Break in Ride - First Impressions

I picked up my new SuperSport S on Saturday, June 10 and went on a break in ride on Sunday, June 11. I have had a number of different street bikes over the years ranging from a 2015 BMW S1000RR on the sporting end to a 2011 Harley Road Glide on the touring/cruiser end. Most of my riding centers on weekend rides through the New Mexico back roads ranging from about 250 to 500 mile days. While I try not to be careless or dangerous, most of my riding is at a good clip when conditions allow. I take the occasional 3-4 day rides through the Southwest once or twice a year. I have a 2016 BMW S1000XR which I regard as my touring and two-up bike.

I thought the SuperSport S would be an ideal bike for the kind of riding I do. My initial break in ride only re-enforced my impression.

Sunday's ride was 288 miles with 5.5 hours in the saddle. About 60 of those miles were on the interstate or four lane divided highway. The rest of the miles were on predominantly two lane rural roads ranging from good to awful condition. I averaged 48 mpg according to the bike's computer. I generally did not get above 6000 rpm with most of the ride between 3000 and 5000 rpm. I found that the bike handles extremely well. It has easy turn in, tracks predictably and that the suspension works well. The ergonomics work well for me. I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I kept the wind screen at the low position and had no problems with wind protection. After the ride I felt I could easily go another 100 miles.

Power was adequate for the roads I was on even though I avoided using the upper rpm range. I had no problems in quickly passing other vehicles which is one way I gauge a bike's performance. It is a hot bike from a temperature standpoint, although nothing as bad as my Panigale 899. Ambient temperatures varied throughout the day between the low 70s in the morning to high 90s in the late afternoon.

I noted a few glitches with the bike. The mirrors are useless unless you roll off the throttle and pull in the clutch. Also, I hit five or six false neutrals during the ride, usually between fourth and fifth and between fifth and sixth. The bike would always go into gear with an additional nudge, but it is disconcerting to miss shifts. I like the quick shifter, but I hope the missed shifts are not a persistent problem.

Apart from the two issues mentioned I am really happy with this bike. I have owned several Ducatis over the years and I am a big fan. For me this bike strikes a really good balance between sport and comfort. I look forward to properly wringing the bike out after the break in and the first service are complete.