Ducati SuperSport 950 S

Built:2021-242021202220232024

At its presentation at the EICMA 2016, the SuperSport was promptly voted the most beautiful motorcycle of the fair. Fortunately, the 2021 update does not change the beauty of this race bike, but Ducati has significantly increased its equipment. We tested the new SuperSport in the S version and found a lot of light, but also little shadow.

That's how she stands there

The differences between the S and the standard are quickly enumerated: The S comes with Öhlins suspension and pillion seat cover - that's about it. It costs 15,890 euros and thus 2,500 euros more than the standard. In our opinion, a pretty hefty surcharge, especially since the normal SuperSport 950 with Marzocchi fork and Sachs strut suspension is not bad either. However, there is another tiny difference: only the S is available in snow white. In Ducati red, of course, there are both versions, but at least our author Dietmar thinks that the SuperSport looks extremely noble, especially in white.

Unlike the new Monster, Ducati has left many things in the SuperSport 950 as is actually typical for a Duc: tubular frame at the front, single-arm swingarm, 3-fold Y-rim, quite loud double redness and of course the L-V2 with desmodromic valve control. However, these things were all already with the predecessor, so what's new with the 950?

First, there's the design. The new SuperSport visually moves even closer to the Panigale with its lateral gills. From the front extremely slim, she looks like a well-toned top-performance athlete, sinewy, muscular, elegant. Then there's the Brembo M4 brake system, which does an extremely good job. And then there is also the new TFT color display, which we already know from the new monster. The controls are similar and yet the operation seems easier to us than with the predecessor. The lighting is now contemporary in LED, the daytime running lights are standard. The engine and chassis, on the other hand, have hardly changed and the seating position and ergonomics are also largely identical. Weight, wheelbase, seat height, length etc. - everything as usual with the SuperSport.

Seat sample: Very sporty. The seating position is still more upright than a panigale, but you have to lean forward to include the surprisingly slim handles. The footrests are also further back than in "normal" sports tourers, so overall there is a sporty seating position with a sharp knee angle. Those who like to ride sporty will enjoy it, but for longer tours this iron is rather less suitable.