DUCATI 620 SPORT (2002 - 2003) Review

Cosmetic and engine update from the long running SS family of sports-retro Ducatis. The entry level Ducati 620 Sport was never a big seller and wasn’t on offer for long. It’s not that fast or comfy but it handles well. Afflicted by the old Italian glitches but a cheap way into Ducati motorcycle ownership.

Sporty fun in a bouncy, skittish way. Suspension isn’t as sophisticated as the larger capacity motorcycles in Ducati’s Super Sport family but the Ducati 620 Sport is still a tidy mover on smooth roads and tracks. Twin front discs are a big improvement over the previous Ducati 600SS model.

The Ducati 620 Sport has just enough power to keep things entertaining. Fuel injection and a slightly bigger capacity make it much more lively than the wheezy Ducati 600SS. Unfortunately competition in this sector is stiff – Suzuki’s SV650 is stronger at any revs and easier to use too. Air cooling and two-valves per cylinder means traditional charm though.

Not good compared to most modern Ducatis. Electrical gremlins are common – the starter circuit seems particularly prone to problems. Issue with the trim and fit are quite frequent with the Ducati 620 Sport too. Major engine disasters seem thankfully rare and it’s an easy motorcycle to work on.

You have to want the badge. There’s all sorts of superb motorcycles on offer in the ‘budget’ 600 class and most are faster and better built than the Duke. Suzuki’s SV650S is a clearly superior choice – if you must buy the Ducati 620 Sport, get a cherished bike with full service history. Find a Ducati 620 Sport for sale.

Not a huge amount but the Ducati 620 Sport is a minimalist retro sports motorcycle, so what do you expect? The riding position’s less comfortable than many pure sports motorcycles which is disappointing. A half faired version of the Ducati 620 Sport cost £5000 when new – the fully faired version was £5250.