There is no prerequisite in the Cycle World Ten Best rule book that a motorcycle must make you laugh inside your helmet to be a title contender—but it sure helps. The Ducati Streetfighter V4 S’ return to the top of the Open-Class Streetbike category is proof.
Technically, it’s not a “return,” since last year’s crown went to the flashier Streetfighter V4 SP2. Carbon fiber wheels and a dry clutch added to that bike’s charm, but factor in the S model’s performance—available at a lower price—and you have a bike that’s every bit as deserving of the spotlight. Put simply, your wallet will love this year’s winner even more, while your adrenal glands will be none the wiser.
Keep in mind, performance isn’t the only weapon in the Streetfighter’s arsenal. The monstrous, 1,103cc V-4 delivers a 173 hp and 75 lb.-ft. of torque on the Cycle World dyno and makes noises that’d rival the Roman army as it marched into battle, but behind that bark is a surprisingly comfortable saddle and an electronics package that effortlessly turns power into forward momentum, street or track. The chassis is precise but doesn’t ask too much of the rider, brakes stop you right now, and the design is hard to stop drooling over.
It’s the Streetfighter’s ability to blend superbike performance with real-world rideability that truly sets it apart. And if there was ever a prerequisite for Best Open-Class Streetbike, it’s the ability to be more things to more riders, all the while making you laugh inside your helmet. Check, check, and check!