Ducati Streetfighter 848

Ducati is all set to launch Streetfighter 848 in India in this year. This premium naked bike is expected to raise the bar of competition in its segment.

Design and Style

It’s a sharp and aggressively designed bike. It’s exposed steel trellis and engine indicates toward the unique styling concept of Ducati. The bike has black colored side panel and engine which gels well with its body colored under cowl. This bike looks extremely aerodynamic and sporty thanks to its twin black colored silencers which are placed on each other. The up swept designing of silencers and tail section truly makes it an attention seeker. Ducati has opted for sleek split seats in this bike. The up raised fuel tank of this bike is pointed and gives it a fluidic look. The bike truly justifies its name when seen from the front. The unique multi-reflector headlight and clear lens indicators forms the face of this bike. This headlight also features twin LED strips on both sides which gives a fresh and appealing identity to Streetfighter. The front cowl of this bike is sharp and body colored which complements the front designing of this bike. Ducati has placed a short and attractive front fender on the broad tyre of this bike. The twin disc plates and multi-spoke alloy wheels adds macho character to this bike. The rear styling of this bike includes a tail light which is placed just below the rear seat and short fender which carries the side indicators and number plate on it. The bike looks handsome when seen from the back thanks to its extremely broad rear tyre.

Instrument Console

Streetfighter 848 has a full digital instrument console. This LCD uses yellow back lit for illumination at night which looks really cool. Its shows the digital speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge. Ducati has placed other essential indicators on the top of this dashboard. The LCD also has stop timer, lap timer, DTC status etc. Rider can scroll the menu of this LCD through the controls on the switch gear which is placed on the left side.

Engine and Gearbox

This 848 variant of Streetfighter is powered by 8 valves L-twin cylinder, 849cc engine. This liquid cooled engine churns out a maximum power output of 132 bhp at 10000 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 93.5 nm arrives at 9500 rpm. This engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox which has one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

It’s a performance oriented engine which has a superb high range. The high end performance of this bike is really incredible and it can easily go pass the speed of 225km/hr. It takes only 3.5 seconds to reach 0-100km/hr and it can hit the three digit mark in its second or even first gear. It’s a very refined engine which has been designed to stay calm at high rpms. The bike gets its maximum power at 10000rpm which means you have to rev this bike really hard to get the maximum out of this engine. The torque output of this engine also takes time to kick in but it’s not a big issue thanks to its well matched gearbox. This gearbox is also quite smooth and need less effort from your side while making gear transitions. Moreover, this bike only weighs around 169kgs which helps this bike to manage a brilliant power to weight ratio. The bike is also equipped with Ducati quick shift system which allows you to change the gears without using clutch. It gives you the freedom to accelerate this bike.

Mileage

Looking at its light weight and tall gear ratios, you can expect a mileage of around 15-20km/ltr from Ducati Streetfighter 848.

Comfort while Driving

Ducati Streetfighter 848 offers you a sporty riding stance thanks to its rear set foot pegs and low positioned handle bar. The seat of Streetfighter isn’t much comfortable though. The handle bar and fuel tank of this bike offers firm grip to the rider. Ducati has placed high quality of buttons and switches on this bike which gives you premium feel. These buttons are easy to operate and enhance the comfort level of the rider.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Ducati Streetfighter 848 lacks any kind of storage space although it is equipped with a powerful headlight which gives you clear vision of roads at night.

Suspension and Brakes

Ducati Streetfighter 848 uses fully adjustable telescopic forks of 43mm at its front while it has single sided swing arm with Sachs mono shock at the back. The braking system of this bike is also quite powerful like its suspension system. Both wheels of this bike are equipped with disc brakes and callipers. The twin front disc brakes of 320mm has 4-piston calliper while its single rear disc brake of 245mm has 2-piston calliper.

Ride and Handling

Ducati Streetfighter 848 offers you an incredible ride and handling. The bike certainly becomes less stable in terms of handling after the speed of 200km/hr due to its light weight. Apart from this, there is no matter of concern as it handles quite brilliantly in city traffic. It remains stable around corners thanks to its wheelbase of 1475mm and broad tyres. The tyres of this bike give it a good hold of roads. It has a ground clearance of 167mm which improves it cornering abilities. The braking and suspension system of this bike gives you the sense of control on this bike. It digests all potholes easily and settles well on uneven conditions.

Tyre Size, Shades and Variants

Ducati Streetfighter 848 has 17 inch alloy wheels. Ducati may launch a single variant of this bike in three different shades.

Verdict

Ducati may use Streetfighter 848 to bridge down the gap between Hypermotard and Multistrada. It’s an enthusiastic bike which has premium quality of features and design. Moreover, the high speed performance of this bike is really impressive. If Ducati can price this bike below INR 20lakhs then we feel it will be a complete value for money bike.

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