Ducati launched their much awaited Supersport and Supersport S models in India through a press launch today. The two variants are very much similar to each other with only a couple of differences. On the launch, Sergi Canovas commented that the Supersport is an exciting model for both novice and expert riders which provides excellent road performance coupled with easy handling and versatility. The Supersport is now the seventh new model from Ducati been launched this year. Here's an overview of the Supersport and Supersport S in terms of looks and design, engine, performance, electronics and equipment. Looks And Design:
The Ducati Supersport and Supersport S are two motorcycles that look exactly the same with a naked eye. The motorcycle shares its base design cues with the elder and meaner machine, the Panigale. Yet it doesn't mean the design would meet the expectations of an ardent fan of the Panigale series. As the seating position is a bit tourer friendly, it doesn't do justice to the name Supersport.The looks and design of the motorcycle might not be everyone's cup of tea, though one might get used to the subtle design with time. The front end is sharp and pointed with the LED DRL's, headlight assembly and air intake vents making it an unique view. The side fairing is large and sculpted with a big fuel tank. The trellis frame of the motorcycle is visible on either sides, as it's mounted on the engine making it a stress member. The rear end is an usual Ducati, slim and chiseled along with a single sided swingarm. The overall design is based more on aerodynamic efficiency as the motorcycle is very compact and sleek.
Engine And Performance:The Supersport and Supersport S comes equipped with a 937cc Testastretta 11° twin cylinder engine which churns out 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm respectively. The transmission is a 6 speed manual unit on both the variants while the Supersport S gets an additional Quick shifter. The fuelling is done by EFI with large 53mm throttle bodies which is controlled by a ride by wire system. The clutch is a wet multiplate mechanically operated unit with slipper action on over-run.
Electronic Package:
The Supersport and Supersport S comes with numerous electronic rider aids which includes three different riding modes viz. Sport, touring and Urban, Bosch 9MP ABS and multi level Ducati traction control system. The Supersport S has some more racing oriented rider aids that includes a fully adjustable Öhlins suspension and Ducati up/down Quick shifter. These two are available as accessories for the base variant Supersport as well.
Brakes, Chassis And Suspension:
The bike has a tubular steel trellis frame with the engine as its stress member. The base variant has a fully adjustable 43mm USD Marzocchi forks up front and a progressive linkage with adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear. The Supersport S comes shod with fully adjustable 48mm USD Öhlins forks at the front and fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock at the rear end. Braking duties are carried out by two 320mm semi floating discs with radially mounted 4 piston Brembo M4-32 calipers. The rear is equipped with a single 245mm disc and a 2 piston caliper. Final Impression:
The Ducati Supersport and Supersport S sits just below the Panigale 959 in India. The new motorcycles are a great addition to the Indian line up as they lock horns against Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and the Suzuki GSX-S1000F. The Ducati Supersport and Supersport S are priced at Rs. 12,08,000 INR and Rs. 13,39,000 INR (ex-showroom India) respectively.
By: Aravind Rb
