After Asphalt & Rubber first announced the bike back in July, the 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848 has finally made its official debut (with a little teaser help from Nicky Hayden). Expanding Ducati’s Streetfighter brand to now include two bikes (we’ll have to wait a little longer for the 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 1198), the Ducati Streetfighter 848 is certainly not a shocking release. True to the streetfighter movement’s ethos, the Streetfighter 848 is a stripped-down version of the Superbike 848, with a twist.

As we predicted, Ducati has brought over the Testastretta 11° engine configuration for the smaller Streetfighter, meaning not only will the Streetfighter 848 have a wet-clutch, but also a 15,000 mile valve service interval. While Ducati is mum on many of the new SF 848’s details, the Bologna brand says the bike will come with the Ducati Traction Control system (DTC), and from what we can see in the photos, unsurprisingly lower-spec Brembo brakes and Marzoochi forks, instead of the Superbike 848’s monoblocs and Sachs units.

While we’re fans of the Streetfighter 1098 and its progeny, the devil is going to be in the details for Ducati when it comes to the 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848. Having to strike a balance between the Superbike 848, Monster 1100 EVO, and the soon-to-be-release Streetfighter 1198, the Streetfighter 848’s performance specifications and price point are going to be integral to it success. Expect that Streetfighter 848 to make less power than its Superbike counterpart, while pricing will be nestled above the Monster 1100 EVO.

Available in November 2011 in Europe and January 2012 in North America, the 2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848 comes in traditional Ducati Rosso Corsa, matte-black, and also brings back the Ducati yellow color scheme. Details surely to follow soon.

Source: Ducati