Ducati’s entry-level sports bike, the Supersport, has been updated for the model year 2021, giving it a new name, a Euro-5 compliant engine and the latest electronics package.
Now known as the Supersport 950, the bike gets a newly designed full-LED headlight with daytime running lights and air intakes that give it a Panigale V4-esque fascia. On top of that, the fairings and side air vents have also been restyled after the flagship superbike.
Being a basic sports bike, the Supersport 950 offers a more upright riding position with the seat, handlebars and foot pegs all positioned so as not to strain the rider, while ensuring optimum control. While the seat is set at 810 mm, customers can opt to lower it by 20 mm with the available low seat.
Ducati has given the 937 cc Testastretta twin-cylinder engine all the necessary revisions to ensure that it complies with Euro 5 homologation. Despite this, the engine continues to produce a maximum output of 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. To squeeze more juice out of the engine, Ducati is offering a racing Akrapovic titanium exhaust system that reduces weight by 4.6 kg and increase mid-range power by 5%.
The electronics package has also been heavily revised with the addition of Bosch’s six-axis inertial platform that includes a Cornering ABS and EVO versions of the traction control, wheelie control and quickshift system. Riders get to choose from three riding modes – Sport, Touring and Urban – to fit their preferences.
As before, the Supersport 950 will be available in base and S guises. The latter adds a fully adjustable Ohlins suspension system and a passenger seat cover.
PRESS RELEASE
The world of racing competition has always been a source of inspiration for Ducati, performance is in fact in the company’s DNA in all forms. The SuperSport 950 is the right bike to bring sporty riding into everyday life, without having to compromise, especially in terms of comfort. For 2021 the model has been revised in design, enriched with electronic equipment and gear, as well as becoming compliant with the Euro 5 anti-pollution legislation.
The aesthetic link between SuperSport 950 and Panigale V4 is now even stronger. The front view is defined by the new full-LED headlight supported by two fins and flanked by two air intakes that widen the view. The DRL clearly recalls the sharp luminous signature of the Panigale V4 and is made thanks to a refined opal that diffuses the light evenly.
The fairings have been redesigned to accentuate the sportiness of the bike and the fluidity of the shapes. The air vents coming from the water radiator are inspired by the double extractor of the Panigale V4 models but revisited in a racy yet more elegant form.
The genetic makeup of the SuperSport 950 is that of a true sports bike with single-sided swingarm, a trellis frame fixed to the engine that acts as a stressed element to reduce weight and bulk, ergonomics with raised handlebars for greater control even with the passenger, seat revised to maximize rider comfort through greater longitudinal usability, multi adjustable suspension, three-spoke “Y” aluminium wheels and Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3 tyres, radial master cylinders for brake and clutch and high performance Brembo braking system with double 320 mm disc for a dry weight of 184 kg.
Electronics is one of the areas most affected by the development of the new SuperSport 950, equipped with electronic controls based on information from Bosch’s 6-axis inertial platform, capable of instantly detecting roll, yaw and pitch angle of the motorcycle in the space. The electronic package consists of Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Wheelie Control and Electronic Shifting. The adjustment of the electronic settings, as well as the Riding Modes (Sport, Touring, Urban) is done through the menu of the new 4.3” full-TFT display with graphics and interface inspired by that of the Panigale family.
The SuperSport 950 is available in red and, for those who want a more refined chassis, the S version is available in “Ducati Red” and “Arctic White Silk”. The SuperSport 950 S is equipped with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension and passenger seat cover. Deliveries of the new SuperSport 950 and SuperSport 950 S will begin soon. Both variants, configurations and accessories are subject to local market availability. Please contact your nearest dealer for further information.
