D
ucati has formally an-
nounced the rebirth of the
SuperSport range that ran
from 1988 until 2006.
The new machine, available for
$12,995 MSRP in standard and
$14,795 MSRP in S form, aims to
bring back the fun for sportbike
lovers who don't want the knife-
edge performance of a Panigale
1299 or 959 for a more rounded
motorcycle that's primarily aimed
at the street, rather than pure
racetrack.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domeni-
cali, said, "Expert riders will ap-
preciate the true sports personali-
ty of the SuperSport, its excellent
road performance and apparent
penchant for journeying and ev-
eryday use. Riders approaching
the Ducati sports world for the
first time will discover versatility,
easy handling and, above all, the
very essence of sports riding as
Ducati sees it."
Powered by the 937cc, liquid-
cooled, 11° Testastretta L-twin
engine found in the Hypermotard,
Ducati claims riders will get 113
horsepower at 9000 rpm and 71
lb-ft of torque pulling 463-pound
curb weight for their money (pric-
ing is not yet available). Styling
has been heavily influence by the
Panigale series, with a very simi-
lar front cowling and headlight
and gas tank and single-sided
swingarm, although the back-end
takes design hues from the Mon-
ster range as does the twin-barrel
side-mounted exhaust.
The chassis is a tubular steel
trellis design—standard Ducati fod-
der for generations—that mounts
to the cylinder head. Suspension
for the standard model comes
from the recently revived Marzoc-
chi company up front and Sachs
monoshock out back, while the S
model gets the ubiquitous Öhlins
of most special Ducatis.
As far as electronics go, both
the standard and S models get
three riding modes, ABS, traction
control, and are ready to be fitted
with the anti-theft system. The S
also gets the added extra of the
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system
for clutchless up and down gear
changes and a seat cover, but
you can buy these as a factory
accessory if you like with the
standard model. CN
VOL. 53 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 18, 2016 P51
