Designed to maintain a balance of exclusivity while being visible at the same time, Ducati introduced the SuperSport a couple of years back. A relaxed sportbike that isn’t too track-focussed, the SuperSport is a good motorcycle, no doubt. But now the Italian bike manufacturer has further improved the motorcycle by packing it with better looks, added features and improved comfort. That said, does the 2023 Ducati SuperSport 950 S pack the punch to be a worthy alternative to the other sensible Japanese bikes out there?
The new and updated SuperSport with the 950 suffix, draws inspiration from the Panigale’s angry face. The odd-looking single-unit headlamp has been replaced with a split-type design with LED projectors, flanked by air vents on either side. The signature Panigale-style LED DRL sits on top of the headlamp asserting the inspiration it takes from.
Underneath, the SuperSport continues to be held by the same steel trellis frame, painted in red, borrowed from the previous-gen Monster. While the standard model is offered only in Ducati Red, this one being the higher-spec S variant, gets an additional colour scheme option of Arctic White Silk.
The fairing has been reworked for a more chiselled look with vents at different places for better heat dissipation. The seat is new and has been designed to be more comfortable with thicker cushioning. The motorcycle continues to come with a two-position hand-operated windscreen.
Any Ducati is incomplete without a potent powerhouse, and the SuperSport 950 S manages to fulfil that to the tee. The motor is the same unit that also does duty on the Hypermotard and the Multistrada. However, compared to the previous iteration, due to the required compliance with emission norms, the motor registers slightly less power and torque figures of 108 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 6,500 rpm, on paper.
While the SuperSport continues to feature three riding modes (Urban, Touring and Sport), with different settings, Ducati has further improved it by adding a 6-axis IMU to the package. This has improved the functioning of the rider aids to make the bike more forgiving and manageable for the rider. Equipped with a 4.3-inch colour-TFT display, the interface for accessing the settings is a lot easier now.
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In terms of performance, this Ducati means absolute business in putting out a show. The motorcycle manages to breach the 100 kmph mark from a standstill in just over three seconds, while nice full whacks of the throttle through the cogs will take you beyond the 200 kmph mark in absolute urgency.
Since the motorcycle has been designed to be a relaxed superbike, any updates to the riding triangle have been centred to make the motorcycle comfortable for riding day in and day out! Apart from replacing the previous seat with an improved saddle that's thicker and better cushioned, the rest of the ergonomics remains unchanged.
Being a typical Ducati L-twin, the motor has its own set of vibrations, but it is the kind that eggs you to open that throttle more. Beyond 5,000 rpm, the motor starts to ooze of emotion and adrenaline, making its way to your soul.
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The ride quality is stiff but feels more towards the plusher side, thanks to the new seat. The contour of the seat gives the feeling of sitting inside the bike rather than on it, resulting in a snug feeling while is further fortified by the recesses for the knees to hold the tank.
The grip from the Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres is excellent, and so is the damping from the fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension at both ends. The anchors aren’t top-spec Brembos, but work superbly. They pack a strong bite with progression while returning feel and feedback at the controls.
At Rs 18.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ducati SuperSport 950 S isn’t the cheapest sport tourer out there. But for the kind of kit and the level of comfort, it isn’t too difficult to see where the money is going. The overall build quality of the bike, fit-and-finish levels, machining, and even the paint quality are top notch, which ranks higher in comparison to the competition.
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The SuperSport 950 indeed ticks the boxes for a superbike that’s fast, looks gorgeous and is easy to ride within the city or out on the highway. It is now smarter with the upgraded electronics which makes it a more forgiving motorcycle when pushed hard. All of that, coupled with the experience of riding a sporty L-twin motor, the SuperSport 950 S is a bike that delivers performance in true Ducati fashion. With money to spare, the SuperSport 950 S is a charismatic and passionate motorcycle to pick over the sensible, smooth and tech-loaded Japanese ones.
