2009 Ducati Streetfighter First Look

One lovely Italian evening the 1098 Superbike shared a bottle of vino with the Hypermotard, nine months later the Ducati Streetfighter was left on the Bologna firm's doorstep.

Ducati unveiled its all-new Streetfighter November 3rd at the EICMA 2008 Milan Bike Show. The Italian firm debuted the new model, essentially a naked version of its popular 1098 Superbike, alongside its other big ’09 design – the 1198 Superbike.

Set to hit dealers in the Spring of 2009, the Ducati Streetfighter blends 1098 performance with a stripped-down Monster/Hypermotard look. Sourcing the Desmo Testastretta Evoluzione powerplant, the Streetfighter commands a claimed 87.5 lb-ft of torque and 155 horsepower from the L-Twin.

The 1099cc engine (104mm bore x 64.7mm stroke) features Marelli fuel injection. The air pumped through the 4-valve cylinder heads will exit out undertail twin stainless steel pipes which Ducati promises “sound as mean as they look.” Remember, this is a streetfighter, so it’s okay to be mean. The distinctive Ducati sound will also include the rattle of a dry multi-plate clutch.

The 2009 Ducati Streetfighter will hit showrooms this Spring.

Housing the liquid-cooled mill is a purpose-built trellis frame. Ducati claims the frame, large fork clamps and a longer swingarm deliver “a chassis geometry special to the Streetfighter.” Hard numbers from the spec sheet indicate a 58.1-inch wheelbase with 25.6-degree rake.

Suspension comes via 43mm fork and monoshock, both from Showa and fully adjustable. Like many other Ducati models an “S” version is available, featuring Ohlins components. Differences between the standard and “S” include 10-spoke light alloy wheels on the regular, while the “S” model utilizes 5-spoke forged Y-shape Marchesini hoops.

The Streetfigher S also features the high-tech Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Data Analysis systems right off the showroom floor.

No word yet on US pricetags for either version of the Streetfighter but both will benefit from top-line braking components - with a pair of 330mm rotors squeezed by 4-piston, radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers. A single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper takes care of things out back.

Ducati chose Milan to reveal the new Ducati Streetfighter, alongside its 1198 Superbike (featured in another article). And while the Streetfighter is the headliner, Ducati also announced some minor changes to the 2009 street bike lineup – like the Hypermotard and Multistrada now being available in pearl white. The GT1000 is now also available in a special touring version.

Ducati didn’t limit its Milan news to new motorcycle designs either, as the Bologna firm also revealed a new logo. The old ‘D’ logo is replaced by a red shield with new graphics.

2009 Ducati Streetfighter Specs

Engine: L-Twin, 4 valves, Desmodromic
Displacement: 1099cc
Bore and Stroke: 104 x 64.7mm
Compression Ratio: 12.4:1
Horsepower: 155hp @ 9500rpm
Torque: 87.5 lb-ft @ 9500rpm
Fueling: Marelli fuel injection
Wheelbase: 58.1 in
Rake: 25.6 degrees
Front Suspension: 43mm inverted Showa fork, fully adjustable
Rear Suspension: Showa monoshock, fully adjustable
Front Brake: Dual 330mm disc, 4-piston Brembo monobloc calipers
Rear Brake: Single 245mm disc with 2-piston caliper