2010 Ducati Streetfighter...
2010 Ducati Streetfighter
This Italian stallion needs little in the way of introduction thanks to the heart and soul of a 1098 sportbike blanketed with the right amount of clothing-hardly any.
That's right, it has the same engine as the 1098 superbike and pumps out 135 HP at the rear tire.
All is well in the handling department too, thanks to the gift of the 1098's chassis that's had the wheelbase stretched and the geometry relaxed to help corral all those rabid ponies under your right wrist. Other noteworthy features include the herculean Brembo brakes, the trick instrument cluster, LED running lights, dual side-exit pipes and styling so sexy you might consider selling your soul to the man himself.
Coming to this fight with newer technology, a better chassis and loads more horsepower, the odds look favorable for the Ducati to score a quick TKO (or "tap out" if that's more your thing).
Feet down or on the go, the...
Feet down or on the go, the Ducati has enough torque to break the rear loose or snap the front wheel up in an instant.
Conclusion
On paper the stock Ducati Streetfigher was the obvious victor. But on the street it was a closer battle than expected.
These bikes prove that achieving similar results doesn't mean traveling similar paths. Where the Ducati relies on finesse and technology to achieve results, the TL uses backyard ingenuity and utter rawness to hold its own.
The suzuki put up a good fight,...
The suzuki put up a good fight, but an aging brawler is no match for a strapping young lad.
Both machines are streetfighters through and through, but it seems this comparo was more of an apples to oranges affair.
On one hand the TL represents tons of trick parts wrapped around an old hide-albeit a vastly improved one. Sure, the TL can't spin the dyno with the same fervor or sprint above 100 mph with ease, but it's the quintessential streetfighter. It's something from nothing, and with a price tag just under $12,000 (including the bike) it's a bargain. Consider the fact you can omit a few high-dollar pieces to cut that figure to roughly $7,000 and it really makes sense.
And then there's the golden child representing the latest and greatest. The Ducati has the recipe for success thanks to hardware from the heavens. But you'd expect that from a bike that runs $14,995.
Ultimately it's a judgment call; if you want the panache and performance of a Ducati along with a warranty and headache-free performance, the Streetfighter is just the ticket. However, if you're the type who likes to spin a wrench and prefers a custom-tailored approach, something like the TL might be more up your alley (obviously you could use any make/model sportbike to base your streetfighter build on). In the end it essentially comes down to how much time and mechanical ability you have.
2010 Ducati Streetfighter
MSRP: $14,995
Engine: 1099cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valve, 90-degree L-twin
Curb Weight: 427 pounds
Measured Horsepower: 135 HP
Measured Torque: 74 LB-FT
1997 Suzuki TL1000S
Price (mods and bike): $12,000
Engine: 996cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8 valve, 90-degree V-twin
Curb Weight: 355 pounds (claimed)
Measured Horsepower: 109.2 HP
Measured Torque: 64.6 LB-FT