Quick notes
- The Triumph Street Triple RS, on the other hand, has a more muscular and muscular appearance, with a compact and purposeful stance.
- In terms of availability, the Ducati Supersport is more widely available in the United States, while the Triumph Street Triple RS is more common in Europe.
- Both bikes offer excellent handling, but the Ducati Supersport feels slightly more planted and stable at high speeds, while the Triumph Street Triple RS is more agile and flickable in tight corners.
The Ducati Supersport and the Triumph Street Triple RS are two of the most celebrated middleweight sportbikes on the market. Both machines offer thrilling performance, sharp handling, and distinctive styling. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Ducati Supersport against the Triumph Street Triple RS to help you make an informed decision.
Engine Performance
The Ducati Supersport boasts a liquid-cooled, 937cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 110 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. The Triumph Street Triple RS, on the other hand, is powered by a liquid-cooled, 765cc triple-cylinder engine that generates 121 horsepower and 58 lb-ft of torque.
While the Triumph has a slight advantage in horsepower, the Ducati’s torque advantage gives it superior low-end grunt and acceleration out of corners. Both bikes offer smooth power delivery and responsive throttle response.
Handling and Suspension
The Ducati Supersport features a trellis frame with a fully adjustable Sachs suspension. The Triumph Street Triple RS utilizes a cast aluminum frame with a fully adjustable Showa suspension.
Both bikes provide excellent handling, with the Ducati feeling slightly more planted and stable at high speeds. The Triumph, however, offers a slightly more agile and flickable feel, making it easier to maneuver in tight corners.
Braking
The Ducati Supersport comes equipped with Brembo calipers and dual 320mm discs up front, along with a single 245mm disc at the rear. The Triumph Street Triple RS uses Nissin calipers and dual 310mm discs up front, as well as a single 220mm disc at the rear.
Both bikes offer excellent braking performance, with the Ducati providing slightly more feel and feedback. However, the Triumph’s ABS system is more sophisticated and provides better intervention when needed.
Electronics
The Ducati Supersport features a comprehensive electronics suite, including traction control, wheelie control, and a quickshifter. The Triumph Street Triple RS also offers a range of electronic aids, including traction control, ABS, ride modes, and a quickshifter.
Both bikes have user-friendly electronics that can be customized to suit your riding style and preferences. However, the Ducati’s electronics package is slightly more advanced and offers more adjustability.
Styling
The Ducati Supersport is a sleek and aggressive-looking machine, with sharp lines and a distinctive single-sided swingarm. The Triumph Street Triple RS, on the other hand, has a more muscular and muscular appearance, with a compact and purposeful stance.
Both bikes are visually appealing, but the Ducati’s Italian flair gives it a slight edge in terms of style.
Price and Availability
The Ducati Supersport has a starting price of $13,495, while the Triumph Street Triple RS starts at $12,995. Both bikes are available in a range of colors and options.
In terms of availability, the Ducati Supersport is more widely available in the United States, while the Triumph Street Triple RS is more common in Europe.
The Verdict: Which Bike is Right for You?
The Ducati Supersport and the Triumph Street Triple RS are both excellent middleweight sportbikes with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re looking for a bike with superior torque, advanced electronics, and a distinctive Italian style, the Ducati Supersport is the better choice.
However, if you prioritize horsepower, agile handling, and a more affordable price point, the Triumph Street Triple RS is the more suitable option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and see which one feels better suited to your riding style and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which bike is faster?
A: The Triumph Street Triple RS has a slight advantage in horsepower, giving it a higher top speed.
Q: Which bike has better handling?
A: Both bikes offer excellent handling, but the Ducati Supersport feels slightly more planted and stable at high speeds, while the Triumph Street Triple RS is more agile and flickable in tight corners.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable?
A: The Triumph Street Triple RS has a more upright riding position, making it more comfortable for longer rides.
Q: Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Triumph Street Triple RS has a slightly lower starting price than the Ducati Supersport.
Q: Which bike has better electronics?
A: The Ducati Supersport has a more advanced electronics package, with more adjustability and features.
