Big Bikes Special: Top 5 Streetfighters tested

In essence, a streetfighter is a sportbike stripped nearly naked and customised with a more aggressive stance and attitude. Ditch the fairings, add an aggressively shaped headlamp, switch to straightbars and there you have it – a streetfighter. Of course there is a lot more to it than the above three steps, but the basic idea is to make the bike lighter and to a large extent, more usable. With the rising popularity of this genre, the market is now flooded with streetfighters which promise to offer you the thrills of a sportbike in a slightly more practical package. Here is a list of five streetfighters that had us grinning from ear to ear. 

Ducati Scrambler Icon

The Ducati Scrambler is a spiritual successor to the iconic Scrambler motorcycles of the 1960s and 1970s, which perfectly portrays the minimalist approach of its 250cc and 450cc forefathers. Cues like the exposed trellis frame, low exhaust pipe, round headlamp, long travel suspension and the short tail section give it an irresistible retro appeal. Unlike its single-cylinder predecessors though, the new Scrambler gets an air-cooled 696cc V-twin engine, which has been borrowed from the Monster 696. To see whether it stands true to its Scrambler heritage, we even took it off the beaten path for some off-road action. Check out the first ride report here.

Ducati Monster 821

The Monster is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable labels when it comes to streetfighters. The most successful model in Ducati’s history, the Monster accounts for nearly half of the Italian marque’s sales, worldwide. The Monster has always been known for its muscular styling and raw appeal, and the new Monster 821 is no exception. With the Euro IV emission norms warranting a major update, Ducati equipped the Monster with a shotgun exhaust, bumped up the displacement and power and added new electronics. And the result of this was a motorcycle which almost tempted us to rob a bank. Almost. Check out the first ride review of the Ducati Monster 821 here.

Suzuki GSX-S1000

The formula for the GSX-S1000 models is quite simple. Borrow an old sportbike engine, make it more user-friendly and then plonk it in a sporty chassis. Add an upright riding position and relaxed ergonomics and you have a perfect everyday streetbike. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 (Street Sports) is a practical and docile all-round streetbike that built to fulfil the daily grind while satisfying the need for corner carving during weekends. Powered by a 999cc four-cylinder engine borrowed from the previous GSX-R 1000, the GSX-S1000 has been specifically tuned to make it a very practical everyday motorcycle. Check out the first ride review of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 here.

MV Agusta Brutale 1090

Despite sporting a seven-year-old design, the Brutale 1090 continues to be one of the most attractive streetfighters that money can buy. The sculpted fuel tank, single-sided swingarm, exposed frame and the partially exposed four-cylinder engine give the bike a raw yet exotic character, that very few streetfighters can match. A motorcycle which begs to be ridden hard, the Brutale 1090 does have a few quirks, which can easily pass of as character, given its Italian origins. Check out the Brutale 1090’s first ride review here.

Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory

We all might lust after the Yamaha R1M, Ducati Panigale 1299, BMW S1000RR and other superbikes, but it is a bike like the Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory that we actually dream of owning. Hair raisingly fast, delightful to ride and technologically loaded, the Tuono V4 Factory is an all-round motorcycle that makes the art of motorcycling look almost easy. Be it the race track or the street, the Tuono V4 Factory will take care of it all. Easily one of the most entertaining litre-class motorcycles we have ever ridden this year. Check out the first ride report over here.