Intermot 2016: Ducati SuperSport Preview

The new SuperSport is powered by a 937cc L-Twin as used in the Hypermotard 939.

Ducati sure loves its sportbikes. And after years of focus at the racetrack, it gives its street customers some love with the road-going 2017 SuperSport. Returning to the Ducati line-up after a lengthy hiatus, the full-fairing bike is designed to ignite the sensor, yet still be practical for the work week grind.

Starting with the engine, the SuperSport is powered by a version of the 937cc water-cooled L-Twin that powers Ducati’s Hypermotard. The engine features an Testastretta 11-degree crankshaft phasing for smoother running. The Bologne crew claims its Twin is good for 113 horsepower with peak torque arriving at 71.3 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, as measured from the crank. We’ve never ran this engine on a dyno, so we’ll have to take its word. The six-speed gearbox, including gear ratios, and final drive gearing all look to be borrowed from the Hyper. Based on our experience with that powertrain, the SuperSport will turn just over 4000 revs, in top gear, at 60 mph.

As usual, it comes with all the bells and whistles, including three engine power modes, eight-way adjustable traction control, and three-level ABS settings. Each setting is accessed via switchgear on the left handlebar.

The SuperSport gets its pretty face from the Panigale family of Ducati sportbikes.

Speaking of controls, compared to the low-slung clip-ons of the Panigale, the SuperSport gets a more upright riding-friendly setup. Seat seat also has a deep dish that certainly looks more appealing than its Panigale brother.

Hung in an tubular steel-trellis frame, the engine is an active member of the SuperSport’s chassis. This helps keep weight down with it measuring 463 pounds with its 4.2-gallon tank topped off. An adjustable Marzocchi fork is paired with a Sachs shock absorber allowing the rider to tune road holding dynamics. The up-spec ’S’ model replaces the Marzocchi/Sachs components for three-way adjustable suspenders from Ohlins.

It rolls on a set of Y-shaped, three-spoke alloy wheels shod with Pirelli’s recently introduced and highly sporty, Diablo Rosso III rubber. Brembo-sourced brakes keep speed in check, and as an added plus, features a racing-style radial-pump front master cylinder.

A sleek looking Panigale-style front fairing keeps wind and debris away from the rider and the height of the windshield is two-way adjustable offering a total of 50mm of movement. Full LED lighting is used throughout and a variety of touring-friendly goodies are available through Ducati’s accessory catalog.

Pricing has yet to be announced but the bike is expected to arrive in the U.S. this April, 2017.