Bologna, Italy -- Though Ducati’s 2014 Streetfighter 848 isn’t new news, it’s still worthy of discussion. Its nakedness, paired with a potent engine and lively personality are all things that don’t go out of style. Sure, they’ll evolve over time -- like in 2012 when the 1098 engine went on the backburner to give way for the 848 -- but they still keep people excited and turning their heads when the bike rides by.

The Tour
For the better part of a three-day tour in Italy, I had access to both the 848 and a Monster 1200. Splitting time between the two of them was a double-edged sword. The bikes are completely different. That’s stating the obvious; however, the Monster is a much more accommodating bike around town, its suspension is much more forgiving, and it’s easier to manage at slower speeds.

That said, the Streetfighter has more potency at higher speeds and is a great bike for the twisty roads of Northern Italy.

The Streetfighter also really likes to be wound up and let out to play. What does that mean? At slower speeds, the 848 is like a dog jumping at the front door as you walk toward it, leash in hand. It has a hard time containing its enthusiasm though it still has proper table manners.

When the door pops open and you can twist that throttle it starts to shine even brighter.


Powerhouse
With 132 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque generated from its Testastretta 11°
L-Twin cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled engine, there are plenty of ponies to play with. The Testastretta 11°
 is based on the Testastretta Evoluzione used on the Superbike 848 EVO and features magnesium alloy covers, a pressure die-cast crankcase and a lightweight crankshaft assembly. The point, of course, is weight reduction. Regarding power, the engine is tuned to achieve a very broad torque curve, which is usable in both the low and high rev range making the bike dynamic around town or during more throttle twisting on country roads/autostradas.

Thanks to a hydraulically actuated wet clutch, which is both quieter and lighter than it’s dry counterpart, the slow-speed transitions of the 6-speed gear box are bearable. Downtown Bologna in rush hour is not amazing, however, it’s far better when it doesn’t feel like your left hand is going to fall off.

Ouch
The Streetfighter 848 is armed with fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi forks up front and a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear. This configuration is geared to give optimal cornering performance -- which it does. However, this particular test bike was set up with the “Oh, my nuts,” type of tuning.

OK, it wasn’t me saying that, rather my ride partner over the Bluetooth headset.

On road imperfections, it can feel jarring. And, according to him, crush nuts! I on the other hand didn’t experience that, per se; but yes, its suspension can be abrasive in certain environments.

It’s also not necessarily set-up for long cruises -- despite a rather upright ergonomic triangle -- but that didn’t stop us from logging over 700 kilometres on Italy’s backcountry roads.

Heck, we even ended up on a gravel road. In the rain. Not on purpose. With the traction control disengaged, it was rather squirrely, but it got us to where we needed to go. No Multistrada necessary.

Stop It
The Streetfighter uses Brembo’s powerful four-piston radial calipers with twin 320mm discs up front and a two-piston caliper on the rear with a 245mm disc. Stopping power? It has plenty, and it’s delivered smoothly. Sometimes, performance bikes can have jumpy, nay, extremely sensitive brakes. The Streetfighter allowed for quick braking without any jerkiness.

Gaining Traction
Equipped with Ducati’s Traction Control (DTC), there are eight levels of assistance to help keep you upright. As mentioned, I had it turned off for parts of the ride, not because I had anything to prove, but because even with it off a few swift twists of the wrist still kept it in check. That was my main goal for playing with the setting.

This is where I’ll insert a disclaimer: Leaving the traction on doesn’t make you any less of a man or woman, in fact, it’s the smart and responsible thing to do. It’s a great tool and should be used as much as possible.

Ride Time
The 840mm (33”) seat height is a stretch for my legs, but not one that can’t be done. Besides, when riding, I don’t even think about it.

As for its weight, fully lubed and ready to ride, it tips the scale at 199kg (439 lbs). It’s not a top-heavy bike, so even if you need to do the Go-Go-Gadget-Legs like I needed to, the tipping sensation isn’t overwhelming with a little bit of lean at idle.

I’ll give a high-five to the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires for having the bite they did on the dry pavement. Though we didn’t get too much sunshine, when it was out and the roads were dry I felt at ease putting my confidence in this set of rubbers.

Yes, my bum did get a little numb after a few hours, but that’s an ideal time to sit at a café, have a cold drink, and watch fellow riders check out your sexy Streetfighter.

Pros

• Classic badass style
• Fantastic brakes
• Performs best at speed

Cons

• Suspension isn’t very forgiving on imperfect roads
• Computer isn’t as intuitive as on newer bikes like the Monster 1200