Story & photos by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
IT was a rainy night flung to a traffic-laden busy Metro. The evening was more probably well-spent indoors rather than braving the monstrous ruin out on the road. But the pride of brotherhood and the insatiable appetite for superbike engines were more than just any calamity, so to speak.
Recently, Ducati Philippines officially launched the Supersport. This light, yet versatile, sports bike for everyday roads was introduced to the media, friends and every Ducati nut right at the heart of the ever-industrious Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
“We are proud to introduce to you this Supersport,” Ducati Philippines CEO Toti Alberto said.
Aesthetically, this two-wheeled stunner is visually compact and seems to radiate those strong Panigale superbike overtones. It is said to be designed to be versatile, particularly in the streets, easy-to-ride on long straights and a joy in tights and bends. Thanks to Ducati’s Safety Pack (ABS Bosch and Ducati Traction Control).
This premium monster features relaxed rider and passenger positions, good airflow deflection long range from the 16-liter fuel tank. At the heart of this beast is a twin-cylinder 937 cc Testastretta 11-degree engine that delivers 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and torque that peaks at 96.7 N-m at 6,500 rpm while it is channeled through a six-speed transmission.
A full LCD display also shows all the essential information while one rides on the go. Among those displayed is the three Riding Modes: Sport, Touring and Urban for one’s blissful delight in whatever terrain the rider deems to thread. These Riding Modes can also be customized further if one yearns the radical, the extraordinaire. Not to mention covering miles and miles of dirt, asphalt and whatever adventure one might aspire to would not be a worry with its 16-liter fuel tank.
Available in two variants: the Supersport and the Supersport S, potential customers are given more options to boot. While only the S is offered in matte pearl white with race spec suspension in the front and rear. During the launch, the motorcycle company enticed the crowd with a wonderful cinematic creation of its noble prodigy that starred its brand ambassadors: artist and director Ludwig Peralta, businessman Nikki Romero and television personality Kim Atienza. In the short film, these superstars in their respective fields depicted their passion and devotion for their lines of work and how the Supersport perfectly fit into their professions and lifestyle.
“I can’t say anything more; it’s unexplainable. I’m speechless,” shared Peralta, who, himself, created the said video. For him, his intense ardor for the superbike was more expressed through genius articulation of the moving images.
“For me, the Ducati Supersport is like an impeccable work of art. It’s a masterpiece,” divulged Atienza, who was invigorated and impressed with the two-wheeled machine.
“Every time I ride it, it feels like I’m sitting on a masterpiece and the way it feels between my legs is just total bliss,” he added as he admittedly said that riding takes him away from all stress of his job.
With this, global Ducati executives can’t help but appreciate their love and passion for their products. Asia Pacific executives Enrico Remegio, Ducati Asia Pacific Area sales manager; Stefano Campaci, Ducati Asia Pacific Marketing and Events manager; and Marco Biondi, Ducati Asia Pacific general manager, for their part, handed over plaques of appreciation during the ceremony.
The Supersport is offered at P910,000, while the Supersport S is priced at P999,000.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes