ready-to-romp feeling – perhaps harder than you are ready for. Truth be told, the humbler and cheaper Monster 1100 (our choice for Best Standard of 2009) makes for a better and easier street ride than the potent and uncompromising 'Fighter.
