Ducati SuperSport to launch on September 22

Bookings for the road-focused superbike have already begun

Ducati India has shared an invite for the launch of the SuperSport. The bike is expected to be launched in two trims - SuperSport and SuperSport S. The base version is expected to retail around Rs 12 lakh, going up to Rs 14 lakh for the SuperSport S (both prices are ex-showroom). Ducati dealerships across the country have started accepting bookings for the SuperSport with booking amounts ranging from Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakh depending on the dealership.

The Ducati Panigale range is a capable one but feels a tad too focused for the road, especially when it comes to travelling long distances. To solve this condurum, Ducati came up with the SuperSport. It is a more 'road-focussed' Panigale with focus on ergonomics and comfort. The design of the SuperSport is similar to the Panigale but it gets new headlamps, adjustable windscreen, new exhausts, higher set of clip-ons, a larger seat and lower footpegs. The riding position is more upright and ergonomically viable for touring longer distances than the Panigale.

The SuperSport is powered by a 937cc liquid-cooled Testastretta L-twin motor. Power delivery is 110PS at 9500rpm and 93Nm of torque at 6500rpm. It come with ride-by-wire, rider modes, 8-level traction control and 3-level ABS. The SuperSport comes with 43mm fully adjustable Marzocchi upside-down forks and a linked semi-adjustable Sachs monoshock damper. The 17-inch lightweight alloys are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres. Braking is via dual 320mm front semi-floating discs clamped by radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4-32 callipers and a single rear 245 mm disc with a 2-piston calliper.

The Supersport S gets top-spec suspension in the form of fully adjustable 48 mm Öhlins TiN-treated forks and fully adjustable Öhlins rear gas-charged monoshock. Other bits include Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down quick shifter and a pillion seat cowl. The SuperSport ventures into sports tourer territory and will compete with the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and the Suzuki GSX-R1000F.