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Ducati Announces U.S. Pricing and Availability for New SuperSport

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The new SuperSport and SuperSport S announced by Ducati earlier this week at Intermot will be available at U.S. dealerships next April. Pricing for the United States has also been announced with the standard SuperSport carrying a U.S. MSRP of $12,995 and the SuperSport S priced at $14,795.  If the response to stories coming out of Intermot is any indication, these new sport models with somewhat relaxed ergonomics just might be a big hit. We look forward to testing one, or both of these new machines when they become available to press here in the U.S.

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86 Comments

  1. Fred says:

    Ducati would be advised not to promote it was cheaper Panagale.
    Suzuki made this mistake with the GSXS1000 being a GSXR1000 variant, similar Honda VFR1200F and the RC51.
    The public disappointment via the tech press, will kill sales.
    Promote it for what it is, a sports bike with a small time tourer element.

  2. fred says:

    What the FJ-09 Yamaha should have looked like.

  3. JustANomad says:

    Potent V-Twin, all-day comfortable, cruise-control, top-notch components, and included hard bags = Aprilia Caponord. Yes, this Ducati is sweet, and I’d love to have one as a second bike, but for the kind of riding I do (commute / tour), I’m just not sure it would be versatile enough. It’s damn good looking, though, and I’m sure Ducati will sell a bunch of them.

  4. I want one of these! I have a 750SS now, and this thing is the cats meow. Im 43, cant do the full on sport bike riding position, but LOVE the looks and feel of that bike.. Plenty of power, and I read factory luggage is available.

  5. AL says:

    It a great looking bike but with only 115HP I will keep my 2016 Aprilia Tuono Factory with 175HP. They need to do a relaxed Riding position with a 1299 engine in the same Supersport style (not the monster) then I could be interested.

    • Bigshankhank says:

      Well they did, called it the Streetfighter and it wasn’t a real big seller. Not that I would complain if they tried again.

  6. Gutterslob says:

    So it’s the new liquid-cooled Monster with some bodywork. Actually, that’s probably a good thing. Ducati plumbing isn’t the prettiest thing in the world.

  7. Artem says:

    Sorry, Ducati
    Thruxton is the best thing among others shown here.
    Even if it is very expensive.

    • Pacer says:

      I wouldn’t say very expensive. The upgraded Thruxton still has an acceptable price compared to Ducati.

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      Free Thruxton seems like such a different animal from third Ducati that I can’t imagine anyone would be cross-shopping those bikes. But then I thought about it a little and determined that I would be the kind of person cross-shopping those bikes.

  8. Matt G says:

    About 15 years ago I would have been all over this bike, but I am betting that it would not be overly kind to my bad knee and my fake knee. Its a real shame because this is a beautiful machine, and really embodies what I love about our sport. When the time comes to retire my trusty 1st gen FZ1, I imagine there will be more than just a little frustration when it comes to picking out my next constant companion. I’d love a Super Duke GT, but 20k is way too rich for my blood.

    • mickey says:

      If you are still riding a Gen 1 FZ ( love em btw had 2 of them) which they quit making 11 years ago, and you ride one of these just as long you could amortise the $20K price to about a grand a year. Does that make it easier to buy? Lol

  9. Butch says:

    Bar risers and a luggage rack.
    The white and red is simply gorgeous.

  10. skortch says:

    I just did a Photoshop comparison to the current VFR 800. The bars roughly have an equivalent rise on each bike though the reach across the tank is an inch or two shorter on the Ducati. Likewise, the pegs appear about an inch further forward and an inch lower than the Honda. So a more relaxed rider triangle overall on the SS. Kind of surprising.

    I’ve long considered the VFR ergos pretty ideal for sporty sport touring, so this Duck is likely to be even better. (I’m a bit older than I used to be.) If you want something more upright there are other options in the Ducati showroom (Hyperstrada, Monster) and at other dealerships. This looks to be a nice Sport-tourer, emphasis on sport. Bar risers will make it even more so.

    I’d probably have my friend fabricate a short rack extending behind the pillion to make it even more practical – he does amazing welding work. I’m really liking this bike…

  11. Rod says:

    Beautiful bike. I like both color choices. Styling/mechanicals are well integrated in my opinion. Like it was the work of one focused mind, instead of a committee.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “Like it was the work of one focused mind, instead of a committee”

      i’m sure Bologna appreciates the compliment, but be not confused, this is basically the new monster with a fairing. had they kept the “curly fry” exhaust (and thank God they didn’t) it would be more obvious.

  12. Wendy says:

    I must have had too much Ducati Kool Aid. I thought that $14,950 is reasonable. Shoot me, I am done.

  13. SVGeezer says:

    So how long till Suzuki does a cheap knockoff of THIS model?

    Bet they could use the DL-1000 engine and bring it in under 10K..

    What? You thought I would pay DUCATI prices??

  14. Tom R says:

    They should abandon that stone-aged chain drive, and use a belt on this model. Its pretty weird that Harley is light-years ahead of Ducati in this regard.

    • VLJ says:

      Right, because the very pinnacle of cutting edge motorcycling technology, MotoGP, is chock-full of belt-driven Harleys.

      • Tom R says:

        1. Not expecting or wanting Moto GP power on a street bike.

        2. Gosh mister, I believe some Ducati ENGINES have belts in them. Why is it OK to have them THERE?

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          “Gosh mister, I believe some Ducati ENGINES have belts in them. Why is it OK to have them THERE?”

          Yes, they do, and the belts suck in there. Even dumber than using them as a final drive system.

          • TF says:

            Curious….why do they suck in that application? There’s very little load on a belt when driving a desmo valve train…..nothing compared to a final drive application.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            They require frequent changes.

          • TF says:

            You replace them when you check the valve clearances at 15-18K miles. They are simple to change and tension, especially if you are already in there to check the valves. Granted, they are a bit pricey if you buy the Ducati spec belts.

            I used to race a YZF that pretty much required a new timing chain every season or whenever you checked the valves. It was a $25.00 part but it was no thirty minute job to replace it, even on a dirt bike.

            There are no absolutes.

          • Norm G. says:

            re: “they are a bit pricey if you buy the Ducati spec belts.”

            NOTHING is pricey when one accepts all vehicles be it a motorbike, car, truck, airplane, etc has a “running cost” associated with it and budgets accordingly. just bought a nephew his first car and it’s a lesson i’m drilling into him NOW so as he gets older, he doesn’t morph into one of those ridiculous adults who can’t seem to think straight. not that that would be anybody here.

            example… (Jules Winnfield voice)

            even the all electric plug-in Nissan Leaf has a running cost. though an owner might not spend dime one on oil and filter changes…? it DOES have 4 rubber tyres that are wearing out as you drive down the road, and they will need to be replaced between 25k and 40k miles no different than say the 4 rubber tyres found on an ICE powered Nissan Sentra.

            morale…? one either has the intelligence to BUDGET for these “maintenance eventualities”…? (same as they do for fuel and insurance) or they do not…? there is no 3rd option.

            right then, no matter how hard one tries, not even Forrest Gump can OUTRUN the RUNNING COSTS… (my voice)

            https://youtu.be/LIMHOCS6ZC8?t=3m50s

          • Pete says:

            Jeremy, hate to tell you this, but belt final drive is one of THE best ideas ever. Only buyer resistance stops more brands using it. And as for GP bikes not using them? Not so. Kawasaki Used it waaaay back on the world championship winning KR250/350’s. So yeah…you’re incorrect. Ducati’s need cam belt replacement, due to the cam pulleys being such a small diameter. On a final drive, I’ve seen over 100,000 km’s on one.

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            Pete, this part of the discussion was really just poking fun for me. I am not vehemently against belts. I’ve owned a belt driven Buell, and the belt was quite durable. I always found myself wishing it had a chain, though. I didn’t like the final drive ratio, and you never new when the thing might let go. I carried a spare belt to ease my mind. I also would not want a belt on this Ducati for the same reasons.

            Any application where I might prefer a belt over a chain, I would prefer a shaftdrive over the belt. So belts just aren’t that great as far as I am concerned. Two better mouse traps exist in my opinion.

            As far as belts in GP, I didn’t make that claim. However, since you are talking about ancient history, I still contend he who posted that comment is correct ; there are no belts in MotoGP racing.

            Yes the Ducati timing belts are too small, which is why I don’t like them in this application.

    • Tim says:

      Belts are nice from a maintenance standpoint, no question about it. Unfortunately, I think a belt that handles 113 hp would have to be pretty wide, and the bike would have to be a bit wider to accomodate one.

      MotoGP bikes are well over 200hp, and a belt would never stand up to that. Drive shafts add too much weight, so chains are necessary by default, not because chains are cutting edge.

      • Bill N says:

        I think the Harley V-rods (with a belt) have 115 or 120 HP.

        • Tom R says:

          Yes, but they use a CHAIN in the engine! Oh my, what a wacky subject this is.

        • Tim says:

          I do think belt technology is to the point where it could handle an engine like this, but if you look at a V-Rod belt, they’re probably at least 3 or 4 times as wide as a chain. I suspect that would detract from svelte look of a Ducati.

          I’ve had bikes with shafts, chains and belts and I really liked the low maintenance and low expense of the belt drive. My BMW’s shaft drive is nice, but not without the expense of regular fluid changes and maintenance. Chains are just a pain, period, but I do have them on my other two bikes. They are what they are.

          • todd says:

            My old BMW would go for tens of thousands of miles without needing to service the drive shaft. Not so much my newer BMWs. My old Yamaha will likely never need any maintenance to its shaft drive. Chains do suck.

      • Bart says:

        When I ran track days, I’d go out on the track at lunch time and pick up the busted belts that blew off of the Buells. They couldn’t even make it to lunch hour! Some of the owners had the gall to ask for a partial refund because they had a mechanical failure, like that was supposed to be my problem!

        Never picked a chain off the track at a track day in 17 years.

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      A belt drive wouldn’t be out of place on a sport touring bike, but I’d take a chain over a belt any day. I’m not sure why some people are so against chains. Going on a 4000-mile trip? Ignore chain maintenance during the trip. Trust me, it will be fine. It is also far less likely to just pop and leave you stranded.

      A belt on this bike would have to be pretty wide and would offer up a lot of tension, which requires some serious beefing up of the countershaft and support. Plus, then you’d have to have this big, huge pulley on the back wheel, and that would be very un-Italian.

      • Norm G. says:

        Q: Going on a 4000-mile trip?

        A: yup, redeemed my points and bought a plane ticket, same as the vast majority do when taking a trip that far.

        • Jeremy in TX says:

          “yup, redeemed my points and bought a plane ticket, same as the vast majority do when taking a trip that far.”

          Pansy! 🙂

    • redbirds says:

      Belt drive would require a larger engine sprocket and a tensioning system, something that the race-bred Harleys don’t need since they’re only dealing with 2″ of rear suspension travel.

      • Hot Dog says:

        Did you say “race-bred Harley’s”?

      • stinkywheels says:

        I love the belts on my Buells. It’s a relief until it screws up. Which it finally did on my 96 S1. No problems on the Uly or 1125. Does the Diavel only have 2 in of travel?

      • VLJ says:

        “race-bred Harleys”

        ~pause~

        “I’ll take oxymorons for $200, Alex….”

    • Scott says:

      Wow, light years, eh? I had no idea Harley Davidson was so incredibly advanced.

      Ducati is actually aware of belt drive. If you didn’t know, the xDiavel comes with this space-age technology. So their decision to equip their other bikes with chain drive is a conscious one.

      Personally, I’m fine with it. Every motorcycle I’ve ever owned has had a chain (except for an FJR1300 I had briefly, and I honestly can’t say I ever noticed how “great” it was not to have a chain on that bike). I just don’t find chains to be any kind of problem. It’s just one simple thing among many that make motorcycle ownership unique and pleasurable.

      • Max says:

        Not the end of the world, but a “pleasure” I can do without.

      • Norm G. says:

        re: “It’s just one simple thing among many that make motorcycle ownership unique and pleasurable.”

        I always thought most riders LIKED having a chain…? for it gives all the would-be wrench spinners something mechanical to interact with on their bikes versus their cars, which in modern day is a “plug and play” proposition.

        • todd says:

          Nope, we still need to check the valve lash occasionally.

        • mickey says:

          Not a wrench spinner unless forced. Find no pleasure in it at all. I’d rather ride than wrench. My pleasurable interaction with my motorcycle is with the wind and the road surface, not with a 14 mm spanner and torque wrench.Time spent wrenching is just less time spent riding.

          Hydraulic valves, shaft drive,a map of the country, and a limitless credit card is the ideal set up for me.

    • Brian says:

      Here’s a good overview:
      https://youtu.be/GpJTd4CGbkE

    • stinkywheels says:

      I’m with you, a belt would be great. They put one on the Diavel, it seems that it could be done here too. The rest of the conversation of GP bikes not using belts is for the packaging and gearing change problems, and they only have to go for a weekend. I’ve lived with many chains, loved a few belts, especially on my 100+hp Buell 1125.

  15. Jeremy in TX says:

    Who’d of though the day would ever come when Ducati could pack more value into a bike than Honda?

    The SuperSport costs the same as the Interceptor DLX, offers the same level of equipment, similar peak power (maybe even a bit more just about everywhere else along the power curve?), and weighs seventy (70!!!) lbs less. Unless you are an unadulterated Honda fan or one of those guys who freaks out when a manufacturer doesn’t have a dealership on every block throughout the country, the Interceptor seems like a tough sell.

    I think the price point and formula here are great. Unlike many, I also think the bike is gorgeous. I’m no longer interested in this genre of bike due to where I live; but had this come out five years ago, I’d probably have an S model in the garage. It seems like the perfect bike for someone who wants an all-in-one track bike, sporty commuter and sporty distance tourer. It’s an interesting alternative to the Honda Interceptor and BMW F800GT (or even the big 1000s from Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki, though this Ducati is practically a 1000 itself.)

    • mickey says:

      if the interceptor were a full thousand cc with gear driven cams I have a feeling they would sell very well.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        I think people wanted the Interceptor to be this Ducati: light and lithe with fatter power, though not necessarily more.

        I think what the VFR needed most though was a diet. The current 800cc would be okay if Interceptor weighed 460 lbs like this Ducati rather than 535 lbs. I think Honda would have found far more willing buyers with a 460-lb Interceptor. Also, had they ditched the silly “VTEC” and replaced it with real variable valve timing, I think people could finally get over the loss of the gear-driven cams.

        But, yes, a 1000cc V4 with gear-driven cams would be boss.

        • WillieB says:

          Yes. I wanted a sub 500lb VFR1000 with slightly less aggressive riding position. So I first got the VFR1200 which requires short-waisted me to literally lie on the gas tank to ride it. Then I got the “new” VFR 800 which has a pretty fairing and an ugly muffler hiding the swingarm and is still too heavy.

          This is a light V twin Interceptor and also as close as we are probably going to get to a replacement for the ST series. I had an 07 ST3.

    • DG says:

      The closest Japanese equivalents would be CBR650Fs and Ninja 650s, not more touring-oriented bikes like the VFR 800.

      Yeah, those Japanese bikes don’t have the specs of the Ducati; they’re also a lot cheaper, which is part of the package of a relaxed bike. You can track day an ADV bike, but that’s not why they sell those, or this Ducati.

      I’ve yet to see a single “I’m going to buy one” post among the many that criticize Japan and praise Ducati.

      • Jeremy in TX says:

        I disagree: the VFR800 is the most direct competitor to this bike I would think. Same price, similar power output, rider triangle and mission. The Ninja 1000 and Suzuki GSXS1000F would probably be the next closest.

        • Selecter says:

          If you can still find new Interceptors – there was no 2016 model year for them in the US – just 2014 and 2015, so it’s a model that we can consider “no longer for sale”.

          • Dave says:

            They’re trying to sell the vfr800 for $7-8.5k in Wisconsin. Seems like there are a lot of them at dealers.

  16. Motorhead says:

    Based on the comments below, I’m getting the impression that every reader (including me) of this website is over 50. True?

    • Jeremy in TX says:

      Lol! I clock in at 40yo. I could ride this bike all day long, no problem.

    • Morgan says:

      I’m 58 and would buy this a shot if I could afford it. I feel sad for all the yanks that live hours away from their nearest Ducati dealer. I live in a city of 300,000 and we have a great Ducati dealer, plus many other workshops that know them well. I also have the great riding of New Zealand’s South Island!

  17. Tim says:

    I really like the styling, especially the way the fairing wraps up under the speedometer. Nicely done. I think Massimo Tamburini would have approved of this one.

  18. Bigshankhank says:

    I am slowly warming up to this bike. Having had a 1st gen 900 SS/CR, the purist in me is screaming AIR COOLED/TWO VALVES/DRY CLUTCH! but in reality that is a good stout engine and its nice to see the trellis frame again. Its a real shame that so many readers on this site cannot understand what a proper riding position is, and/or are disappointed that Ducati NA won’t build a dealership way out in their particular wing of the boondocks. Not everything can be had via mail order, if you want nice things you gotta move in from the sticks, fellas.

    • Pacer says:

      I wish they would make a half faired bike like they did in the 90s. That would raise my eyebrow.

      That said I live in the little desert rat town of Las Vegas. For the past 20 years they have opened then closed Ducati dealerships. I know someone who was part of a group that wanted to open one. The initial investment was so high they couldn’t justify it. There is one trying again as we speak. Time will tell if they survive. It is Ducati’s fault they don’t have a strong presence in a town with decent disposal income and a 12 riding season.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “the purist in me is screaming AIR COOLED/TWO VALVES/DRY CLUTCH!”

      oops that’s my voice you’re hearing, sorry.

  19. Morgan says:

    I’m reading a lot of crap here from riders who are obviously not the target market for this bike. The riding postion looks great. I spent a bit of time on a friend’s 750SS and while it was great to ride the clip-ons did kill it a bit for me. These bars will put you in the classic european sport-touring position similar to my old RD350LC or Honda Bros 650 (think Hawk GT with lower bars but still above the triple clamp). This leans you into the wind, gives great control and is fabulous for long distances. The only real experience I have with the cruiser position was a Hyosung 250 I had in my garage. It belonged to friend of my son’s and I fixed the drash damage for him as a favour after he fell of trying to keep up with me and my son on a twisty road. My son was on his Honda VTZ250 (JDM naked VTR250 with pretty much the same ergonomics as this Duke, and very comfortable) and I was on my ’74 Honda CB100 (repowered with a 144cc chinese motor). When I test roade that Hyosung it was like driving an old Fordson tractor. No wonder he crashed it!

  20. Sportourpa says:

    Wth a few tweaks like handle bar risers and optional luggage this may be lightweight solo sport touring bike that dreams are made of.
    I own an SV 650 S and BMW F800 GT. This would combine the best of both .

  21. Scott says:

    Apparently a lot of cruiser riders here, who don’t have a clue what a proper riding position feels like.

    • Tim says:

      We’ll see how you feel about it after the age of 50, Scott. (This from a non-cruiser riding 57 y.o.) I still play a lot of tennis and basketball, and remain active, but contorting to a sport bike’s riding position is just not a lot of fun.

      Not to mention the fact that 700 or 800 mile days in the saddle probably aren’t in the cards on a pure sport bike for any age rider.

      • Scott says:

        I’m 53.

        I get it. I’m not interested in riding pure sportbikes on the street any more, either. That’s the whole point. Can you see that the riding postion of this bike isn’t nearly as extreme as, say, a Panigale? And it would be quite easy to install taller bar risers on it to make it even more upright…

      • Tim says:

        With bar risers and an Airhawk pad, this does look like a bike that could do a 700 or 800 mile day. But I do know I couldn’t do that on this bike without those items.

        I would have considered this bike to have a perfect riding position 15 or 20 years ago.

        Regardless,it’s a beautiful bike, and should be one of Ducati’s top sellers.

  22. redbirds says:

    Good looking for a “sport” bike but a half hour ride would have me crying uncle. Nearest Ducati dealer is over 100 miles away.

  23. edpix says:

    This a nice step in the right direction.
    I would like slightly higher bars but those aren’t a deal breaker for sure.
    I really wish it was available in black or charcoal metallic paint as I am not a fan
    of white or even red for that matter.
    Normally I would complain about being under powered next but unlike most “retuned” engines
    this one actually looks like it may have strong low and mid range performance and if that’s the case then combined with the relatively low weight this should be a nice sporty package for longer real world rides. Looking forward to the tests on this bike and seriously hope other manufacturers follow suit with lightweight high spec Super Sport bikes like this because as nice as the naked class has evolved into I want a fairing and decent windscreen for riding at speed. Nice job Ducati, now get us a black version and I may actually get off the fence!

  24. Bubba Bleu says:

    What dealerships? There isn’t a Ducati franchise dealer for two hours of me in any direction, and I’m in the Chicago/Milwaukee metro area.

    • Scott says:

      Seriously? There’s one in Milwaukee and two in Chicago. Where the hell do you live?

      • Bubba Bleu says:

        Twin Lakes. Nothing but traffic into Chi. A little easier into Milwaukee. But not realistic if I need service.

  25. Supersport says:

    Compared to the superbikes, the ergos on the new SS are, indeed, relaxed.

  26. Marty V says:

    Pretty bike, it would probably take the jaws of life to untangle me from it, even with the ‘somewhat relaxed ergonomics’

  27. Craig says:

    Common… it’s the 1/2 way lean. I have street Triple with handlebars and it’s great with just enough forward lean as the bars are very low rise with low risers to begin with.

    These are just a bit lower and depending on your riding and such… would be very good. They look like the ones on the SV- S models and such…

    That said,…I love the SS and will be considering if all goes well. It’s nice to see the frame again and the shock where God intended it to be… 🙂

    And clips well above the triple clamp, not below it… I’m not racing here… 🙂

  28. Tom R says:

    “Relaxed ergonomics”? I just see dollar signs for chiropractors.

    • mechanicus says:

      “…somewhat relaxed ergonomics just might be a big hit.” roflmao

    • Larry K says:

      Try the position on a “Sport Classic” sometime. That’ll put the chiro’s kids through grad school!

      • Morgan says:

        Which Sport Classic? There were several models and the 1000 Sport and Paul Smart ran clip-ons while the GT1000 had tubular handlebars and definitely a comfortable sport-touring riding position.

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