Straight bars, no fairing, naked bike aggression! –A trend beginning in the mid 1990’s, streetfighter motorcycles are typified by a large capacity (usually Japanese 4-cylinder) engine in a beam style frame, straight bars, loud exhausts and no bodywork. Often sports bikes such as the Suzuki Bandit, GSX-R750 and 1000, the Honda Fireblade or Yamaha R1 are converted into streetfighters, though specialist frame manufacturers such as Spondon in the UK have offered complete frame kits for the home builder.
Home-brewed streetfighters have become so popular that now several manufacturers produce their own variations on the theme. Bikes such as Triumph’s Speed Triple, the Aprilia Tuono, KTM 1190R and the aptly named Ducati Streetfighter offer aggressive streetfighter styling with performance to match, while other machines such as Honda’s naked CB1000R and the Yamaha FZ-09 offer similar styling but in a slightly more refined package.
Buying a Streetfighter
If you choose to buy a home built machine bear in mind that construction standards vary enormously. Many streetfighters will have built from crashed sports bikes so check for any accident damage. A well-built bike will no doubt include many custom parts, exhausts, wheels and more so again make sure that these are in good condition as they are likely to be expensive to replace. If your choice is a factory built machine then check it out equally carefully. Streetfighters are great fun to ride but may have had a hard life if not carefully looked after.