Ducati has something new for fans of the naked musclebike genre - the Streetfighter 848, which is essentially the Streetfighter 1098 with a smaller engine and a lighter price tag. 'The Streetfighter 848 delivers pure motorcycle enjoyment with the combination of a brand new 848 Testastretta engine and a chassis that ensures optimum agility with confidenceinspiring feel,'claims Ducati.

'With user- friendliness now enriched by a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and traction control, Ducatis unique fighter style is set to create more excitement than ever. The Streetfighter 1098's asphalt- ripping reputation became the desire of naked sportsbike connoisseurs throughout the world and the Streetfighter 848 now widens that desire with sophistication and everyday accessibility,'says Ducati.

But even if its a bit less expensive than the bigger, more powerful Streetfighter 1098 ( which costs between Rs 16- 19 lakh in India), would you want a Streetfighter 848? Isn't the Streetfighter supposed to be all about brute, tyre- shredding horsepower? In this part of the motorcycling world, bigger has to be better, right? Well, not necessarily, if Ducati are to be believed.

The Streetfighter 848's Testastretta Ltwin produces 132 horsepower and 92Nm of torque, which is not all that far off the bigger Streetfighters numbers. And, according to Ducati, the 848's 'silky smooth'power delivery, combined with a revised chassis and race- derived, eightlevel electronic traction control system make for hitherto unachievable performance levels. At 169 kilos dry, and with its sophisticated chassis, suspension and engine electronics, the 848 is an accomplished Streetfighter in its own right.

In addition to paying attention to power and performance, Ducati have also tweaked the Streetfighters ergonomics, making it more comfortable than ever before.

The handlebars are now 20mm higher, footpegs are 10mm wider on each side and the seat has been reshaped for added comfort. Also, the Streetfighter 848's fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi forks and fully adjustable Sachs monoshock have been tuned and optimised for all- out high- speed handling and hard- charging riders are likely to be very happy with how the bike responds when ridden flat- out.

We expect Ducati to launch the Streetfighter 848 in India early next year, with the bike almost certainly due to make an appearance at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January 2012. If Ducati can shave a few lakhs off the price of the Streetfighter 1098 and price the 848 version closer to Rs 11- 12 lakh, musclebike enthusiasts in the country just might be queuing up outside Ducati dealerships next year.