With the Panigale series from Ducati being heavily track-focused machines, Ducati has decided to introduce a more street-friendly motorcycle to its line-up. The SuperSport and SuperSport S will come with more street-oriented, comfortable ergonomics, as well as an engine that is more tractable for street use.
The SuperSport and its S version will borrow its engine from Ducati’s Hypermotard 939. It will come with the liquid-cooled Testastretta 11-degree, L-Twin cylinder, Desmodromic engine that has four valves per cylinder. This engine delivers 113hp at 9,000rpm, which is identical to the Hypermotard. However, torque is down by 1.2Nm and stands at 96.7Nm, which is delivered 1,000rpm lower in the rev-range at 6,500rpm. But, according to Ducati, 80 percent of maximum torque is delivered as low down in the revs as 3,000rpm; while staying above 90 percent at its peak output.
The gearing has also been swapped out for longer final-drive ratios. The six-speed gearbox is paired with a wet slipper clutch. Both versions get a braking system with radially-mounted dual 320mm discs up front with Brembo Monobloc M4-32 calipers. The rear gets a single 245mm disc with a two-piston caliper.
The ECU allows for three selectable riding modes to suit varying conditions: Sport, Touring and Urban. Exhaust gases will flow through a 2-1-2 system to a stacked silencer setup behind the right foot-peg. A three-mode Bosch ABS and eight-level traction control systems are offered as standard equipment while the SuperSport S comes with a quick shift (optional for the base model). They also get full colour TFT screens, LED daytime running light, and an under-seat waterproof USB outlet.
While it retains elements from the face of the Panigale, the high set clip-ons and revised foot-peg positioning gives the rider a much more relaxed riding position. The windscreen is moveable, with 50 mm in adjustability for height.
Overall dimensions stand at a 1,478mm wheelbase, and an 810mm seat height. So, while the wheelbase may remain the same as the Panigale, the seat is now 20mm lower. Weight, however, is considerably up on the Panigale 959, with the SuperSport models now standing at 210kg, fully laden with fuel. And this is despite the SuperSport’s tank having a one litre smaller tank, with a 16-litre capacity.
In addition to the two models, Ducati has two customisation ‘packs’ that can be outfitted to the SuperSport, as well as a host of other accessories. The Sport Pack will include a carbon front mud guard, carbon-fuel tank cover, articulated racing lever kit, and billet aluminium covers for the front and rear brake reservoirs. The Touring Pack on the other hand, will contain a pair of semi-rigid side panniers, a larger windscreen for touring, and heated grips.