SPORTSBIKE VS SUPERNAKED - WHICH is FASTER?

It’s a question that needs answering. With a chunk of help from Ducati, Pirelli and a certain BSB star, we pitched one of the finest sportsbikes on the market against its technically similar supernaked sibling.

- BRUCE, CHRISTIAN IDDON  

Let’s be honest, we all like a bit of rivalry in our lives. Be it an egg and spoon race, a cage fight, or a hit of motorcycle racing – each and every discipline can leave us hooked, shouting at the TV and desperately anticipating our favoured outcome. Through competition, we are able to categorically cut through the crap, crowning the rightful winner with the adoration and praise they’re deserving of. In my book, and as my uncle always used to tell me, it’s not about the taking part… it’s about the winning. Admittedly, I’ve not known a great deal about reaching the top step of the podium in my 36 years, but a mate of mine has – Christian Iddon. The BSB star’s racing accolades are too long to list, but needless to say he’s a talent on two-wheels, especially when it comes to pedalling a Panigale fast around a race track, which is how the idea came about to use his riding skills and analytical expertise to help settle a question we’ve been pondering for some time now: sportsbike or supernaked – which is faster?

I know, it’s an obvious one, right! Sportsbike. It’s got to be, because that’s the way it’s always been. The thing is, even just a few years ago I’d bet my house on that eventuality, but times are changing and the one-time sideline supernakeds of yesterday are fast becoming the main course.