ON MARCH 15, 2024 BY PHOTOMOTOMAN WAWAIN MOTORCYCLING
Two years ago, I walked into a Ducati dealership in my hometown and saw one of the most beautiful bikes I had ever seen. It reminded me of my favorite motorcycle, my former Honda VFR 800 (2002). It looked fast just sitting on the showroom floor, but more importantly, it looked stylistically perfect, at least to me.
I found out that same day, that due to the Covid epidemic and the dealership’s inability to get deliveries of motorcycles, that the dealership, in business my whole life (and I’m 70) was going out of business. I was seriously depressed, as I rode a BMW at the time, and they were also the only BMW dealer in the city.
As I headed to the door the salesman said, “Don’t think too long. It won’t be here in a couple of days.” I went home, did some reading about the bike, and decided I would buy it. I went to my bank, made arrangements, and the next day I returned to the dealership.
On the bike was a sign. “Sold.”
I just about puked. I was disconsolate because as far as I was concerned this was the most beautiful piece of machinery, I had ever swung a leg across. On top of that, the dealer had reduced the price by $3000 CDN after I had left the store, reducing the final blowout price to $17,599.
Which brings me to 2024, and Ducati’s newest iteration of the Ducati Supersport 950S. Starting at $20,395 in Canada for the base model, the price for the 950S loaded is $25,333 CDN.
The 950S uses a Testastretta 11 longitudinal twin engine that produces 68 lb-ft of torque and 110 brake horsepower from its 937cc displacement. If there is a gripe to be had, according to Visordown.com, it resides with the quickshifter. “The quickshifter on the SuperSport S feels clumsy, mix-matching revs not seeming like it’s synced up quite correctly…Compare this bike’s quickshifter to this on the rivals (Aprilia RS660, Yamaha R9, Honda CBR650R) and it’ll be sadly lacking in appeal.”
However, above 40 mph, the quick-shifter and slipper clutch is much better. As for the engine “the Supersport 950 S is one of those bikes you feel like you can ride flat out all the time.” Where the SuperSport shines is in its handling. The Brembo Monobloc Dual Hydraulic Disc with standard Bosch ABS is excellent, as is the Ohlins fully adjustable suspension. The bike is equipped with a single-sided swingarm in cast aluminum.
The Pirelli Diablo Rossi III 120/70 and 180/55 tires are also excellent. With a height-adjustable windscreen, a 4.3-inch full TFT display, 6-way IMU, and three riding modes (Sport, Touring and Urban) it also comes with traction control and wheelie control. Full LED lighting now complements the fairing.
The TFT dashboard is designed to display information from the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) which, connects your smartphone via Bluetooth with management functionality on the handlebars.
The new 2024 Iceberg White with red striping looks beautiful. The new front cowl for 2024 is Panigale-esque and the whole final look is truly stunning. With a curb weight of 463 pounds and a seat height of 31.9 inches it an easy fit for most riders. According to totalmotorcycle.com, the bike is now “more comfortable…with a seat that has new padding and a flatter shape which offers better comfort and greater freedom of longitudinal movement.”
New clutch control is now hydraulic, with adjustable levers, and finding neutral should be easier in the 2024 model as improvements have been made to the gearbox.
Where the 950 S shines is not in straight acceleration. 0-60 times of 3.3 seconds are not earth-shattering, but with a top speed of 152.9 mph, the 950 is certainly no slug. The 950 will cover a quarter mile in 10.99 seconds at a speed of 128 mph, according to Motostatz.com.
If you are looking for a Sport-Touring motorcycle with beautiful handling characteristics and decent comfort, you should take the time to have a good look at the SuperSport 950 and 950 S.
I have a Ride Week reservation to take the 950 S for a test ride, as well as the Panigale V2. I’ll be providing a write up later this spring once the dates for Ride Week are formally announced.
Thanks to TotalMotorcycle.com and VisorDown.com for the photos and editorial information.
Ciao…
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