At a class-leading 167kg (368lb) dry weight, the Streetfighter S comes to the fight with the highest power-to- weight ratio in its class. (Photo: Ducati)

848 Testastretta 11°
Ducati’s 848 mid-range Superbike engine has been a massive success since its first introduction in 2008. Enhanced to “EVO” spec in 2011, its thrilling, flexible and user-friendly power delivery made it a popular Superbike choice. Now, combined with the factory’s latest Testastretta 11° technology, it is transformed into what many consider to be Ducati’s perfect engine and provides the Streetfighter 848 with a power-to-weight ratio to be proud of.

With 132hp @ 10,000rpm and a colossal 69lb-ft (93.5Nm) of torque @ 9,500rpm, the 848 Testastretta 11° engine is all about authentic Ducati Desmodromic performance. Radical cam timing adjustment enabled Ducati to achieve strong torque through a wider rev-range, considerably enhancing the 848 Streetfighter’s ridability, while ensuring plenty of power remains on tap for high-rpm fun.

For an engine with brute power on tap when needed and smooth, user-friendliness available for an effortless and comfortable ride, Ducati revised the configuration of the cam timing with particular focus on the valve overlap angle. The overlap angle is defined as the interval of crankshaft rotation, measured in degrees, during which both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. This overlap occurs between the end of the exhaust stroke and the start of the intake stroke. High performance engines, which are subject to compromising smoothness for extreme power delivery, use high values of this parameter in order to benefit from the pressure waves to improve engine performance by maximising volumetric efficiency.

On the 848 Testastretta 11° engine, this angle has been reduced from 37°, used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powers the 848EVO Superbike, to 11°. As a result, the fresh inlet charge from the GP-derived elliptical throttle bodies is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, producing a much smoother combustion, improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.

The valves are controlled by Ducati's signature Desmodromic system, which activates valve closure mechanically instead of relying upon normal valve springs to follow the steep closure profile of high- performance cam profiles. This system, which closes the valves mechanically with the same level of accuracy that they are opened, is used on every single Ducati motorcycle including the world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici GP power plants.

Ducati’s Streetfighter 848 engine harnesses the track-ready power of the Superbike and makes it smooth and tractable, while a high performance six-speed box with user-friendly wet clutch ensures a smooth riding experience in all conditions. Everything about the 848
Testastretta 11° engine is a direct result of Ducati’s engineers making massive advances in balancing high-performance with an enjoyable ride.

Decades of experience combined with constant investment in advanced materials and precision engineering techniques has enabled the distance between the major service intervals (valve clearence check) to be set at 24,000 kilometres (15,000 miles). This continual attention to detail and development of twin-cylinder technology makes Ducati ownership even more accessible and enjoyable than ever.

Streetfighter 848 colours
While the Streetfighter looks stunning in traditional Ducati red with red frame, the stunning dark stealth scheme underlines the Streetfighter’s aggressive image and yellow offering a bold and stylish third option. The latter two schemes both have frames finished in racing black and all liveries rolling on black wheels.

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-to- weight 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 ride- height 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 tyres.