Motorcycles

Ducati SuperSport: Fusing superbike genes with everyday realism

Ducati SuperSport: Fusing superbike genes with everyday realism
Ducati brings back the SuperSport name after almost a decade of absence
Ducati brings back the SuperSport name after almost a decade of absence
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S will be the only version available in Star White Silk color
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S will be the only version available in Star White Silk color
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S draws obvious styling inspiration from the Panigale superbike
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S draws obvious styling  inspiration from the Panigale superbike
Red trellis frame and matching wheels contrast the white fairings of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
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Red trellis frame and matching wheels contrast the white fairings of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
Slim and sporty silhouette for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
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Slim and sporty silhouette for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
With the clip-ons set quite higher than the saddle, the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S suggests comfortable rider ergonomics
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With the clip-ons set quite higher than the saddle, the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S suggests comfortable rider ergonomics
The 2017 SuperSport S in Ducati Red is matched with black frame and wheels
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The 2017 SuperSport S in Ducati Red is matched with  black frame and wheels
The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati Red color
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The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati Red color
The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati Red color
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The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati  Red color
With Marzocchi forks and two-tone fairings, the 2017 SuperSport constitutes the affordable and practical Ducati sportbike
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With Marzocchi forks and two-tone fairings, the 2017  SuperSport constitutes the affordable and practical Ducati sportbike
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport produces a sensible 113 hp for 210 kg
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport produces a sensible 113 hp for 210 kg
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport can be converted to S with the suspension and quickshifter components that differentiate the two models
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport can be converted to S with the suspension and quickshifter components that differentiate the two models
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport sports LED daytime running lights
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport sports LED daytime running lights
It may be more affordable than a Panigale, but the 2017 Ducati SuperSport still enjoys high-end goodies like the radial Brembo PR18/19 front brake pump
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It may be more affordable than a Panigale, but the 2017 Ducati SuperSport still enjoys high-end goodies like the radial Brembo PR18/19 front brake pump
Both 2017 Ducati SuperSport models roll on light alloy wheels. Sized 3.5 x 17 (front) and 5.5 x 17 (rear), the come fitted as standard with Pirelli Diablo III rubber
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Both 2017 Ducati SuperSport models roll on light alloy wheels. Sized 3.5 x 17 (front) and 5.5 x 17 (rear), the come fitted as standard with Pirelli Diablo III rubber
These fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins TiN-treated forks grace the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
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These fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins TiN-treated forks grace the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
The screen of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport can be adjusted in two positions with 50 mm height difference between them
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The screen of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport can be adjusted in two positions with 50 mm height difference between them
Both 2017 Ducati SuperSport versions share the same powerfull Brembo M4.32 monobloc radial calipers
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Both 2017 Ducati SuperSport versions share the same powerfull Brembo M4.32 monobloc radial calipers
With a capacity of 16 liters and the detuned, torquey character of this Testastretta engine variant, the fuel tank of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport can probably deliver a good range
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With a capacity of 16 liters and the detuned, torquey character of this Testastretta engine variant, the fuel tank of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport can probably deliver a good range
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport is supposed to be hospitable for long hours on this seat
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport is supposed to be hospitable for long hours on this seat
The digital quickshifter is standard equipment for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S and optional for the basic version
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The digital quickshifter is standard equipment for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S and optional for the basic version
High clip-ons for a relaxed riding position and a precious, fully adjustable Öhlins front suspension system for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
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High clip-ons for a relaxed riding position and a precious, fully adjustable Öhlins front suspension system for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S
The race-spec Brembo PR18/19 radial pump holds its brake fluid in a separate plastic container
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The race-spec Brembo PR18/19 radial pump holds its brake fluid in a separate plastic container
The rear shock absorber of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S bolts on to the engine's rear cylinder and the swingarm - just like the Sachs shock of the lower-spec SuperSport
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The rear shock absorber of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport S bolts on to the engine's rear cylinder and the swingarm - just like the Sachs shock of the lower-spec SuperSport
In contrast with the S, the 2017 Ducati SuperSport matches the red trellis frame with red fairings
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In contrast with the S, the 2017 Ducati SuperSport matches the red trellis frame with red fairings
The LCD instrument panel of the 2017 SuperSport can be (optionally) coupled with Ducati's multimedia system
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The LCD instrument panel of the 2017 SuperSport can be (optionally) coupled with Ducati's multimedia system
The Marzocchi forks of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport are an excellent budget choice for standard road use
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The Marzocchi forks of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport are an excellent budget choice for standard road use
The minimalistic tail unit of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport doesn't really look like it can accommodate a passenger for long hours - and hides under a plastic cover in the S model
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The minimalistic tail unit of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport doesn't really look like it can accommodate a passenger for long hours - and hides under a plastic cover in the S model
The amount of information that must be displayed in motorcycles like the 2017 Ducati SuperSport has made digital screens an absolute necessity
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The amount of information that must be displayed in motorcycles like the 2017 Ducati SuperSport has made digital screens an absolute necessity
The light alloy rear wheel of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport in full view from the right flank of the single-sided swingarm
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The light alloy rear wheel of the 2017 Ducati SuperSport in full view from the right flank of the single-sided swingarm
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in Star White Silk color
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in Star White Silk color
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
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The 2017 Ducati SuperSport S in action
Ducati brings back the SuperSport name after almost a decade of absence
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Ducati brings back the SuperSport name after almost a decade of absence
An Akrapovic slip-on kit was already on display at Intermot for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport
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An Akrapovic slip-on kit was already on display at Intermot for the 2017 Ducati SuperSport
View gallery - 42 images

Last week at Intermot, Ducati unveiled a motorcycle that was emphatically missing from its range. The new SuperSport relies on sensible ergonomics, the Italians' signature sporty character, and Panigale heritage to cater for those who desire a Ducati sportbike with daily practicality for the least concessions.

Ride a Ducati Panigale down a busy city street and it'll bluntly illustrate how sporting standards like extreme power, aggressive brakes, stiff suspensions and arduous riding position make for the exact opposite of practical. There are indeed several models in Ducati's range to accommodate requirements like routine transport or touring; the Hypermotard, Monster and Multistrada families offer ample choices. The only problem is that lately the only Ducati with clip-ons available had to be a Panigale superbike, arguably the ultimate in uncompromising.

Actually, until a decade ago the SS – as in SuperSport – model family would offer viable alternatives in this direction, along with the sport touring ST series. Back in 2006, motorcycles like the air-cooled 800SS, the DesmoTre (three-valve) ST3 and the 996-powered ST4 were the last Ducatis to combine superbike looks with real-world practicality, adorned with genuine sport performance and feel, without costing an arm and a leg.

An almost full decade without a sport touring or lightweight sports Ducati in the market ended at the 2016 Intermot show with a new Supersport model, once again based on race-proven superbike tech, but tuned and equipped for the road rather than the race track. With air-cooled engines all but extinct from its line-up, Ducati based the new model on the 937 cc version of the Testastretta V-twin as used in the Hypermotard 939.

The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati Red color
The 2017 SuperSport in Ducati  Red color

Producing 113 hp (84.3 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 96.7 Nm (71.2 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm, the 90-degree V2 engine sounds anything but intimidating. It may be a proud member of the Testastretta L-twin family (90-degree V-twin in Ducati lingo), but it's also everything its superbike siblings aren't; 80 percent of the torque is available at 3,000 rpm and its top end is Panigale's mid-range on the tacho.

Built around a new chassis that effectively consists of two sub-frames and a single-sided aluminum swingarm bolted on both ends of the engine, the SuperSport weighs 210 kg (463 lb) with a full 16-liter fuel tank –roughly the curb weight of all modern superbikes.

Ducati offers the new model in two versions; the standard and the S, with very few differences separating them. Both will be equipped with a basic set of electronics, namely the Ducati Safety Pack that includes a three-way adjustable Bosch 9MP ABS and eight-level traction control. The engine's performance is regulated via the Ducati Riding Modes, offering three different modes – Sport, Touring and Urban – with preset ABS and traction control values that can also be customized at will.

With Marzocchi forks and two-tone fairings, the 2017 SuperSport constitutes the affordable and practical Ducati sportbike
With Marzocchi forks and two-tone fairings, the 2017  SuperSport constitutes the affordable and practical Ducati sportbike

The first two modes release the full 113-hp potential of the motor, with the Touring setting allowing for more progressive power delivery and more intrusive adjustments for the safety systems than the Sport. On the other hand, the Urban mode restricts maximum power to 75 ponies, throttle response is even lazier and safety systems are set to maximum.

Both SuperSport versions stop courtesy of Brembo, pairing the Monobloc M4-32 radial four-piston calipers with the PR18/19 radial pump. The basic model's suspensions include fully adjustable 43-mm inverted Marzocchi forks and a Sachs rear monoshock with progressive linkage, adjustable for preload and rebound. As for the S, abiding to Ducati's longtime strategy, it comes equipped at both ends with a fully adjustable Öhlins set.

The only other piece of equipment that sets apart the two SuperSport versions is the addition of a digital quickshifter to the S. Other than these, the two motorcycles share the very same specs and features – with the suspension and shifter options available to retrofit to the basic model as well. The standard SuperSport will be available in red with dark grey at the lower part of the fairing, while the S comes in two color variants: a full red and a white.

The new Ducati SuperSport is scheduled to hit the market around March or April 2017. In Europe the price tag settles around the €13,000 (US$14,400) mark for the basic model and €15,000 ($16,600) for the S – with variations from country to country.

Source: Ducati

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1 comment
1 comment
Gavin Greaves
Its basically everything the Honda VTR, the most successful supersport Vtwin, ever was in specs so hows it ride against one??
Why Honda ever dropped the VTR is a mystery with its gobs of torque kicking in at 2000rpm and just taking off like a space rocket, ducati will never match the price, will they match the performance??