Why did I buy an ageing Ducati 1000 Supersport a year or so ago? Well, I suppose it was simply to replace the Suzuki race bike. Despite owning it for several years, I never actually got around to racing it, but I certainly enjoyed plenty of track days on it, both at home and abroad. The Ducati was bought partly to continue scratching that track-day itch, but also to provide something I could enjoy legally on the road for fun days out. If you're interested in the full story behind the purchase, you can read more here "Something Italian and V-Twin"
After enjoying a few sunny miles on it last year, the time came to find out what this old 85 bhp, air-cooled machine could do on track. A service took care of the basics, with fresh oil, filters and new cam belts and thanks to the team at TwoTyres, I opted for a pair of Metzeler M9 RR tyres. They're not dedicated track tyres, more a fast road and occasional track-day option, which suits the intended use of the bike perfectly.
Final preparations included a last-minute repair to the lower fairing and putting together a basic tool kit. I could easily have ridden to Brands Hatch, but that would have meant leaving behind the table, chairs, food, drinks and various tools. Taking the van was simply the more practical option, especially if the day didn't end quite as planned!
After the briefing, noise testing and final checks were complete, it was time for the first session. As always, that began with a couple of steady sighting laps behind the instructors to reacquaint ourselves with the circuit before things got underway properly. The Ducati immediately surprised me, through the gears it felt quicker than expected, the brakes were strong and confidence-inspiring, they weren't quite on the same level as the Suzuki's race-spec setup, but a good feel on the lever and remained consistent throughout the day.
The tyres really came alive during the second session, offering excellent feel and grip. Only once did I stray over the limit, briefly losing the front, but it recovered almost instantly. The rest of the day continued in much the same vein: good pace, growing confidence and plenty of smiles.
The Duke felt planted and stable throughout the day. There was the occasional hint of movement over some of the circuit's bumps, but nothing concerning and certainly nothing to suggest any immediate changes to the chassis setup.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was how I felt at the end of the day. I completed every session and maintained a decent pace throughout, yet climbed off feeling far fresher than I expected. Maybe the Ducati's more relaxed nature compared with the Suzuki helped offset the additional ten years that have passed since my GSX-R days.
Finally, a huge thank you to Andy, who meticulously stripped and refreshed the bike a couple of years ago. Judging by how it performed at Brands Hatch, he did an excellent job.
Loaded ready to go!
Garage 27 was our office for the day!
Waiting to get going!
The garage was nice social space, thank you all for your support and help.
Smiles alround!
Really pleased with how this Road Sports bike went on track!
Old bloke on an old bike at an old circuit!
The Metzeler M9-RR's gave good feel and grip.
Wear rate is excellent too! Yes, I like the M9-RR's.
Just as the day started, bike is in the van and all in one piece, nice!
Some comparisons - Ducati 1000SS v Suzuki GSXR-750 (both bikes are 2003 machines)
Engine: A lazy, air-cooled, two-valves-per-cylinder, 85 bhp 90° V-twin versus a screaming liquid-cooled, twin-cam, 16-valve, 139 bhp inline-four. The Suzuki was dyno-tested a couple of times and had a seriously strong motor!
Weight: Almost as it left the factory at 199 kg versus a race-prepared and stripped-back 178 kg.
Chassis: The Ducati remains close to standard, with only revised springs for fast-road riding. The Suzuki was trimmed to the bare minimum, with race-spec Öhlins suspension front and rear.
Pace at Brands Hatch: Around 61-second laps versus sub-53-second laps. There are several factors behind that difference, not just the 54 bhp and 21 kg advantages enjoyed by the Suzuki, I'm older, a little heavier, the GSX-R ran Michelin slicks, and it was set up specifically for fast track use. Even so, losing only eight seconds or so per lap came as a pleasant surprise.
The Ducati felt less manic than the Suzuki. Softer, certainly, and considerably more comfortable. That's no bad thing these days, as I'm not 50 anymore.
So where to next? Perhaps a run to the coast for an ice cream... sorry, a gelato!
