Winter Bike Dreaming - Ducati SuperSport

[GuzziChris]

Frigid here, pondering a late winter/early spring new bike purchase. I suppose if you can't be riding, you might as well ponder your latest motorcycle whimsy. Thus far, I've considered one of those dirt cheap new Stornellos (the eBay seller outta Maryland, $7k for a new Stornello?? Jeez that's cheap...), an R9T GS, a Triumph T120, and now my fancy has turned to a Ducati SuperSport. Saw one yesterday in the flesh, gorgeous bike and seems like proper ergos for an aging biker. Anyone have SuperSport experience? Right now I'm leaning heavily towards the T120, just as the best all-arounder and from what I hear and read, their outstanding motors. I have Guzzi and Triumph experience, love 'em both, never owned a Duc though.....Of course given the weather, ain't no test rides in my immediate future, so no final decision until I can ride it.... decisions decisions....

[kirkemon]

I have a �93 Ducati Superlight and a T120. Really different bikes. Sure the new SS is a big update from my SL but I think they�re for the same type of riding. I love riding my Ducati, for an hour, it�s stiff suspension and riding position can get really brutal.
The T120 weighs more but is a much more comfortable ride. I�ve taken it on a few long rides and the Triumph electric cruise control is a dream come true. I�ve added a Dart Marlin screen, Toga pipes, Ikon shocks and Brembo rotors. It�s a nice ride for me.

[rss29]

Have you sat on the SS? I really like them as well, but my one gripe is the frame joint that hits me right on the inside of the knee when I grip the tank. Maybe my height and/or leg length is just the right combination for that, but it’s a bit uncomfortable.

[twowings]

I could possibly see myself on that...

[LowRyter]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=93585.msg1478175#msg1478175

see reply #12.

I am sorta jonesing for one too.

[Devildog]

Yes,  the SS is my winter distraction too, and my dealer is only 30 min away.
There are some good You Tube video reviews to watch, mostly positive.

[Sheepdog]

Nice bike in a versatile format. What’s not to like?

[JeffOlson]

I’ve been eyeing that bike, too. Unfortunately, it is not a two-up bike, unless your passenger is an Italian supermodel. Also, the $1,500 saddlebags look a bit lame. I think my Norge is much better bike, but I do love thinking about the Ducati SuperSport! (I wish I’d kept my Ducati ST2...)

[Tusayan]

I�ve been eyeing that bike, too. Unfortunately, it is not a two-up bike, unless your passenger is an Italian supermodel. Also, the $1,500 saddlebags look a bit lame. I think my Norge is much better bike, but I do love thinking about the Ducati SuperSport! (I wish I�d kept my Ducati ST2...)

I did keep my ST2... and one of each of the previous generations of 900SS.  Experience has shown that it's generally the better idea for me to keep motorcycles

[keener]

Buy it     Lovely bike and i think the best of  what Ducati is all about in a Sporting  bike you could light tour on one no problem..
I toured on a 1992 SS years ago and loved it , the new one looks to be even more comfy ..
 

[LowRyter]

Nice bike in a versatile format. What�s not to like?

the mirrors shake and the bag option is a little disappointing. 

And then there's the service costs.

I wouldn't say that they are deal breakers but they are the least appealing features. 

[Scud]

I sat on the new 900SS when I picked up chain and sprockets for my ST3. It looks like a great bike, if you're willing to spend for new. I'm sure pleased with my Ducati ST3 (recently acquired via trade with a WG member). I would much rather have a passenger and tour on the ST3 than try to make the 900SS into a sport-tourer.

[SmithSwede]

Pretty bike.   But for some reason, I’ve always though Ducatis were supposed to be air cooled.  Seems weird for them to have a radiator

[paulbr]

Pretty bike.   But for some reason, I�ve always though Ducatis were supposed to be air cooled.  Seems weird for them to have a radiator

I've always thought motorcycles were supposed to be air cooled. But sadly, it's the way of the world. So can't afford it to be a deal breaker.

[GuzziChris]

Have you sat on the SS? I really like them as well, but my one gripe is the frame joint that hits me right on the inside of the knee when I grip the tank. Maybe my height and/or leg length is just the right combination for that, but it�s a bit uncomfortable.

I sat on it for a minute or two at the dealer, nice slight forward cant to the position (I do not like being back on my tailbone), pegs did not seem cramped, I liked it. Only potential issues I can see with the riding position is 1) I like a seat I can move around on, this one is more of a bucket and 2) my "boys" seemed to be crammed into the tank, I can imagine that in addition to the potential for discomfort, one would need to get some type of cover on the tank to avoid rubbing and scratches from your pants and jacket, etc....
Beautiful machine, but I'm waffling towards the T120 just as a better all around, do it all mount.