2010 Ducati Streetfighter
Justin Fivella: Associate Editor
Miles Ridden: 5100
Mods: FMF Apex exhaust, Ducati Accessories fender eliminator
Justin gives the Ducati a...
Justin gives the Ducati a "Perfect 10" on all accounts.
After a rough month of flat tires, broken pieces and backordered bits I can safely say I'm on the road again. Now that I'm back banging gears all has been forgiven; a hot blooded girl like the Streetfighter has a way of making you forget the rough times.
To date I can't decide if the hard-hitting motor or the stable chassis is my favorite attribute. Have I mentioned the brakes? Damn-one finger is all you need. But for everything the stock 'fighter has, it was lacking something. And that missing link was a set of free-flowing pipes.
FMF Apex slip-on exhaust
$1099...
There's something to be said for the thunder of a 90-degree Ducati V-twin. At idle, the thump of each combustion is like a shotgun blast and under load the flat roar is intoxicating-there's nothing like it. When it came time to uncork the beast I turned to a set of FMF Apex titanium and carbon fiber slip-ons. These lightweight tubes saved 7.2 pounds over the heavy stockers and added a heavenly sound that words just don't do justice to. Strapped to the dyno we saw gains of 5 HP in the midrange with 1 HP and 2 LB-FT at peak. The newfound midrange makes lofting the tire that much easier and frequent.
With the pipes in place I kept my attention on the rear of this beauty queen by ditching the hideous factory mudflap. In its place I added a Ducati Performance fender eliminator. This fits like factory (because it is), uses the OEM blinkers (or others if so desired) and even comes with a plug-and-play LED license plate light. The fact that it's stamped with the Ducati logo and constructed of lightweight aluminum sealed the deal.
I've always been one for the understated style, and if I can modify something to look as it should have come from the factory it's a win in my book. And the Ducati Performance fender eliminator did just that; it's understated excellence personified.
Ducati Performance Accessories...
Ducati Performance Accessories Fender Eliminator
$232.50
ducati.com/accessories
Together the new pipes and the tidy tail took the Streetfighter to the next level with more power, less weight and better looks. Next month I'm going to address the finicky clutch and ditch the odd factory handlebar. Stay tuned, the games have only just begun.
Coming next month:
Renthal handlebar, Ducati Performance pressure plate and open clutch cover