STREETFIGHTER RECEIVES PANIGALE UPDATES

The new Ducati Streetfighter V4S for 2023 has no vast changes for it simply did not need any. Power and torque remain the same. Strong Brembo Stylema brakes remain the same, so do the main chassis, rake, and trail. However, Ducati have tweaked the chassis, ergonomics, and electronics to make the Streetfighter sportier than ever

- Adam Child 'Chad'

TO TEST THE NEW 2023 UPDATES, we headed to Andalucía in Spain, a demanding and tricky track to see if we could feel the differences and experience one of the most demanding naked bikes in the market. Is the new 2023 Streetfighter worth the extra money?

Raising the swing-arm pivot to reduce squat (up by four millimetres) and moving weight forwards means Ducati have tweaked the S model's Ohlins NIX30 forks to create a sportier and firmer feel, more like the Panigale's, but with the same spring as the previous Streetfighter. The sophisticated rider aids have also been re-calibrated. The suspension remains Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active, spring preload is manually adjustable as before. Weight is down a fraction due to the lithium-ion battery, 1.7 kilograms, but the alloy front frame and dimensions remain the same.

The new 2023 Streetfighter is certainly sporty, sportier than the previous model, but it is difficult to say by how much. In testing, Ducati test riders were one second faster on the new model compared to the older and fractionally heavier bike.

The standard settings in Sport mode are impressive, with the bike relatively soft on track and easy to live with and clearly made for a brisk road ride. Up the tempo to the sharp end of the fast group, though, and it becomes apparent that you need to opt for Race mode. In Race mode, the power, torque, and throttle remain the same but the semi-active suspension makes a dramatic shift from road to track. The weight of the bike is more supported, the chassis feels livelier, easier to turn, and ground clearance is improved. Within half a lap you are carrying even more corner speed and confidence.