Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

The Multistrada was in having its 600 mile service so I took out a V4 Streetfighter out for a demo ride whilst waiting.

First impressions were of all the Ducatis I have ridden it was the easiest to ride. Big comfy seat, nice slightly leant forward riding position, pegs were quite high but that V4 engine is a peach. Lots of low down traction but a screaming top end too.

Started off in Street mode. You can feel the engine being held back a little, then switched to Sport which was better but a bit twitchy from a closed throttle and then to Race mode which was the smoothest and the best even in traffic.

The noise of the V4 is epic, the throttle has to be blipper at every stop and slow down and it do noisy. No idea how it passed noise testing. Strangely the engine goes really quiet at low speed sometimes as it goes on 2 cylinders to stop the engine giving off to much heat.

Was out for about 1.5 hours and enjoyed every moment.

Have to say tho not sure any naked bike needs that much power. At speed you have to hang on as there is nothing to stop the wind rush and you have to slow down to keep it safe.

Loved the bike, loved borrowing it, would love to take one on track but my Street RS is ultimately more involving on the road.

im quite smitten by Ducatis complete range at the moment

They are great fun on the road. It's not hard to ride them fast but you still feel in control.

Current mapping on the latest big bikes is definitely written to make them safer.

I could feel the engine being held back a little sometimes when the throttle is opened wide, as I can on my Multi. In terms of power and speed there is no doubt we have probably already peaked.

It's big enough & chunky enough to make it look like having a rider aboard is optional equipment.