The Ducati Streetfighter - What a Bike

Regardless of the glitch of having the wrong keys for the Ducati Streetfighter that resulted in some irritation, the Ducati Streetfigther represents some of the best fun that can be had on two wheels.

The Ducati Streetfighter doesn't have the most outright power, not the shortest or sharpest geometry of the big bikes available in Thailand, but the Ducati Streetfighter represents one the best compromises of sports riding and touring comfort yet delivered to the public in the nakedbike category.

The Ducati chassis is a dream. Low 'pegs and well spaced handlebars make the Streetfighter a comfortable proposition compared to the Yamaha FZ1 which is one of the other nakedbikes available in Thailand. Where most motorcycles can't top the Ducati Streetfighter is when you get to the twisties. The Streetfighter drives from one corner to the next with minimal input. It rarely gets upset by small and large bumps alike, with the chassis proving more than a match for the Ducati 1098 derived engine.

The old superbike engine is perfectly suited to this kind of machine. Good power is made from as low as 2000rpm, although the gearing is a little tall, particularly first and second ratios. Ducati has never been noted for the most exceptional gearboxes and the Streetfigter is no exception. Changes are stiff but not notchy – no missed gear came up while on test but it's a fair way off something as smooth as a Suzuki gearbox.

The Brembo Monobloc calipers offer basically the best feel and power available, and I not believe anybody would disagree on the quality of Brembo breaks. Braking power is huge but with plenty of feel as more pressure is applied.

The digital dash on the Ducati Streetfigter is a hindrance. It's hard to read due to its position and size and it's easy to get lost in the mass of functions available, and the switch layout can be a tad confusing – the buttons are also too close together.

But it's hard to criticize the Ducati Streetfighter as a whole. You just have the perfect amount of grunt to be used to the fullest with a chassis to match. Top marks for Ducati – what a motorcycle!