2017 DUCATI SUPERSPORT AND SUPERSPORT S
FIRST TEST
P86
best reliability, we want just to be
sure that the gearbox was okay
without this application."
There's no power or torque
difference between the standard
model and the S, but there is in
terms of suspension. The base
model uses fully adjustable
43mm Marzocchi forks and a
Sachs shock with preload and
rebound adjustment, while the
S gets beefier 48mm fully-ad-
justable Ohlins forks and Ohlins
shock out the back.
For the electronics, it's the
same across both the standard
and the S models. Both ma-
chines come with three available
engine maps (Sport, Touring and
Urban), as well as switchable
eight-stage traction control and
ABS. The cockpit itself draws
hues from bikes like the Multi-
strada with similar switches on
the right and left bars, although
getting in and changing the set-
tings on the dash takes a bit of
time to get used to as it's not the
most intuitive of systems.
Everything else is pretty much
the same between the two
bikes, except for the S getting
the aforementioned quick shifter
as standard fitment, as well as a
single seat cover. The bodywork
is a case in point in that the de-
signers wanted no visible screws
or fasteners to give the cleanest
look possible. That does mean
taking the fairing off can be a
challenge due to the hidden
fasteners around the headlight
and under the bars, but they
(Clockwise) Those
raised bars are a
godsend for bigger
distances. Single
seat cowl looks great
and is well executed.
Ohlins are par for
the course for the
SuperSport S.
"The engine's 113 horsepower is
ideally suited to the kind of riding
most of us do—there's plenty to keep
you interested, but it's not scare-you-
stiff levels of go, like something you'd
get from a Panigale."
