DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017-2021) Review | Specs & Prices (2024)

DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017-2021) Review | Specs & Prices (1)

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)

SpecsOwners' reviewsBikes for saleFor sale

DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017-2021) Review | Specs & Prices (2)

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Highlights

  • More comfort
  • New colour dash and cleverer electronics
  • Perfect performance for the road

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £380
Power: 108 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Medium (463 lbs / 210 kg)

Prices

NewN/A

Used£6,900

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

4 out of 5 (4/5)

More than ever sportsbikes are inching towards being ultra-focussed track weapons with ever-shrinking dimensions, excessive power and knife-edge handling.

  • Related:2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 review

But with its simple, modestly-powered V-twin engine, all wrapped up in a sweet-handling chassis Ducati’s new SuperSport has more than enough power for the road and will dance through your favourite corners with ease. It isn’t sports tourer-comfy, but it’s practical enough for commuting and long trips away. A genuine every day sportsbike.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Without an excess of power to worry about you can concentrate on ringing the most out of the Ducati’s relatively heavy, but rock solid stable Monster-based chassis and well-set, fully adjustable Marzocchi forks and Sachs rear shock (adjustable for preload and rebound).

Steering is effortless and things never get out of shape, no matter how hard you push, how low you lean, or how bumpy the roads are. Ducati claims the SuperSport will keel to 48 degrees before metal scrapes tarmac. The ride is plush, controlled and the standard Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres give immense road grip. They’re especially impressive in the wet.

The SuperSport has the poise through the corners to keep up with a race replica on the road and the ABS-assisted M4.32 Brembo monobloc radial calipers give Ducati superbike-levels of fadeless power and feel. You also get the added security of traction control, but the power modes are a bit pointless. Urban and Touring modes make the Ducati feel like you’re riding with the brakes stuck on. Sport is the only mode to select for instant, free-revving acceleration.

One thing the SuperSport isn’t is a tourer. Yes, your magnetic tank bag will snap nicely to the 16-litre steel fuel tank and the tall, thin screen is two-way manually adjustable, but the riding position is sporty, even if it doesn't fold you in half and inside out like a tortuous race replica. The SuperSport has a bum-friendly seat and relatively generous legroom, but taller riders will still need to bend their legs a long way to get their toes on the footpegs.

And while the handlebars are mounted high on risers it’s still a fair stretch to reach them, forcing you to ride with straight arms, so things get a bit ‘wristy’ on long jaunts. Compared to a conventional sportsbike you’ll cover longer distances with less stress, but the SuperSport isn’t the last word in comfort that some may have hoped for.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 113bhp liquid-cooled 937cc V-twin is a retuned Hypermotard 939/Multistrada 950 unit. Despite its modest power the big V-twin motor is tuned for sporty riding with a revised crankcase and cylinder heads. The ride-by-wire throttle is friendly, but the reworked engine doesn’t have that instant, explosive, wheelie-inducing thrust you get with the unhinged, foaming-at-the-mouth Hypermotard 939.

Instead the engine is tuned for a longer spread of power. There isn’t a whole lot of grunt at low rpm, so you have to work the motor hard for best results. The more you rev it, the deeper and harder-edged the engine note becomes and the quicker the scenery blurs around you.

For everyday riding the engine is flexible and can be ridden at lazy revs in high gears, but you’ll need a flurry of left foot activity and a big handful of throttle to make fast getaways.

Of course, there’s more than enough power for the road, but experienced sportsbike riders will want for more and it does lack a certain fun-factor. But like the old 90s and early noughties Ducati Supersport, your speed comes less from ‘point-and-squirt’ and more from maintaining momentum and carving perfect, high-speed arcs through fast corners. It’s here where the new SuperSport excels.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Build quality is superb and there are lots of nice Ducati detailing touches, like the milled ali top yoke and a repeat of the bike’s ‘face’ on the plastics surrounding the dash.

Now that the SuperSport has been around for a few years now we’ve had a chance to see how durable it is and judging by all the gushing owners’ reviews here, the Ducati won’t let you down.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Despite being new for 2021,Aprilia’s RS660 is the closest to the Ducati in spirit and it too is a 100-ish bhp sportsbike with great road handling, lots of tech and a sensible riding position. With a kerb weight of just 183kg it’s lighter and more fun. Both are stylish and well built, but the Ducati just edges in the quality stakes.

You might also consider the less powerful but much cheaper Honda CBR650R which also has a less aggressive riding position than a traditional supersport. The Honda is less charismatic than the Ducati but is still a great bike in its own right. This has been updated for 2021 to feature Showa Seperate Function Big Piston forks.

If you want a more aggressive riding experience without having to go all the way up to a 200bhp superbike, the Ducati Panigale 959 of the time is also an attractive proposition.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The base SuperSport comes with a high level of chassis and electronics spec, but there’s also an S model. It has the same motor, chassis, electronics and Brembo brakes, but comes with fully-adjustable Ohlins forks and shock, a seat cowl and a quickshifter/autoblipper, which you can also fit as an accessory to the standard machine.

The Ohlins and electronic shifter adds an extra layer of control and sophistication. It offers a plusher, more controlled ride, gear changes are snappier and you never have to use the clutch, other than when pulling away and stopping.

With their easy power, safe electronics, supple chassis and generous ground clearance, both the standard and S models will make superb trackday bikes for less experienced riders.

As you’d expect there are lots of official accessories available including a Sport Pack, including carbon and billet ali trinkets and flip-up levers. The Urban Pack comes with a tank bag, alarm, rubber footpeg inserts and you get a taller screen, heated grips and panniers with Touring Pack.

Specs

Engine size937cc
Engine typeLiquid-cooled, 8v, L-twin
Frame typeTubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity16 litres
Seat height810mm
Bike weight210kg
Front suspension43mm Marzocchi forks fully adjustable
Rear suspensionSingle Sachs rear shock, fully adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Front brake2 x 320mm discs with Brembo four-piston radial caliper
Rear brake245mm single disc with twin-piston caliper
Front tyre size120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption46 mpg
Annual road tax£117
Annual service cost£380
New price-
Used price£6,900
Insurance group17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term-

Top speed & performance

Max power108 bhp
Max torque69 ft-lb
Top speed-
1/4 mile acceleration-
Tank range162 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2017: Ducati SuperSport introduced. It’s powered by the 113bhp 937cc V-twin taken from the Hypermotard 939 and Multistrada 950 of the day and uses a Mon-ster-based steel trellis frame. Rider modes, traction control and ABS.

2021: Updated for Euro 5 and making slightly less power at 108bhp. Chassis is un-changed but the SuperSport gets ‘950’ added to its name and a comfier new seat, fairing, mirrors, LED headlights, six axis IMU, cornering ABS and traction control, anti-wheelie and up/down quickshifter.

  • 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 review

Other versions

Ducati SuperSport 950 S: As base model with 48mm Öhlins forks and shock and pillion seat cover.

Owners' reviewsfor the DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017 - 2021)

17 owners have reviewed their DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your DUCATI SUPERSPORT (2017 - 2021)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £380

5 out of 5 it's a Ducati!

27 November 2023 by Dip

Year: 2017

They say you get wiser as you get older and I'm thinking their is some truth in this. I'm pushing 60 and like a lot of people, started out on fizzies and LC's. I've had a fair few bikes over the years including z100sx, BMW R1200r and A Buell, in more recent years. As I've got older I've swung towards bikes with character rather than performance stats. (I love my Triumph Street scrambler). I'm somewhat of a late comer to the Ducati appreciation society but have come to realise that the Supersport is a blend of all the things I'm after in one bike. It handles faultlessly it looks stunning and is made from quality components, but most of all it has so much soul and character, especially as I've fitted twin Akrapovic exhausts and dumping the 23lb cat.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

On rails with plenty of stopping power.

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely pop and burble on the overrun. Quickshifter can miss occasionally but I put that down as rider error or just a characteristic.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Early days but so far so good.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

If you can afford one, chances are you'll afford the running costs.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Could do with heated grips, it is a sports tourer after all.

5 out of 5 My second bike is a beauty!

10 July 2023 by Joanna K

Version: Supersport 950s

Year: 2021

It’s my bike. I started with a Ducati Monster but wanted something more sporty. This bike came up at Chris Walkers and stole my heart!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The ohlins suspension and brembo brakes are top quality. Can’t fault them.

Engine 5 out of 5

It’s loud, pops and grumbles. What more do you want.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Roughy service cost is around £300 depending if you need any extras.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Would be great if it had cruise control. The quick shifter although took some getting used too is now one of my favourite things.

Buying experience: Chris Walker Motorcycles is a quality showroom. The guys know how to look after you.

5 out of 5 Back to Basics - Fun, Feeling and Thumping!

06 February 2023 by Cole Maynard

Version: SS

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £150

Lovely lazy but punchy engine that enables you to roll though the countryside at a relaxing pace or to tear up the tarmac when the mood takes. Beautiful to look at, inviting lots of positive comments from bystanders the 939SS is both old school with all the necessary modern trinkets. Extremely comfortable, engaging and fun to ride this is the ultimate Sports Touring without breaking the bank.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It sits on Onlins and rides with precision giving great confidence. On dry roads it is a dream and encourages fast progress. The brakes are good and the right side of sharp without causing loss of traction.

Engine 5 out of 5

Beautiful, throaty soundtrack with that delicious V-Twin rumble. The engine is a dream to use and with 113 BHP provides usable power that will keep you on the tarmac and with a licence. It is so tractable through the bends it is a dream to ride and while not as powerful as some machines I have owned, it is more fun because you far more of the range. You just roll on and off of the throttle. It has all the power you really need!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Thus far my Supersport has performed impeccably. My only complaint would be over some of the joins on the exhaust which appear to have been formed with less than the desired care to detail.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

It is fairly fuel efficient and servicing is the usual Ducati price

Equipment 4 out of 5

It has all the basics as the S model with Ohlins but the heated grips are not BMW standard and are difficult to put on via the menus and the panniers are basic and don't provide the quality of other brands.

Buying experience: I have always found Ducati to only franchise quality dealers, and this was true when I came to purchase this machine. The buying experience was a delight.

4 out of 5

16 January 2023 by rossco950s7

Version: 950s

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £400

Sounds great. Plenty quick for the road. Wish it had cruise control and proper integrated Paniers.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is fantastic but would have liked a little more hp. Wish Ducati would do the same bike with the monster 1200 engine

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

In Newzealand dollars.Servicing comparable to others

Equipment 5 out of 5

Love the comfort on longer rides. Seperate wheelie control is great. when turned off it lifts front wheel easily

Buying experience: Dealer was great

5 out of 5 Mary Ann in Ginger's Red Dress

25 November 2022 by MTO

Version: S

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £400

Best features: The beauty and noise. Even Ducatista aren't *too* disappointed when they realize it's not a Panigale.Worst features: Fuel gauge strictly for amusement. (The engine heat and vibey mirrors are real, but they seriously don't bug me).The SuperSport is that rare combination of right-now shove in a weight-forward bike that, in combination with wheelie control, allows you to punt yourself to the next light or the next county on whim. I trade off between this and a hilariously fun wring-it-out R3. I've found my Happy Place.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Ride is stiffer than you'd guess from the factory for a road-biased sport bike. Ohlins don't really shine until you realize you've been traveling over rippled pavement for miles without noticing. Overall very plush and focused. Brakes are great.

Engine 5 out of 5

+ Torque everywhere above 3K. The noise is addicting.- You knew about low-rpm shudder when you opted for a Ducati twin (feather the clutch and adore the charm). Every time you shut down after a ride you are greeted by hot ticking and the smell of fuel. An electric vehicle will never so clearly warn you that it *might* detonate in your garage if it feels like it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Always looks and feels like the best you can get. No letdowns so far.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

First service to remove the nag redline, etc. is no great value. But not a complicated bike: change your own oil, etc. Expect to get pinched for anything major, but a pittance compared to any exotic car.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Has top-spec suspension, IMU, brakes, and road tires. Yeah, cruise control would always be nice on this kind of bike.

Buying experience: Got a *slight* break off list. An increasingly rare story in these days of pinched inventory.

5 out of 5 A brilliant motorbike for non track riders. Always attracts positive comments on styling even from car drivers !

23 October 2021 by Andrew Simpson

Version: S

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £300

Brilliant bike for an average or older rider. Only issue is the fuel tank guage is tempremental. Replaced once and now will have to do again.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Lovely torque low down the rev range and allowsfull use of all the 6 gears

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Fuel tank guage tempremental

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

Love the Akropovic exhaust as matches the twin cylinder

Buying experience: From a dealer. £12500

4 out of 5 Mr

09 July 2021 by Coxy

Version: S

Year: 2019

Styling Handles great. More than enough for the average to good rider. Would recommend if you could put up with mirror vibration

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Mirrors poor. Been replaced under warranty. You learn to live with it. Fantastic all rounder. Plenty of mid range grunt. Good for a couple of hours before I need a break

Engine 5 out of 5

First twin I have owned. Love it. Only down side gets a bit warm on your legs

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Couple of oil leaks. Never let me down. Quality is good

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Think costs are average for main dealers.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Tyres are great. Super styling. If it makes you look back at it. You know it’s good

Buying experience: Brought from a Dealer new

4 out of 5 All the sports bike you need for the road.

19 June 2021 by Lord Farquad

Version: 950

Year: 2021

Excellent road bike. Whilst I liked the idea of the previous 939 I never quite fell for the looks. When Ducati launched the facelift 950 I felt they’d massively improved the looks. The bike is comfortable, with a riding position relaxed enough for commuting and great for twisty A & B road blasts. I’ve managed 4 hours riding with no aches or grumbles. The engine is a peach, with plenty of low down grunt but enough top end to make it worth exploring on the right road. It makes all the right noises with the standard exhaust, popping and crackling on the overrun (childish but characterful). The handling is good, nimble, light but stable once set. I’ve done over 1000 miles mixed commuting, A & B road riding and have really enjoyed it. It’s plenty quick enough on the road, looks amazing and is comfy....what more do you want? It flows from corner to corner, as a proper Ducati should. It feels similar in size, power and weight to a 916. The mix or practicality and performance is brilliant.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Top ride quality but still composed when pushing on. Brakes work well (even the rear).

Engine 5 out of 5

All the engine you need for the road. The bike snorts, crackles and roars as its flies down the road. Low down grunt that moves into a strong upper range. There is enough go to keep up with almost anything, flowing from corner to corner. You can actually use it properly on the road without risking prison or death. It averages 48mpg on a city commute and over 50mpg on a run. The difference in engine modes from urban to touring and sport is noticeable. Urbana smooth style is great for filtering, touring for gentle fun and sport turns the wick up to 10. Fuelling is good but not perfect, with the bike surging slightly around 30mph. Possibly a throttle spacer will sort this out.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

The bike looks amazing and has quality components. Unfortunately the paint is slightly thin, needing regular TLC to keep its deep shine. The fasteners/bolts are made of cheese, use quality tools else you will round anything you try to undo. The mirrors are pretty awful, vibrating so much you can only make out vague shapes in them. If you pull in the clutch they clear, so it’s definitely a vibration issue. I don’t understand given my other Dukes have all had quite good mirrors. The “intergrated” panniers aren’t. They need an ugly sub frame to attach an are 100% not worth the money. Buy a Kregia set up and don’t bother with the panniers.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Compared to other litre bikes it sits in a unique place. For the looks and kit (and brand) its quite good value. But compared to other litre bikes (on paper) its down on performance. Overall I think the price is fair. If you need a single bike that does it all, and aren’t keen on a Multistrada, then its great value.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Pros: TFT is great. Quick shift works very well. The screen is OK and the seat perfect. I have the standard bike with more basic suspension but it’s absolutely fine. Composed and supple, its set up for Welsh twisty A&B roads, but able to soak up city potholes and speed bumps too. Cons: The panniers and mirrors are rubbish. Why hasn’t it got cruise control? It’s supposed to be a sporty tourer. It’s all electric with IMU, so cruise should be standard.Ive added Evotech levers which look nicer and adjust easier than the OEMs.Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres offer plenty of grip, work well in the wet and are lasting well. They have a sharper turn in than the Angel GTs I’m used to, but suit the bike well.

Buying experience: Very good. Bought new from Woods in North Wales, the bike was built and delivered quickly. I have been waiting for heated grips, which are on back order, but I’m kept up to date and don’t really need them during the summer.

5 out of 5 Great road bike

17 October 2020 by Supersport Fanboy

Version: S

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £250

Really good bike. Great to ride and looks good too.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Top quality Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes, can’t go wrong

Engine 5 out of 5

Perfect for road riding, powerful enough but not silly. Great sound. If you like the idea of a Street Triple but fancy something red on the driveway the Supersport is the bike for you.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues at all

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Not the cheapest, but not outrageous either

Equipment 5 out of 5

Heated grips work well in winter

Buying experience: I bought new from local dealer. Good experience from Seastar Superbikes.

5 out of 5 SUPERB SUPERSPORT S.

14 September 2020 by john fazackerley

Year: 2019

Very much at the sporting end pf sporttourer.If you want to take a passenger buy something else.Get the s model.aA THRILLING RIDE .SUPERB HANDLING RIDE AND EVERYTHING YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM A SPORTS DUCATI

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Superb.The comfort seat is a must.Shaped better no more sliding towards the tank Ohlins front and rear are superb.

Engine 5 out of 5

For an L twin really loves to rev.Minimal vibration.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Lovely quality and design.The fairing integrates beautifully into the tank.Great aerodynamics.The screen works well.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5

All good.The chain is poor quality.Rusts when wet.A gold chain is a better bet.

4 out of 5 Nearly Super Supersport

24 January 2020 by Ruggers

Version: Standard

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £250

Quick enough, handles well, very stable, great noise, not taxing to ride, flexible engine, lovely mid-range gruntMirrors are horrendous, completely useless.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Love riding it, never had a pillion so cant comment. Comfortable to ride, easy flexible engine, fitted Quick shifter which can make riding slightly less taxing.Brakes are really responsive and confidence inspiring

Engine 5 out of 5

Great noise even on standard exhaust, lovely mid-range, great to keep the throttle open and just flick through the gears riding the mid-range.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Erratic fuel gauge - reads empty when full, unreliable has got worse the longer I have had it, Sensor issue? Will ask for it to be looked at at the next service.Has had 2 recalls.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

expensive to service, even when only having basically oil changes

Equipment 1 out of 5

Yes, it has lots of safety equipment and switchable maps etc, BUT, the mirrors are unforgivable, you can barely make out anything behind you, they are not long enough and vibrate far too much at the majority or road speeds. Single worst feature of the bike.

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer on a low rate PCP deal at the end of a year, cheaper to buy this bike per month on the deal available than it was to buy a rivals bike which had a list price of £3k less. Due to low Interest rate and stronger residual.

5 out of 5 Great all-round, real world bike

11 May 2019 by Jim Johnston

Version: s

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £300

Being of a more mature age and sized in a way the NHS would complain, sportsbikes are now out of my realm for comfort, practicality and licence safety. So when I first sat on the SuperSport I was surprised at how well it fit me, and then when I test rode one, how agile and fun it was, without scaring the living bejeesus out of me. I already have a large Harley and a Triumph Thruxton, and I was looking for something fun, practical and weather proof, something the other two bikes lack. The SuperSport fitted the bill, and after 6 months and 2000 miles it makes going to work a pleasure, and coming home, now the weather is better, an absolute hoot.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

This is subjective. If you are looking for a power horse, then this isn't for you. The power is good, still licence losing, but the delivery is softer so it is easy to have great fun without getting into trouble. The bike is well balanced, tips into corners well and fires out with that Ducati roar. My ride to work is 65 miles, with fast B-roads, tight country lanes, speed restricted M4, and some busy A-roads which it despatches with aplomb, unruffled by anything I throw at it. It is also good on the M25, narrow for quick filtering, comfortable in the variable speed limits where speed control is important. If I opt for the boring route it just does it.I have knocked a star off for the tank size, seemingly following the trend for peanut sized tanks. I can't see any advantage a small tank brings, but constantly gauging how much fuel I have is a pain, and filling every 120 miles irritating.

Engine 4 out of 5

A good engine rather than a great one, but one that fits my style and needs. Fast enough with reasonable economy (50mpg) there are certainly better engines with more character, but this one is good enough for me.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far, so good. No furring, no corrosion, and it feels well built and full of quality. I had heated grips fitted to help me through winter and they integrate well with the controls making life easy, and fingers toasty. It is only six months, but no complaints or reasons to knock off stars.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

There are a few of these about and plenty of deals. I picked up an ex demonstrator, with 200 miles on the clock, £2k below list, with the first service included and a nice Ducati teeshirt. For what you get, it is outstanding value.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Lots of good stuff. Controls are easy to use once you get used to them. The quick shifter is brilliant and suspension copes well with my bulk. Lots of adjustability that I ignore.

Buying experience: Excellent. Another bike bought from Ducati Aylesbury and as ever professional, friendly and easy to deal with.

5 out of 5 Love my Ducati SSS

20 February 2019 by Paul Thompson

Version: S

Year: 2017

Annual servicing cost: £1,100

I just love this bike. It wants to gallop but isn't scary. Been on some back country irregular road surfaces and it'll take care of you while running near 100%. It's comfortable enough for all day riding and is fun, fun, fun. I test rode the bike based on online reviews and it does what the reviews say - a sporty bike without the pain or fear. The mirrors aren't great, you can see something is there but mostly not what it is. In other words, a great road bike. Is there a sexier looking thing to roll up on?

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I've run 2-3 hours, arrived at my destination and not wanted to stop. There are never any doubts about braking and I love the ride. It copes with rough or smooth New Zealand roads really well, while holding onto or running quicker than others I ride with.

Engine 5 out of 5

I love the power delivery of this bike, it feels like it's got rubber pistons and just makes me laugh (in a good way). I love the poppety-pop on deceleration. The fat mid-range is just swell. Although I thought it was rattly at first, that's two cylinder, desmodromic character for you. Quote addictive.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far I've had no problems. It hasn't broken down and is showing no signs of deterioration.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

There's better dash displays now, but functionally everything is there. I absolutely love the quickshifter, although you do have to be definite and firm to ensure no false neutrals e.g. between 4-5, 5-6. I replaced the tyres with EOM and I'm happy with that.

5 out of 5 Always makes me smile

31 May 2018 by TheresAnotherSteve

Version: S

Year: 2018

It makes you smile no matter what.I'm a returning rider, coming back after 25 years. The SSS is a tad lighter than my old bikes, with similar peak power and torque, although the power spread is way wider than what we used to have.It ticked the boxes for looks. It rides absolutely beautifully. It is everything I ever wanted in a motorcycle.My wife, who also rides (and has had a similar layoff), came back after one of her first rides with a huge grin on her face and said she suddenly understands what sports oriented bikes are all about.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I did a returning/intermediate riders course. The young blokes on their gixxers and R6s could not believe how quickly it could stop. The Brembo brakes are amazing, so much feel.The Ohlins suspension is sublime. It handles so well, but I haven't had to find the old kidney belt I used to wear on my Katana. If there is one area that has improved out of sight over 25 years it is the handling and brakes.

Engine 5 out of 5

I thought I would struggle to get used to a V twin after inline fours.Huh. Broad power, lovely sound, so much character. I'm a convert.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Generally well finished but a couple of niggles...The mirrors are poor (well documented) and the push fit peg on the gear shift lever has been known to work its way out (also well documented).High beam was not adjusted on mine, it was at its lowest (assembly?) position, so I had to work out how to adjust it myself.Owners manual can be wrong, for example it lists the wrong headlight bulbs (anyone want to buy some cheap H1 and H7s?)

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to run (5.2 L/100km over 4500 kms). Tyres still have tread. Claimed service cost (700AUD over 2 years) seems reasonable.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The S with its quickshifter (as well as its standard electronics) is pretty well equipped, but it could use cruise control.But what's with the indicators? My XJ750 from '84 had self cancelling indicators. Why hasn't the Duke?

Buying experience: Bought from the sole Ducati dealer in South Australia but the service was exemplary. Well done Mike and team!

4 out of 5 The best real world Ducati?

11 March 2018 by Steven916

Version: S

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £250

A fantastic mix of full fat Panigale and Monster dynamics.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is a special bike. I ran a 2013 Multistrada with the skyhook suspension and the Supersport S beats it.

Engine 4 out of 5

Still running in but the demonstrator I rode was very good. The chassis could take another dose of power but it is not slow! The 959 may have another 45 bhp but it is no faster in the real world.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Early days and other than traditional tight Ducati gearbox (bit of a sod to find neutral) faultless.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Servicing is not stupid money but you need to factor in all the other costs (tyres, road tax etc) to know what you are letting yourself in for.

Equipment 5 out of 5

The quick shifter/auto blipper is amazing! Give it the beans and tap up as you get close to the Rev limit for full effect. No fluffed gear changes.

Buying experience: It’s a Ducati! You will be proper looked after at a main dealer.

5 out of 5 Who'd buy a bike in January?!

08 February 2018 by JohnS

Year: 2017

Having spent the last 4 years putting 32k miles on an 1100 monster I thought the supersport, with its monster frame and smaller engine wouldn't hold any surprises. I was so very wrong. This bike is very special; plush and sophisticated, with all the agility of the monster but with a much smoother and stronger power delivery.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride is immense, brakes sensational but I do have a few niggles. Firstly, the clutch can be terribly snatchy on those cold February mornings for the first 5 mins or so. So snatchy that you need to be committed and pointing in a straight line to avoid a potential drop. Secondly (and lastly) the mirrors; they're not terrible but they really only let you know there's something behind you not what.

Engine 5 out of 5

Can't fault the engine. Very strong, sounds great. Haven't run out of revs or power yet but it is cold, wet, dark, miserable, foggy ......

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The whole design package is flawless. Beautifully executed, as your expect from the chaps in Bologna.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Value? Well, I bought an ex demo from my local dealer with a couple of nice accessories for 7k GBP and a trade in. In today's market I don't think that's so bad.

Equipment 5 out of 5

This bike is the standard model with a few accessories which include the DQS, seat cowl and heated grips. DQS is a nice option but not essential, seat cowl is purely for aesthetics and the heated grips are a Godsend.

5 out of 5 supersport trade in for my panagale - bring it on

05 December 2017 by zerolimitscarbonbourne

Version: s

Year: 2017

I have owned all manner of race bikes, I have also done over 100 track days and recently took this to Silverstone, Not its natural hunting ground, but this bike was awesome once the geometry was altered.Apart from the 180 mph track speed and clip ons this bike is a beautiful bike, easy to ride and get it on the road and it keeps up with a panagale no problem. Just be braver of those fantastic brakes.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

chill out or go made - apt at both

Engine 4 out of 5

on track you wish you had more, but hey that's the same when riding the panagale- who doesn't want more power ))

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

thin paint aside - all round perfection

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

long service intervals

Equipment 5 out of 5

tops when stuck in sport. don't need other riding modes - which are useless

Buying experience: YEP DEAL maker !! a bike for life - really

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