2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Ducati Red) (Ducati/)

Ups

• Updated electronics with Bosch six-axis IMU at the controls
• New windshield and seat enhance comfort
• A versatile and practical everyday machine with fantastic composure on the track

Downs

• Lost a few horsepower due to the Euro 5 switch
• It’s not as powerful, light, or racy as the Panigale V2, but rather is a practical daily ride (see note above), which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Verdict

The Ducati Supersport 950 proves that sportbikes don’t have to sacrifice comfort. With updates to the seat, windshield, bodywork, and electronics, this Ducati is a realistic daily and trackday machine.

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Arctic White Silk) (Ducati/)

Overview

Providing a nice blend of comfort and sportiness with its upright ergos, adjustable windshield, memory-foam-padded seat, and a 110 hp (claimed) Testastretta engine wrapped in aggressive, new bodywork, the latest Ducati SuperSport is designed to be an everyday racer.

Updates for 2021

The SuperSport gets a refresh for 2021. The revamped styling gives it a Panigale-like aggressiveness with a new front fairing and new side fairings. A new windshield offers two height adjustability and a new memory foam-padded seat are comfort-forward amenities.

The SuperSport’s 937cc engine receives minor internal updates to meet Euro 5 emission standards. The clutch is now hydraulically actuated as well. Finally, the SuperSport adopts a six-axis Bosch IMU that manages traction control, wheelie control, and ABS rider-aid functions, which can be accessed via a new 4.3-inch TFT dashboard.

Pricing and Variants

The SuperSport 950 starts at $13,495, with the S version coming in at $15,795 for Ducati Red and $16,195 for Arctic White Silk. The S model comes upgraded with a 48mm Öhlins fork and Öhlins shock, while the base model utilizes a 43mm Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950/S is powered by the 937cc Testastretta 11º L-twin. On both short straights or tight sections, the L-twin performed well. In his First Ride Review, Bruno dePrato reported: “The engine is strong; 120 mph was easily reached even with the relatively short straight at my disposal. The flexibility and density of low-rpm torque made it easy to fully exploit the bike on corner exits. Sport mode settings are perfect for everyday use on dry surfaces. For a final check on the flexibility of the 937cc Testastretta 11 engine I took a full lap, including some rather tight sections, using only sixth gear. Even when the engine was down to nearly 2,000 rpm, torque was adequate to move the bike along comfortably, with no shuddering or coughing.”

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Ducati Red) (Ducati/)

Handling

With load shifted forward over the clip-on handlebars for sporty riding, but a relatively long wheelbase, the SuperSport S “feel[s] stable rounding full-blast 100-mph corners, yet it remains agile in very tight maneuvers at walking speed. It’s like no other Ducati I can remember,” dePrato wrote.

Brakes

Braking is done by Brembo components on both model versions with two 320mm discs and four-piston Monoblock calipers (front) and 245mm disc and two-piston caliper (rear).

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Arctic White Silk) (Ducati/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Claimed fuel consumption for the SuperSports is 100 kilometers/5.6 liters (62 miles/1.5 gallons or 41.3 mpg).

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Mr. dePrato commented on the ergos of the 950 S, writing: “The clip-ons are set at the right height for comfort, but also ensure a rational sport-riding posture with plenty of load bias to the front.” When a long trackday ends with no aches and pains, that is a testament to the friendly riding position. The new memory-foam seat also adds to the comfort factor.

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Arctic White Silk) (Ducati/)

Electronics

The Ducati’s Bosch IMU works with the rest of the electronics suite which includes cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. A clutchless bidirectional (up and down) quickshifter also comes standard as do three ride modes (Sport, Touring, and Urban). Navigating through these settings can be done via the 4.3-inch TFT display and switches on the left handlebar.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is included for either the base or S models.

Quality

Practical, comfortable, versatile, and pure-bred Ducati. The SuperSport 950 and SuperSport 950 S are two models that have Panigale looks with a focus on everyday comforts.

2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 S (Ducati Red) (Ducati/)

Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com