2024 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S Review: Controlled Chaos

There is nothing quite like the insanity that is the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S. It is essentially a stripped-down Panigale V4, so you know exactly the ferocity you can expect when you get astride one. It was always a great motorcycle, but Ducati loves to revamp its range with new updates every year, and for 2024, minor differences have enhanced the experience of riding one. We spent time with the 2024 model to bring you a review. 

Design

I consider the Streetfighter V4 to be one of the best-looking naked bikes of all time. The design language screams aggressive and it is crazy how you get 208PS in such a compact package. It is mostly the engine on display with minor, sharp bodywork surrounding it. Then you have the aerodynamic winglets and a single-sided swingarm that looks gorgeous to increase its overall appeal. The new model has just been unveiled and, like the 2025 Panigale, will now use a new double-sided swingarm. So this is the last generation where we will have the beautiful single-sided swingarm available. For 2024, the bike also gets a new Grey Nero and Ducati Red colour scheme which combines grey and black with some red accents. 

Performance

The V4 engine. It is one we have all heard about but those who have ridden a Ducati with this motor will know exactly why it is an engineering masterpiece. It is fast beyond your wildest expectations but can also be the most usable and friendly engine when you need it to be. The fueling is on point, the acceleration is linear, and after 8000 rpm, is where you have to grab on for dear life. I would describe it as controlled chaos because you have so much stability at higher speeds and never really understand how fast you are going until you look down at the dash. And then you have a host of electronics that ultimately make you feel like a much better rider than you really are. The special part about a Ducati is how everything is working together to make every ride feel like an unforgettable experience. 

Out on the highway, it easily cruises at high speeds, obviously without feeling stressed at all, and is tractable enough to go as slow as 60-70kmph in 6th gear. The quickshifter works extremely well and is probably one of the slickest units I have ever used. In traffic, the clutch is on the heavier side and the bike runs really hot which might become a bit of a hassle for some riders. That being said, anyone who owns the Streetfighter V4 S should take it to the race track to properly experience what it is capable of because on public roads, it feels like a beast that has been caged.

Ergonomics 

It might be a naked bike, but the ergonomics are aggressive so don't expect to go on long cruises astride the V4. The seat height is quite tall standing at 845mm, the bike has rear set footpegs and riders are positioned with a reach forward to the handlebars. The bike also has a very large turning radius which can be bothersome during daily commuting or cutting through traffic. So overall, it is a nice and aggressive riding position for hitting the twisties, but might be too aggressive for daily commuting or cruising depending on the type of rider that you are.

Handling & Ride Quality

This S variant gets the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension that adapts to a rider's every move in a telepathic manner. This setup makes the ride plush, no matter what the surface ahead is. The bike attacks corners with precision, it feels super planted, and the electronics always have your back. Even during heavy downpours, it surprised me with its high-speed stability and usability.

The Brembo Stylema calipers offer insane stopping power so a single finger is all that you need to get the bike to a quick stop. Additionally, the Pirelli tyres are super grippy and easily manage to handle all of the power that is being put down to the rear wheel. 

Features

I could spend an entire day talking about the electronics that this bike packs because there is just so much. But to sum it up, the 5-inch TFT displays necessary information at a glance, is easy to read and once you get used to the controls on the handlebar, it is very user-friendly to toggle through the menus to adjust to your preferred settings. You also have the option to completely disable the electronics and experience the true raw aggression of the Streetfighter V4. The only thing that you do miss out on is a fuel gauge but then to be fair, this is a bike that was clearly made for the race track. 

Verdict

Ducati motorcycles are a perfect blend between art and savagery and the Streetfighter V4 is a proper modern-day gladiator in that regard. Priced at Rs 28 lakh (ex-showroom), it is an exotic and expensive machine, but when you buy a Ducati, you pay for the insane riding experience that it delivers in spades.