---
title: "The Ducati SuperSport Returns"
description: "A classic blend of speed, comfort, and curves once again graces Ducati’s lineup."
date: "2016-10-04"
modified: "2016-10-04"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Cantle"
    job_title: "West Coast Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-cantle"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/motorcycles/5433/the-ducati-supersport-returns"
categories:
  - "Motorcycles"
  - "News"
  - "The Garage"
tags:
  - "Ducati"
---

# The Ducati SuperSport Returns

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/archive-images/bucati_tn.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Ducati’s early SuperSports are on every list of iconic motorcycles, and for many riders, they're the high point. The early bikes, the 750 and 900 SuperSports of the 70’s, were a perfect mix of ergonomics and engine. A sliver of fairing draped over a single, round headlight. A spindly trellis frame cradled a brilliant air-cooled engine with Desmodromic valves. It was a proper ripper, and in the hands of journalist Cook Neilson, the bike was fast enough to win Daytona in 1977.

The SuperSports of the 70’s were a joy to ride. And as they evolved into the 90’s they became surprisingly comfortable while staying absurdly rapid. Even today, the SuperSport series remains a benchmark—so it should come as no surprise that Ducati revived the nameplate at the annual Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, where the 2017 Ducati SuperSport, and SuperSport S were unveiled.

Boasting a re-tuned 937cc Testastretta motor, a more relaxed riding position, and all the looks of the high-strung Ducati Panigale, the SuperSport will occupy the athletic-yet-comfortable place in the lineup formerly occupied by the un-faired Monster. An adjustable windscreen keeps air moving smoothly over the rider, while adjustable suspension front and rear should keep the Ducati SuperSport and SuperSport S ripping quickly over the road, regardless of the inconvenience of a passenger or luggage. The SuperSport comes equipped with a 41 mm Marzocchi fork and a Sachs shock, while upgrading to the SuperSport S buys Ohlins all around, with a 48mm fork up front.

Taken together, it’s a package that should appeal to all but the raciest of sport bike riders—and proof that it’s high time the SuperSport got back in business.

![bucati\_inline1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/bucati_inline1.jpg>)
**Ducati**

![bucati\_inline2.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/bucati_inline2.jpg>)
**Ducati**

![bucati\_inline3.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/bucati_inline3.jpg>)
**Ducati**

![bucati\_inline4.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content/archive-images/bucati_inline4.jpg>)
**Ducati**

## Author
Honorary laboratory rat Chris Cantle represents *The Drive* from his home state of California. He is a keen motorcyclist, experimenter in fringe motorsports and an NSAID enthusiast. He cut his teeth with *Cycle World* and *Road & Track* as a writer, photographer and video producer before making Time Inc. his home.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/chriscantle>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/chriscantle>)