2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 - now including V4 styling!

Reading time 16 Min.

Ducati's versatile street athlete now bears the name SuperSport 950 and comes with a revised look, refined electronics and a wealth of equipment features. At the same time, the new motorcycle meets the strict requirements of Euro 5 homologation. Four years after its launch, the design of the SuperSport 950 evolves thanks to the new fairings designed by the Ducati Style Center, which give the motorcycle more sportiness, dynamism, flowing forms and a strong and decisive resemblance to the Panigale V4. A new look that makes the SuperSport 950 the Ducati for younger customers looking for their first sports motorcycle. The side view of the SuperSport 950 with the air outlets shows a clear similarity to the Panigale V4 models. The lower cladding now extends to the side silencer and hides the mechanical components behind it. At the front, the cladding integrates two additional openings in addition to the headlights, which direct fresh air to the driver's legs and thus improve thermal comfort.

2021 Ducati Super Sport 950

The front view is dominated by a new full LED headlight with DRL, the light signature of which is reminiscent of the Panigale V4. The headlight is completed by two bifunctional LED modules for low beam and high beam, which create a symmetrical light pattern. The SuperSport 950 is powered by the 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11 ° twin-cylinder engine that has been redesigned to meet the Euro 5 standard. The modifications to the exhaust system and the engine management did not affect the powerful character of the engine, which still delivers a maximum of 110 hp at 9.000 rpm and a maximum torque of 93 Nm at 6.500 rpm. The oil bath clutch is now operated hydraulically via a radial pump with self-bleeding, an adjustable lever improves operation.

6-axis inertial platform from Bosch

The comprehensive electronics package of the SuperSport 950 uses the information from the 6-axis inertial platform from Bosch to record the roll, yaw and pitch angles of the motorcycle in space in real time. The electronics package includes: Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up / Down EVO as standard equipment for all versions and, more recently, the Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, which enhances the sporty character of the motorcycle underlines. The electronic systems are operated via the menu of the new 4.3 “TFT color display using graphics and user interfaces, which already guarantee a high level of user-friendliness in the Panigale series.

With these innovations, the SuperSport 950 not only gets a sportier appearance, it also offers more driving fun and is even easier, safer and more comfortable to drive thanks to a more extensive range of standard equipment. In addition, the SuperSport 950 benefits from the latest further development of the Ducati tubular space frame, which integrates the engine as a load-bearing element and accommodates an elegant light metal single-sided swing arm at the rear. The front axle is equipped with a Marzocchi USD fork with stanchions of 43 mm diameter, the rear axle with a Sachs shock absorber. The Brembo brake system includes radially attached monoblock four-piston fixed calipers M4-32, which act on two 320 brake discs and are operated by a self-bleeding radial pump with an adjustable lever. At the rear, the SuperSport 950 decelerates with a 245 mm disc and a two-piston brake caliper from Brembo. The three-spoke light alloy wheels in a sporty “Y” design are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso® III tires, 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear.

The SuperSport 950 series includes the even higher quality SuperSport 950 S, which is equipped with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension elements and a pillion seat cover. Both can be individually adapted using the Ducati Performance accessories catalog so that you can configure the motorcycle according to your taste and needs.

Design

Since its premiere, the SuperSport has enjoyed wide international recognition, which culminated in the award as the most beautiful motorcycle at EICMA 2016. One of the strengths of the Ducati street sports car has always been its dynamic style, optical compactness and elegant lines with proportions in the style of the Panigale super sports car. Four years later, the Ducati Style Center developed the design further without changing the basic concept. Thanks to the new cladding, side air inlets and the new LED headlights, the new SuperSport 950 has more sportiness and flowing forms as well as a strong and decisive similarity to the Panigale V4.

The completely redesigned cladding parts contribute significantly to the increased dynamics of the SuperSport 950. The side view benefits from elegant ventilation openings through which the hot exhaust air from the cooler can escape, similar to the Panigale V4. The rear outlets act as aesthetic covers and thus reinforce the impression of a narrow motorcycle. The lower fairing now extends to the silencer on the side and hides mechanical components, which gives the impression of a racing motorcycle.

The side panels, together with the elegant tank, form muscular shoulders around the tubular space frame, while the front panel connects the headlights with open air ducts both visually and functionally. From there, these guide cooling fresh air through two side openings to the driver's legs, thereby improving thermal comfort.

The front view is dominated by a new full-LED headlight with DRL daytime running lights, the light signature of which is reminiscent of the Panigale V4. The daytime running light DRL offers an extremely even light diffusion thanks to the ingenious construction with an opal. Two bifunctional LED modules for dipped and main beam are located in the headlight, which when switched on ensure a symmetrical look for the motorcycle. The two modules are embedded in a housing with a particularly high-quality finish, which makes this technological component unique.

The two-stage height-adjustable windshield of the SuperSport 950 is designed to be low in order to create streamlined and dynamic lines and still provides sufficient wind protection. The new TFT color display is perfectly integrated into the cockpit behind the windshield.

The full-length seat for the driver and front passenger, divided by contrasting seams, has been redesigned for greater seating comfort. This modification is characterized by a new sporty reference.

The side silencer with the outlets arranged one above the other is very compact. Its shape and the deep installation position promote the visual dynamics of the rear end by revealing the “Y” design of the rim, which also rotates in the same design at the front.

Ergonomics

The trio of ergonomics, wind protection and freedom of movement were of particular importance for the best comfort and greatest versatility while maintaining sporty driving behavior. The one-piece bench with a seat height of 810 mm (the deep bench option from the accessories offers 790 mm) allows a secure two-legged stance under all circumstances. The handlebar ends are positioned so that they allow a sporty posture, but without too much weight on the wrists to load. The footrests are attached in such a way that the knees are not stressed and that good vehicle control is still ensured.

The Plexiglas pane can be installed in two heights (50 mm apart) and provides the necessary wind protection at high speeds on the motorway. The larger tinted windshield from the range of accessories provides more protection. The driver's footrests, which are attached separately from the pillion rests, allow the pilot maximum freedom of movement thanks to the compact side silencer.

With this driver positioning, everyday life and medium-length tours can be mastered perfectly, while sporty driving fun is guaranteed when the pace increases.

The redesigned seat bench also contributes to optimized driving comfort, as does more effective heat shields, which allow less heat to penetrate from the exhaust to the driver and at the same time shield the cooling air flowing through the panel.

A generous distance from the footrests ensures driving comfort on the appropriately padded passenger seat. The seat bench with thicker padding (+25 mm) from the Ducati Performance accessories promises even more comfort for both driver and passenger, especially on longer trips. Separate handles from the accessories offer a better grip than the handles integrated as standard under the seat.

Testastretta 11 ° Euro 5 engine

The SuperSport 950 is powered by the 937 cm3 Ducati Testastretta 11 ° twin-cylinder, valued worldwide for its power delivery and responsiveness, which makes it the perfect engine for a sporty street motorcycle.

The Testastretta 11 ° drive of the SuperSport 950 has been revised to comply with the Euro 5 standard. However, the modifications to the exhaust system and engine management have not changed its character or the maximum power and torque values, which are still 110 hp at 9.000 rpm and 93 Nm at 6.500 rpm.

The engine gets its mixture through throttle valves with a diameter of 53 mm, controlled by a ride-by-wire system. It has four valves per cylinder, a secondary air system, liquid cooling, a compression ratio of 12,6: 1 with a bore / stroke ratio of 94 to 67,5 mm.

The exhaust gases pass through the 2-1-2 exhaust system with elbows of 54 mm outside diameter after they have passed the lower front silencer and the side rear silencer with two extremely compact outlets arranged one above the other.

To increase the engine performance or for a sportier look, two Akrapovic® exhaust systems made of titanium can be found in the accessories: a street-legal rear silencer with a heat shield made of carbon fiber and a racing system that reduces weight by 4,6 kg and increases performance in the middle speed range by five percent .

The six-speed gearbox has a special gear sensor that enables the SuperSport 950 series to be fitted with the advanced Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up / Down EVO as standard. The anti-hopping oil bath clutch is now operated hydraulically via a radial pump with self-bleeding; an adjustable lever improves operation. The anti-hopping function intervenes if, when braking hard before a curve and at the same time shifting down quickly, the relieved rear wheel could block due to the engine braking effect. The pressure on the clutch discs is reduced, the rear wheel is no longer braked, which means that driving stability is maintained despite sporty downshifts.

The maintenance intervals for the Ducati Twin are 15.000 km or twelve months, a valve clearance check is provided every 30.000 km.

Power and torque curves

The Ducati Testastretta 11 ° two-cylinder develops its torque evenly over a wide usable speed range, which gives it extremely spontaneous reactions to every turn of the throttle - especially important for a motorcycle that is mainly used on the road.

At 3.500 crankshaft revolutions per minute, 80% of the maximum torque is already available. With increasing speed, the pressure increases extremely linearly up to the peak of 93 Nm at 6.500 rpm. After this peak, the curve flattens only gently and always remains above 90% of the maximum torque up to 9.000 rpm when the nominal speed of the maximum output of 110 hp is reached.

For road use, this represents a high power reserve at all speeds, for powerful acceleration out of bends and fewer gear changes. The maximum output of 110 hp is fully available on the road and still gives you the good feeling of having everything under control.

Engine management and injection systems have been designed to match the characteristics of the two-cylinder unit specifically to use in the SuperSport. The electronic throttle valve control ensures a precise implementation of the driver's specifications on the engine, which supports the versatility of the SuperSport with a soft and always predictable response.

Suspension

The tubular space frame of the SuperSport 950 uses the engine as a structural, supporting element. The main frame is bolted to the cylinder heads, while the steel rear frame is fixed to the stationary cylinder. This configuration allows a very compact, lightweight frame with high torsional rigidity, which benefits the dynamic qualities of the SuperSport 950. The special frame construction with a load-bearing motor contributes to the low ready-to-drive weight of 210 kg, which is 1 kg less than the first SuperSport. The injection-molded front subframe, like the rear indicators, has been completely redesigned.

The wheelbase of 1.478 mm as well as the steering geometry with a steering head angle of 24 ° and 91 mm caster give the SuperSport 950 light-footed handling with effortless turning into bends, at the same time they stand for unswerving stability in bends and at high speeds. The moderate rear tire dimension of 180/55 represents the ideal combination of handiness and grip and ensures that this character of the SuperSport can be felt right from the start. With a maximum incline of 48 °, there are no limits to driving fun on the road, even on the racetrack that is enough to create convincing experiences.

The triple clamp of the SuperSport is dominated by an elegant two-part forged handlebar that sits above the steering head and therefore does not restrict access to the fork's adjustment mechanisms. The sporty appearance is completed by the new self-bleeding radial pumps for the front brake and clutch with a separate expansion tank.

The foot peg brackets made of die-cast aluminum accommodate the foot pegs, the profile design of which offers maximum support. The metal pegs can be exchanged for those with rubber pads, which are more suitable for use in the city. The driver's footrests come with heel guards made of aluminum, and the passenger footrests, which are directly connected to the rear subframe, can be removed in no time for a sportier look.

Under the bench next to the tool set there is a waterproof USB socket for charging a smartphone.

Spring elements

As it should be for a real Ducati, the SuperSport 950 is also equipped with adjustable spring elements and a single-sided swing arm made in light metal die casting. This is characterized by high rigidity and low weight, and it gives the motorcycle an attractive technical look.

The front wheel guidance is taken over by a 43 mm Marzocchi USD fork, fully adjustable in damping and preload. At the rear, a Sachs shock absorber takes care of it, positioned between the stationary cylinder and the single-sided swing arm, with adjustment options for preload and rebound damping.

The SuperSport 950 S, on the other hand, comes with elegant, multi-adjustable Öhlins spring elements. At the front, a fork with a 48 mm standpipe diameter and TiN coating ensures the best possible response, while at the rear a fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber with an integrated expansion tank.

The chassis equipment of both versions can be completed with an adjustable Öhlins steering damper

wheel and tires

The SuperSport 950 is equipped with three-spoke alloy wheels in the sporty “Y” design in the sizes 3.50 x 17 at the front and 5.50 x 17 at the rear. Pirelli Diablo Rosso® III tires are mounted on it, in the front in the size 120/70 ZR 17 and in the rear in 180/55 ZR 17. As the latest generation of tires, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso® III shows an exceptional level for a road tire: thanks to it Contour, modern materials, an innovative construction with bi-compound tread and "lightning" profile, which is derived from the Diablo® Supercorsa, the Pirelli Diablo Rosso® III guarantees remarkable handling, excellent grip in dry and wet conditions. At the same time, it impresses with lasting and constant performance over the entire service life.

Brembo brakes

The Brembo brake system of the SuperSport 950 represents a high sport motorcycle standard. At the front, radially attached monoblock four-piston fixed calipers of the type M4-32 act on two 320 mm discs, pressurized by a self-bleeding Brembo radial pump with a separate expansion tank and adjustable lever. At the rear, the SuperSport 950 decelerates with a 245 mm disc and two-piston floating caliper. The braking system is secured by a multi-stage adjustable Bosch cornering ABS.

The Brembo system is characterized by effective delays and a linear conversion of the manual force introduced into braking power. This results in a quick response and precise metering, which pays off in an excellent braking feel and never gets the driver into trouble.

Electronic assistance system

The SuperSport 950 is equipped with modern electronics based on a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) from Bosch, which permanently records the roll, yaw and lean angles of the motorcycle.

The electronics package of the SuperSport 950 consists of:

• Bosch cornering ABS
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up / Down EVO, standard on all versions

The parameters of these assistance systems are assigned to the various driving modes (sport, touring, urban) at the factory. The driver can configure the systems according to his driving style and return to the values ​​preset by Ducati at any time at the push of a button.

Bosch cornering ABS

The SuperSport 950 decelerates with a Brembo braking system controlled by the Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with multiple calibration and integrated pressure sensor. The Bosch 9.1 MP ABS prevents the wheels from locking as well as a rising rear, whereby the shortest braking distances are achieved with high driving stability. The three levels can be easily selected via the desired riding mode and allow optimal adjustment to the respective riding conditions. Level 1 is recommended for non-slip surfaces, in this configuration the Bosch ABS offers racetrack level: It only acts at the front, cornering function and rear wheel lift detection are switched off. Level 1 is not linked to any riding mode; it must be deliberately stored for a specific riding mode via the specific menu. In level 2, the Bosch ABS is also active on the rear wheel and the anti-lift function is enabled for the rear wheel. In level 3, the system regulates the braking and rear wheel lifting behavior with maximum intervention.

Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO

The DTC EVO of the SuperSport 950 also uses the information from the 6-axis Bosch IMU. Their permanent monitoring of the lean angle helps you to intervene more finely than with conventional traction control: It delivers exactly the amount of intervention that enables ideal rear wheel slip, based on the pre-selected level of the DTC EVO.

Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO

With the new Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati is strengthening the sporty side of the SuperSport 950. This assistance system controls wheelies for maximum safety and acceleration. Thanks to the data from the 6-axis Bosch IMU, the DWC EVO is able to recognize a rising front wheel and the height of the wheelie more precisely. This means that the DWC EVO can regulate this even more sensitively according to the driver's wishes.

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up / Down EVO

In addition to very short shift times, the DQS Up / Down EVO also enables downshifts without the clutch, which enables even more effective hard braking. The system uses different methods for upshifting and downshifting: When upshifting, the DQS Up / Down EVO accesses the ignition and injection; when downshifting, it also controls the throttle valve opening thanks to the integration of ride-by-wire. Information about the lean angle is also included in the actions of the DQS EVO in order to optimize driving stability when changing gears in a curve.

Ducati Riding Fashion

With the Ducati Riding Modes, you can choose from various preset configurations of engine parameters and assistance systems that suit your own riding style and the respective conditions. The SuperSport 950 offers three riding modes called Sport, Touring and Urban. These interact with the electronic ride-by-wire system to adjust engine power and power delivery, regulate the intervention levels of the Bosch cornering ABS, DTC, DWC and activate the DQS Up / Down. Switching between the riding mode is child's play when driving using the button provided, while the parameters can only be customized for safety reasons when the motorcycle is stationary. You can return to the original settings at any time using the "default" option.

Sport

In Sport Riding Mode, SuperSport 950 can reach its full potential. The engine delivers 110 hp with a direct ride-by-wire connection to the throttle, late intervention by the DTC acting on level 3 and a Bosch ABS on level 2, which largely prevents the rear wheel from lifting.

Touring

Touring Riding Mode strikes the best balance between performance and comfort. The engine delivers the full 110 hp with the progressive response of the ride-by-wire system. The DTC works with a medium intervention level at level 4, the Bosch ABS at level 3 for the best possible vehicle control and braking stability.

Urban

The Urban Riding Mode is suitable for slippery road conditions. The engine output is limited to 75 hp for progressive ride-by-wire activity. Set to level 6, the DTC intervenes much earlier for a high level of safety when accelerating, the Bosch ABS controls to level 3, as in touring mode.

Onboard electronics

Full TFT color display
The SuperSport 950 series has a 4,3 “TFT color display. Graphics and user interfaces are reminiscent of those of the Panigale, they make it easier to navigate in the menu, set parameters and make the selected riding mode easier to recognize. The menu navigation of the Riding Modes interface is designed more intuitive and makes the possible settings easier to identify. Explanatory graphics show the respective effect of the activated assistance system using a graduated scale. This means that it can be seen immediately whether the change made promotes sporting properties or optimizes driving safety and vehicle stability.

Full LED main headlights with low beam and high beam mode

The headlight of the SuperSport 950 is a newly developed full LED unit, which on the one hand strengthens the aesthetic connection to the Panigale, on the other hand ensures a widely unmistakable appearance on the road. The main headlight is characterized by LED daytime running lights (DRL), which guarantee perfect visibility during the day and strengthen the relationship to the Panigale through their characteristic shape. Due to the ingenious construction with an opal, the DRL creates an extremely even light diffusion. Two bifunctional LED modules for dipped and main beam are located in the headlight, which when switched on ensure a symmetrical look for the motorcycle. The modules are embedded in a particularly high-quality housing, which makes this technical component an extraordinary component. Modern LED lighting technology can be found on the rear light, the license plate light and the front turn signals integrated into the rearview mirror. The rear, conventionally equipped turn signals can be replaced by LED lights from the accessories.

Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)

The TFT instrument displays information from the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), which can be called up from the handlebars via keyboard commands after the Bluetooth connection with the smartphone. The control elements of the “Music Player” and symbols for the headset control appear in the display, incoming calls or text messages can be shown. The DMS is available as a Ducati Performance accessory for the entire SuperSport 950 series.

Photos: Ducati

Ducati SuperSport 950 model family

• SuperSport 950
• Color
• Bodywork and frame in Ducati Red and rims in Glossy Black
• standard equipment
• 937 cm3 Testastretta 11 ° engine with 110 hp at 9.000 rpm and 93 Nm at 6.500 rpm
• Euro 5 compliant
• 2-1-2 Exhaust system with a lower front silencer and a side silencer with two outlets arranged one above the other
• Space frame with motor as a load-bearing element
• Trellis rear frame
• Cast light metal single-sided swing arm
• Cast light alloy wheels with three spokes in "Y" design
• Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires in the dimensions 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear
• Fully adjustable Marzocchi USD fork with 43mm stanchion diameter
• Adjustable Sachs shock absorber
• Brembo braking system with two 320 mm discs and M4.32 brake calipers at the front
• Brembo PR18 / 19 radial pump with adjustable lever at the front
• Hydraulic clutch actuation with radial pump and adjustable lever
• Windshield adjustable in height by 50 mm in two positions
• 3 driving modes (sport, touring, urban)
• Full-LED headlights with Daytime Running Light (DRL)
• Full TFT color display
• Electronics package with 6-axis IMU: Bosch cornering ABS; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO; Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO; Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up / Down EVO
• Waterproof USB port under the bench
• Prepared for: alarm system, heated grips and Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)

SuperSport 950 S.

• Color
• Paneling and frame in Arctic White Silk and rims in Glossy Black with red decorative stripes
• Trim and frame in Ducati Red and rims in Glossy Black with red decorative stripes
• Standard equipment, in addition to the SuperSport 950:
• Fully adjustable Öhlins telescopic fork with 48 mm stanchion diameter and TiN coating
• Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber
• Pillion seat cover
• Ducati Red “Tag” on the wheels
• Ducati Performance accessories
  Ducati Performance has developed various packages and accessories for the SuperSport 950 that make the motorcycle even more versatile and enable it to be customized according to customer requirements. Both versions of the SuperSport 950 can be upgraded with the Sport and Touring package, which can also be mounted together.
• The sports package includes:
• Homologated Ducati Performance by Akrapovic® silencer
• Carbon front fender
• Carbon tank protection
• Aluminum license plate holder
• Rear LED turn signals
• The touring package includes:
• Side pockets with a capacity of 25 liters each and inserts in the color of the motorcycle
• Higher tinted windshield
• Heated grips
• Other accessories not listed in the packages include:
• Unapproved underseat exhaust system made of titanium, Ducati Performance by Akrapovic®
• Adjustable Öhlins steering damper
• Aluminum license plate holder
• Radiator protection
• Handbrake lever protector
• Different benches: high (+ 25 mm), low (-20 mm)
• Pillion seat cover (only for SuperSport 950)
• Bluetooth module for the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
• Tank bag and tail bag
• Carbon components: front and rear fenders, swing arm cover, chain guard
• Aluminum components milled from solid: tank cap, water pump cover, handlebar weights, brake and clutch fluid reservoir

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Ducati SuperSport 950 model family

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