Luxury Car vs. Superb Motorcycle: BMW M760Li Takes on Ducati Streetfighter V4 S in Drag Race Showdown

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Photo: CSL AutoTime / YouTube

The eclectic team at the CSL AutoTime YouTube channel has orchestrated one of the most intriguing drag races imaginable. This peculiar match-up pits a luxurious Bavarian limousine, the BMW M760Li, against the raucous and agile Italian Ducati Streetfighter V4 S. On paper, it might seem like an absurd pairing, but the contrast between the heavyweight limo packing a V12 engine and the feather-light motorcycle with its vicious V2 makes for a thrilling spectacle.

In today's fast-paced world, it can be a challenge to stand out, but the automotive world finds creative ways to captivate the audience. America's love for straight-line drag racing has influenced enthusiasts globally, even as far as Thailand. This international fascination gives rise to innovative duels, such as the one presented by Tang and his team at CSL AutoTime. Rather than the typical Teslas, Civics, or WRXs, this showdown features a far more exotic pairing.

On one side, we have the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S, a beast of a motorcycle boasting 208 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque. What makes it a formidable contestant is its weight, or rather, the lack thereof. Tipping the scales at just 199 kg, it rockets from zero to 100 kph in a blistering 3.2 seconds. Moreover, compared to most high-performance cars, it offers a more budget-friendly adrenaline rush. The Ducati's aggressive styling and nimbleness contrast sharply with its opponent's grandeur.

On the other side of the airfield track lies the sixth-generation G11 BMW 7 Series, specifically the long-wheelbase M760Li. Far from being your average luxury sedan, this flagship model hides a N74B66 V12 twin-turbo 6.6-liter engine under its refined exterior. Providing power to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive system, it churns out 610 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, allowing it to achieve 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. With a curb weight of 2,250 kg, this might seem like an unfair advantage in a race against a lightweight motorcycle, but such assumptions can be misleading.

The added mass of the BMW does translate to greater luxury and more expensive tastes, making this a clash not just of speed, but of entirely different automotive philosophies. The specifications might suggest that the Ducati would easily take the lead, but there's a twist. The unprepped airfield strip used for these races is far from ideal, dust and gravel creating a challenging environment that favors vehicles with superb traction systems like those in the BMW.

In the three rounds that follow, the BMW's torque and superior traction get it off the line quicker, but as both contestants find their groove, the Ducati quickly catches up. The latter part of each race showcases the motorcycle's raw acceleration and agility, causing the BMW to eat its rider's dust. Despite the result, fans of the heavyweight sedan are left with smiles, appreciating the smooth, comfortable ride even when pushing the limits.

Both competitors brought their A-game, but the unpredictable surface played a pivotal role in the results. It's a vivid reminder that drag racing encompasses more than just raw figures—factors such as surface condition, weather, and driver skill can all tip the scales. Undeniably, this match-up was a delightful surprise for anyone yearning for an unconventional drag race experience.

In the spirit of responsible racing, Tang and the featured rider emphasize that such spirited driving should only happen in the safe confines of a racetrack. Safety gear is essential during these feats, and venturing into such endeavors on public roads is highly discouraged. The emphasis on safety underscores the importance of enjoying these adrenaline-pumping experiences without compromising on caution.

This extraordinary drag race between the BMW M760Li and the Ducati Streetfighter V4 S is less about pinpointing a clear victor and more about celebrating diversity in performance vehicles. It’s proof that excitement in the world of motorsport doesn’t always lie in predictable matchups. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected pairings that leave a lasting impression.