Oldest and Newest Supersport

2285 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Derek, Aug 15, 2017

mercer854

Discussion Starter · Aug 6, 2017

After a group breakfast ride to show off the new Supersport I set out to run up some leisurely miles on my own. After passing by the last fuel stop before leaving old US11 for the backroads I changed my mind and returned to fill the tank and empty the bladder before leaving the comforts of civilization.

As I approached the pumps I slammed the brakes on when I realized I was looking at a first generation Ducati 900SS!! Its owner (original owner) Fred, had been riding home on I-81 to Pennsylvania from a Ducati rally in Tennessee when he also made an impulsive decision to get off the Interstate for fuel right then.

We each had passed up another gas station to arrive here within seconds of each other...spooky!? So to show our respect for the Karmic forces that caused this meeting we took a few pictures before pressing on in the opposite directions we had been traveling.

Two Supersports; the original and its latest namesake:

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mercer854

Discussion Starter · #2 · Aug 6, 2017

O.K. Someone's bound to notice, so I'll admit: This 'original generation' 900SS was actually the second year, a 1975 'square case'.

Pressing on, I had to snap a picture crossing the James River. Indulge me, the weather and scenery were too perfect:

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DucatiAngel

· #3 · Aug 7, 2017

Super amazing experience, and nice pics

thank you for sharing

Drudi Blessings

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Ducatty

· #4 · Aug 7, 2017

Second year is still impressive to meet at a random gas station and your pictures look amazing.

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melba

· #5 · Aug 7, 2017

Very different - but both totally awesomely beautiful - Nice pics, well done

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Ed K

· #6 · Aug 14, 2017

mercer854 said:
After a group breakfast ride to show off the new Supersport I set out to run up some leisurely miles on my own. After passing by the last fuel stop before leaving old US11 for the backroads I changed my mind and returned to fill the tank and empty the bladder before leaving the comforts of civilization.

As I approached the pumps I slammed the brakes on when I realized I was looking at a first generation Ducati 900SS!! Its owner (original owner) Fred, had been riding home on I-81 to Pennsylvania from a Ducati rally in Tennessee when he also made an impulsive decision to get off the Interstate for fuel right then.

We each had passed up another gas station to arrive here within seconds of each other...spooky!? So to show our respect for the Karmic forces that caused this meeting we took a few pictures before pressing on in the opposite directions we had been traveling.

Two Supersports; the original and its latest namesake:

What are your thoughts about the panniers?

And do you remove the brackets when not using panniers?

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mercer854

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 14, 2017

Ed K said:
What are your thoughts about the panniers?

And do you remove the brackets when not using panniers?

Well, other than the usurious price, I like them. I'm gradually accepting that 'versatility' means that the Supersport will never be the touring bike the ST is, nor the trackbike the RC51 is. Apples and oranges I suppose.

I actually think the bags improve the looks of the bike. :surprise: To my eye the Supersport has one really good angle aesthetically, and that's from the right rear quarter looking forward. The rest looks a bit unfinished to me...where's the belly pan of the track bike e.g.? Where's the rear fender of the touring bike?

If I keep the bike long term I'll hang a conventional rear fender below that bizarre arm right to the license plate. That and conventional 'Superbike' bars will complete the street package for me.

Oh, and I even left the mounts on while on the track. I didn't want anyone to think this was a Panigale. :wink2:

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