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We tested the Ducati SuperSport 950 S: a versatile 110 hp motorcycle that is also solvent on the track
We tested the Ducati SuperSport 950 S: a versatile 110 hp motorcycle that is also solvent on the track

Video: We tested the Ducati SuperSport 950 S: a versatile 110 hp motorcycle that is also solvent on the track

Video: We tested the Ducati SuperSport 950 S: a versatile 110 hp motorcycle that is also solvent on the track
Video: 2022 Ducati Supersport 950s Review - A fast but friendly sportsbike for the road 2024, March
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The Ducati SuperSport 950 has been renewed. Borgo Panigale's brand-entry sports car opens a new chapter with the arrival of a new variant in 2021, one that looks more like the Panigale but retains the same versatile spirit and the same passionate DNA.

In view is that the Ducati SuperSport 950 has gained even more resemblance towards the Panigale family, but there are more changes aimed at improving ergonomics and comfort, but without giving up on being a motorcycle suitable to also enter the circuit, and that is precisely where we have tested it.

Ductati SuperSport 950 S: sporting heritage

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 031
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 031

It is not normal, but from Ducati they decided to summon us at the Vallelunga Circuit for the presentation of the new Ducati SuperSport 950. We assumed that it would be a nerve center to go out on a route through the area and perhaps do a round on the circuit, as happened with the previous model, in his case at the Monteblanco Circuit.

Not at all. Ducati's intention was very different in this case, trying to focus this first contact on the sportier side of the SuperSport 950. A use that the brand has wanted to emphasize in the face of potential buyers.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 041
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 041

But why circuit? The Ducati SuperSport 950 by approach picks up the baton of a saga dating back to 1974. Relatively simple motorcycles, with sporting aspirations but without becoming radical motorcycles. Beautiful, versatile motorcycles suitable for almost any use that made the Ducati sporting heritage their own.

In reality the SuperSport 950 is a sport motorcycle concept that has been lost for a long time. That of motorcycles with contained power, low weight and a good part of the cycle that serve both to ride quietly with a passenger on the road and to enter the circuit with guarantees. Anyone can do the first, but the second is what Ducati called us for. Can you ride a circuit with guarantees without taking a superbike? The answer is yes.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 045
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 045

Also, on a personal basis, years ago, I myself had a 2001 Ducati 750 SS (SuperSport), the first injection. A slim bike with suggestive lines inspired by the Ducati Supermono, two of the first bikes designed at Ducati by Pierre Terblanche. Finding myself again with that same spirit leaves a special flavor.

Aesthetically, the Ducati SuperSport 950 has changed. Not much, but he is different, and he has won quite a few integers. Now its aesthetic is much more like the Panigale, with headlights that are no longer divided, leaving a cleaner look and giving it that seductive Panigale air. A change more than successful.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 059
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 059

Next to the headlights, new air channels are started, and it is that the aerodynamics has played a fundamental role when it comes to renewing this bike. The side panels now include dual gills that are intended to better dissipate hot air away from the rider. The mirrors with LED indicators are also new, although almost identical to the old ones.

At the rear there are no changes, with the same slim tail that was used before, the headlight integrated in the nose and the license plate holder with the indicators. In the lower part, they continue to entrust a single-sided swingarm that gives a more than captivating air to this Italian and that is complemented by the brief double exit exhaust on the right side. Perhaps one of the design points for improvement.

The screen is adjustable in two positions 50 mm apart, manually and without the need for a tool. A good point in its favor, although it must be recognized that as in the outgoing model (the dimensions are the same) it did not divert the air too much and you have to look for the guard by bending over the tank.

Ease, accessibility and balance

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 080
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 080

A little further back is another of the novelties of the SuperSport 950. The seat is new, with a design that has been completely changed, or so Ducati says. To check this, as soon as we could, we put our butt on the new padding and we verified that, indeed, both the touch and the shape are different.

It is more pleasant, the insertion with the legs is more natural and favors a comfortable posture at your controls. The feel is much better, having been inspired by the seat of the new Ducati Streetfighter V4, a motorcycle that we found to have a surprisingly comfortable seat. By the way, the pattern of the upholstery and the seams have been varied to give an air of a more premium point.

By the way, his height remains the same, positioned at 810 mm from the ground, allowing us to reach the ground quite well with our 170 cm height thanks to a central part that is very narrow.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 052
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 052

At the controls of the Ducati SuperSport 950 we are very struck by the semi-handlebars. They are anchored above the seatpost and very high, which leaves us with a pretty nice posture and that it was already good before. Now with the new seat it does nothing but improve and it is relatively rested for a sport bike.

Ahead we have a dashboard that is also a novelty in this model. The previous monochrome display gives way to a 4.3 inch TFT color panel. It is a change that really suits the model to modernize it and that opens the door to a slightly more advanced electronics than before, although we are not going to anticipate events. What it does have are graphics in the style of those used in the Panigale V4 and a simple and intuitive operation that is done from the left pineapple.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 020
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 020

Actually, we are more interested in the right pineapple at the moment, where the start button is. So we hit it and let the motor come to life to treat our ears to a pretty powerful sound. At this point we are still surprised by how Ducati is able to continue to approve motorcycles that sound so much and so good, against the tightness that Euro5 is putting us through.

Obviously, the implementation in 2021 of this new stage in emissions regulations has been the main motivation for the facelift suffered by the SuperSport 950, enclosing the fundamental change in the model under its fairing.

The engine remains the same, a two-cylinder in vee at 90º (or in ele, as you prefer) Testastretta 11º that cubes 937 cubic centimeters. Exactly the same as before, but to which a series of changes have been introduced to adapt it to its new, more respectful role with the environment.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 071
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 071

We went out to ride (remember, on the track) and the position seemed very comfortable for a sports bike. From what we mentioned before, because it is not a sports bike, but a motorcycle with sports DNA, which is not the same. The ergonomics are comfortable, with the footrests relatively low and not too far back, the hands high without burdening the forearms and the butt located in a wide and soft seat.

It is a friendly environment, outside and inside. By twisting the right fist we find a forceful delivery, as a good two-cylinder that is close to a liter of displacement, but being suitable for all audiences.

The first question is whether the engine is sufficient to run on the track, and the answer is yes. Lately we have focused too much on ultra sports bikes to ride on the track, and this Ducati SuperSport 950 is a perfectly valid option for someone who is starting in the Ducati sports saga and wants to try, or someone who is already back in the world of motorcycles and know that you don't need more power to have fun.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 001
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 001

In figures this engine offers 110 hp and 93 Nm of torque, some figures slightly different from the previous ones: 113 CV and 93 Nm of torque. Is this loss of power noticeable in practice? No. What's more, the changes have focused on improving the torque curve and now offers better delivery in the mid-range.

From 3,500 rpm we have more than 80% of the maximum torque available, with more than one 90% between 5,000 and 9,000 rpm. It is a very elastic engine and it shows, leaving us the choice of tracing some corners in second or third gear indistinctly, depending on the riding style or with which one makes us feel more comfortable.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 047
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 047

It is true that both in the lower zone and when reaching the cutoff of the red line the engine empties slightly, so it is best to play with the mid-range and take advantage of that good strip of push.

This is helped by a six-speed gearbox that has been redesigned to offer a more precise operation and easier to find the neutral, including also as standard in both the normal version and the S bi-directional semi-automatic shift.

As usual in Ducati, the SuperSport 950 equipped with these gadgets acquires a precise operation and that helps us to a less stressful sporty driving by forgetting about the clutch. The system works well although it is true that we find some strange reductions in reductions, like a false stalemate.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 005
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 005

As a complement, the clutch system has also been changed using from now on a hydraulic drive instead of the previous wired one. The left lever gains in feel and operating quality when using a Brembo radial pump.

What has hardly changed in the whole has been the cycle part, and it would not make much sense. The Ducati SuperSport 950 S was already very well assembled so far, so that aspect has remained unchanged.

In demanding driving on the circuit, we have been able to see how the chassis continues to be one of the strengths of this model. It's a Trellis type multitubular frame made of steel that grips the engine by the cylinder heads and uses it as a structural element.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 049
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 049

This brand of the house chassis and painted in red this time joins for the S version a set of suspensions well above the average. A robust inverted fork is mounted on the front axle Öhlins 48 mm and at the rear a monoshock from the same Swedish specialist.

Chassis, fork and monoshock achieve a result that is difficult to improve on any other motorcycle in the sport segment with around 100 hp. His demeanor is extremely noble and precise, without having the harsh feel of a typical sports bike. It is a delight to notice how these suspensions work, which dampens and, at the same time, support the whole in a curve and allow us to pull the bike decisively when cornering.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 002
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 002

The braking section also remains intact, with a 320mm front double disc bitten by Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial brake calipers and commanded by a radial brake pump of the same brand. Its touch is precise and dosable, more focused on the road than on the track, but strong enough and also consistent. They did not lose performance during the day.

In the electronic section there are also modifications for this new Ducati SuperSport 950. Now the series is added as standard. Bosch six-axis IMU inertial measurement platform. For starters there are three riding modes: Urban, Sport and Touring.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 066
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 066

These modes act on a series of driving aids that include Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO, ABS with cornering anti-lock function … An electronic arsenal redesigned with respect to the previous generation and that helps us maintain control of the bike at all times without perceiving a great intrusion except when the front wheel tried to take off at the exit of the slowest change of direction in Vallelunga.

Ducati SuperSport 950 S: access to Ducati sports shoes is very premium

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 006
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 006

It must be said that Vallelunga is a somewhat special circuit. It's an old-school layout with a very fast fast zone, linked corners in sixth, fast and wide supports and an extremely slow zone. All seasoned with grade changes, blind curves and chicanes. Quite difficult to learn but with a good asphalt.

In this environment we could see how the SuperSport 950 S is an easy bike. From the first moment we were able to feel comfortable at their controls and enjoy the experience of such a complex track, contributing a lot of confidence and without the stress of an overly powerful engine.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 090
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 090

It has enough power to have fun on the track in the hands of experts without embarrassing those who do not have too many hands but want to live an experience with guarantees. The solidity of the cycle part for its part is enviable.

In general terms, the SuperSport 950 S is an easy motorcycle for all audiences, a sensation that is also accentuated by its fairly contained size and a weight that, without being the lightest, remains at a regular rate with 184 kg dry and 210 kg in running order.

After having tested it exclusively on the track (for now), it must be recognized that the position is clearly more focused on road use. Yes, the ergonomic configuration allows us to move easily, but the semi-handlebars are too high in circuit for our taste. Lower handlebars would make more sense if it were a sports bike, but it doesn't make sense either.

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 092
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 092

Putting the Ducati SuperSport 950 S in context is not too easy a task because the sport segment is somewhat neglected. We could only face it more or less directly with the Honda CBR650R (9,250 euros) and the new Aprilia RS 660 (11,350 euros).

In both cases the Ducati SuperSport 950 is more expensive, since the basic version starts from 13,990 euros and the SuperSport 950 S goes up to 15,790 euros in red and 15,990 euros in the spectacular white color that we have tested. This surcharge is justified by a much better equipped cycle part, superior finishes and a very good electronic section (although the Aprilia has more options).

Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 003
Ducati Supersport 950 2021 Test 003

The list of optional equipment as always in Ducati is really extensive, but highlights one escape line signed by Akrapovic and made of titanium with a double raised outlet that sounds like glory. Of course, they are not cheap (2,356.06 euros) nor are they approved for road use.

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 - Rating

7.3

Motor 7 Vibrations 7 Change 6 Stability 8 Agility 8 Front suspension 8 Rear suspension 7 Front brake 8 Back brake 6 Pilot comfort 7 Passenger comfort N / A Consumption N / A Finishes 8 Esthetic 8

In favor

  • More aggressive and attractive design
  • Enough motor
  • Premium cycle part
  • Ease and versatility

Against

  • Low dosage rear brake
  • Some strange reaction from the change
  • Lean aerodynamic protection
  • Raised position semi-handlebars on track
  • Ducati SuperSport 950 2021 - Technical sheet

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    Topics

    • Sports
    • Testing area
    • Ducati
    • Ducati Supersport

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