New Naked Ducati Unveiled

All too often when a company makes a naked streetfigther version of a flagship sportbike it waters it down with less power and low-level components. For years we've asked for the real thing-full power, top-drawer components and an upright seating position. Well, the clouds have parted and time has stopped in its tracks as Ducati has finally seemed to heed our requests with the rightfully named Streetfighter. Stripped down, pumped up and ready to knock heads, the Streetfighter weighs in at a paltry 368 pounds dry and packs an ass-whoopin' with 155 Italian stallions. Motivation is handled by the 1098 motor and power is up a stout 25 hp from the old Monster S4R (torque is claimed at 85 ft-lbs-another substantial gain over the S4R's 75). Unlike the Monsters of old, this rocket is in a class all its own. Harnessing the full-pop 1098 motor is a new trellis frame with a more relaxed head angle as well as a 35mm longer wheelbase to help combat its up-on-one tendencies.

Like all Ducs, the Streetfighter will be available in standard and "S" trim levels. Standard features include forged wheels, Showa suspenders and an on-board computer that reads live info like ambient and coolant temps as well as battery voltage. If that's not trick enough, the hi-fi instrument cluster is "buttonless," as the computer is controlled from a handlebar-mounted switch. Other standard features include the muscley monoblock Brembo calipers straight off the 1098, as well as a dual exhaust system.

Stepping up to the 'S' version gives you all the standard features as well as forged and machined Marchesini wheels, 43mm Ohlins forks and a matching shock out back. The 'S' versions also get the hi-tech Ducati Traction Control (DTC) found previously only on the $40,000 1098R. Either way you cut it, the naked category will be put on its head in 2009. Finally, a company stepped up and gave us what we wanted-pure unadulterated speed with upright ergos. We can only hope this 155 hp monster prompts an all-out streetfighter power war. We're looking at $14,995 for the standard and four grand more for the 'S' model.