Streetfighter - Round 2 - Fight!

According to Wikipedia, and let's face it, you're too lazy to do your own research so Wikipedia takes precedence, "a streetfighter is a sport bike that is customized by removing the fairing, and making other changes that result in an overall more aggressive look."

I've never been a fan of the "streetfighter" biker scene. Most of the time when you think "streetfighter" you think of a completely trashed Japanese sport bike missing all the fairings, headlights zip tied on, and dented gas tanks ridden by someone with a glue on mohawk and an exoskeleton back protector over a wife beater. If you couldn't tell that I really don't like the "streetfighter" style, it should be quite obvious by now. However, all this has just changed. Enter the Ducati StreetFighter S.

Photo credits go to Ducati.com

Ducati introduced this masterpiece in 2009, shortly after their release of the 1098 superbike. Essentially what they've done is turned the super raw, insanely powerful, and amazingly beautiful superbike into something that an average human can bare to ride on a daily basis. Those of you who know me understand the N1FTS philosophy, well unfortunately even for myself it was very difficult to abide by that creed when push came to shove. Unless you have the fitness of a MotoGP rider, these bikes will physically destroy you within miles.

Photo credits go to Ducati.com

Now while it's unlikely that I will ever drop the coin to purchase one of these (N1FTS applies here), I feel that Ducati has hit the nail on the head with their aggressive stance all the while still be able to maintain a comfortable riding experience. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. All the classic ingredients are present, in my opinion, that makes it a true Ducati - Single-sided Swing Arm (SSA), L-Twin Engine, and who could forget the Dry Clutch. The Öhlins dampers and radial mounted Brembo monoblock calipers don't hurt either. Before owning my 1098, it boggled my mind as to why you want anything but the most hardcore, extreme, top of the top superbike. Well, I can tell you now that having functioning wrists and a back that actually bends is the reason why.

Photo credits go to Ducati.ms

If you ever get the chance to own one of these Italian masterpieces, it comes highly recommended. The sound and sheer beauty are enough to make me want to break my piggy bank - again. Well done Ducati, well done.