Ducati SuperSport 950S review - better than the Panigale V2 (for most people) 

Great review! Have been looking at these seriously and plan to buy in the next year or so. I got to test ride one few months back, back to back with a V2, and was really impressed with the Supersport S. I was therefore really interested to hear what you think. A few thoughts from my side: - The Supersport is better in the twisties and on the road in general. The V2 would clearly be better on track, but I don't ride track. The Supersport felt smoother and more planted. The Ohlins suspension is really nice. - The V2 was surprisingly not bad in terms of comfort, but the Supersport is much more plush on the rear, easier on the wrists and has less of a heat issue. I would wear leathers with the Supersport but in summer in the south of France I would probably need leathers and fire-resistant underwear with the V2! - The power delivery and torque on the Supersport is all usable and better on the road than the V2, fun can be had without losing the license. - The V2 looks a bit sharper (especially the rear), but to a casual eye it's hard to tell them apart from the front. - They both sound great with the stock pipes. - My only major gripe with the Supersport S is lack of cruise control, even as an option -- they have it on the Multistrada 950S so it's technically possible, and it seems a strange omission for a bike sold as being on the sporty side of the sports-tourer segment. Even the Aprilia RS660 and BMW S1000rr has it. - A minor gripe is the vibey mirrors, but isn't the first rule of Italian motoring that you don't need them?! - Talking of the RS660, I tried that too and it's a great bike. But I thought the Ducati Supersport has better fit and finish, the power was a bit better, and the ride felt much nicer and more planted. The Ducati engine has also been well tested through various platforms like the Hypermotard and Multistrada, with no major reliability issues reported. I also much prefer the looks of the Ducati. Sorry for the long post, and thanks for sharing your thoughts -- really helpful and nicely done!

Bought a 2017 model after my first year of riding, was a big step up from what I had but still easy enough to handle. After 9k miles riding it, I have considered "upgrading" numerous times but the pros keep outweighing the cons for me. It makes me smile when I see the Ducati red in my garage. It makes me smile when I commute to work on it and regularly get people at traffic lights smiling and giving me a thumbs up. I can also still scare the life out of myself when I decide to forget about the speed limits and ride it hard so it's plenty of fun too.

Last year I bought a Kawasaki Z900RS and thought it one of the the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. Two weeks ago I took a test ride on the Ducati. Last week I bought one. My main question is why didn't I get one years ago? Wow! What a bike. I can't see myself wanting to ride anything else. As soon as I close my garage door after a ride I want to go out again. And if I can't ride I just want to look at it. Great review, thanks. Anyone interested in buying a year old Kwaka? 😂😂

Great review. I just exchanged my 939 for a 950. 37,000 trouble free miles on the the 939. In the past I never purchased back to back from the same manufacturer. But I loved the Supersport so much that I didn't even shop around. I even bought the same color, Red.

Hey Gelato, I pre-ordered one of these yesterday. Feeling even better about that decision having watched this video :-). Nothing like a bit of positive reinforcement at the prospect of spending nearly £15k on a bike ! Great video, really enjoy your banter. Imho your channel deserves to be up there with the 'Flyer etc.

I got one of these last week and I'm absolutely in love with it!!! Have had really powerful sports bikes and they're just pointless on the road - Ducati have made the perfect road bike in the Supersport 950 S! Great review 👍🏼

One of the best Ducatis for the road.Ive done 4000 miles on my 937 supersport s.Great fun,no problems at all.Would recommend to anybody.Cheers John.

I absolutely love my Supersport 950S, it was a tough choice between that and the V2, being that they were only 2,000 apart, but I ride my Ducati almost everyday and the ergonomics on this bike are unmatched, sporty feel with everyday comfort, plenty of torque down low, and a decent top speed. this bike is my first and favorite Ducati ever.

I reckon the super sports are the best bike for most of us on the road, if we’re honest with ourselves. I remember buying a 996, and then having a 900SS courtesy bike whilst the 996 had a service, and found it so much better in 99% of circumstances. The only thing they seem to miss is the sense of occasion that the sense of ballistic risk to life the full on beasties bring……. Whilst we’re talking about beasties……. I saw the new streetfighter V2 still has that awful nose cone from the V4. When will Ducati get rid of that awful design error? If it’s “insect” like, then it’s a badly evolved one.

Super that Ducati have included all those seat flies, so often overlooked by manufacturers. 👍

Great review Tim !! I whole heartedly agree with your feelings and conclusions !! I have owned one since Nov 2017. Best bike I've owned, 40+ yrs riding 15+ bikes, by far. It puts a big smile on my face every time I ride it !!!

I am totally with you. I have v2 Panigale as a dedicated track bike. The track is its naturally habitat. It's a torture rack on the street. This 950s is perfect for the street, and i have that too. It also pays homage to the tradition of the Ducati SS with that wonderful engine. It's the gentleman's sport bike for the street.

Bought mine in August - quite like it. I had been considering a Panigale V2, but what I was looking for was a 'daily rider' - something I could take to work in all weather that I could also enjoy throwing around back-roads on weekends, and would be able to take to a track and actually put up some decent lap times - it can heel over nearly fifty degrees on a track while not slaughtering your back on a multi-hour ride. The SuperSport really does do it all. If you can really only afford one 'nice' motorcycle, you're going to have to compromise on specialization - I think the 950S lets you do that without feeling that you have compromised, however. I'm from Ireland originally, and am on the west coast of Canada for the next while - same sort of weather here as the U.K. - I intend to ride year round outside of the worst weather imaginable, and have been doing so - the safeties on the motorcycle are fantastic, the headlight is better than most cars, and it's hard to complain about anything seriously. Speaking to the irritations - the rear fender is utterly useless (hence all the dirt on your Ohlins), the heated grips are quite poor (the ones on my Triumph Speed Twin are far better), and the quick-shifter is a bit clunky between 1st and 2nd on the up-swing at times. Overall, I do love it - it has all the genuine exotic style that a Ducati should have, and it performs in a stellar fashion that would only come up noticeably short in the fast group on track day vs. people with motorcycles over 160hp; short of that, this ride 'wins' - and lest we forget, it puts up comparable power to what were considered the blazingly fast sport bikes of not too long ago - anyone who thinks it is slow has not ridden one.

I recently bought a 2017 939 Supersport with only 2159 km on it and it looks like new. Non S model. I bought it without test riding it. Or seeing it in person. Or ever riding a Ducati. All i had done is watch some RU-vid videos of the bike. When the bike got delivered and they started taking it out of the van. I was instantly drooling. What a beautiful looking bike. Its my Farrari on two wheels. And as soon as i road down the street on it i knew i made the right choice. I instantly liked it more than the bran new 2023 Yamaha XSR 900 i had test ridden at a dealer just a couple of weeks before. And i love it more everytime i ride it. It really clicks all the boxes for me. Love the looks. Love the ergernomics. Love the stock sound. Love the power delivery. Its such usable power. Love the way it holds its line when you are going through a big sweeping turn at 167 k or 110 mph like i finally got to do a few days ago. it just holds its line and feels locked in place. Great tires. And the suspension seems really good. But i have never ridden the S model to compare. But i dont think for the way i ride that i need the upgraded suspension. For me it doesnt feel like anything is lacking. And i dont care about quick shifters. I love using a clutch. Its part of the joy of riding a motorcycle. And because i have been riding for so many years i have pride in how good and smoothly i can shift. And this bike gets looks everywhere i go. Everytime i get on it i feel like i am riding something special. Its really what every sport bike should be. There are a few things i could nitpick about. But overall i am really in love with my bike. I dont picture myself ever selling it. Ducati should pay me for this comment.

If only the super sport had a bit more power like 130hp. That would be perfect. 110hp is a bit too sensible, especially for something that looks quick.

I bought a Supersport back in May and have enjoyed riding over 4000 miles on it.

Smooth is where is at 👍🏼

Have owned a previous generation 937 for 4 years, a fantastic bike which I have added the Termi end can, and hard case panniers for touring, definitely a long term keeper.

Great job, as with cars you do. Honesty and rational emotions. Not for show off but for living with the thing and having a Joy in the proccess.

This bike is more street friendly and dont have to worry about taming the beast like one does with the big performance bikes.

Best bike I have owned 👍 Had the sports bikes and I think adventure bikes look awful 🤑 Had a 2018 one with full akrapovics on, stunning machine which sounded immense! Traded it in and got a 2021 version now, love it 🥰 Like mentioned, on the road, other than long straights you can keep up with anything or even pass most things. Just a joy to ride 👍

Akrapovic are an absolute rip off!

finally, a review by someone over 6' I was concerned whether I might be scrunched up and not be comfortable, but you say everything is good - gr8. sitting in the showroom doesn't count.

Wonderful review. I've been riding 51 years and this is the perfect bike for a gentleman sportrider, I've got 4000 miles of bliss on mine

I really am confused. Since every VW product is based on the MQB or meb platform............... something doesn't add up. Enjoyed this, keep up the great work

Great review, mate! I own a 2019 Supersport S and find your comments very valuable and fun! I also use the bike daily (unfortunately not all year around, for I live in central Sweden, LOL! I ride it to work 75 Km each way and has enough power to do so when having fun! I replaced the tail tidy, added smaller rear indicators, aluminium bar weights and aluminium petrol cap, all product Evotech (Italy), and improved the looks of my baby...Only 7000 Km so far (I moved to Sweden in Winter and couldn't get back to Italy to get my bikes back for a year and a half! But in these twom month of warm(er) weather I put 2000 Km. Very nice bike for an old chap such as myself...From the day I took it for a test ride (after a Monster 1200), she puts a smile on my face...And of course it doesn't destroy my arms as does my Aprilia RSV1000 R when I rode at low speed in town!

mate no cruise control?? You didnt say. If that's the case WTF???

Done almost10K kms in 10 months on my 937 Ducati SS Love the italian beauty cheers from Madurai(India)

Lovely bike 🏍

I've had mine for 2 months now. Don't regret it at all. I've owned YAMAHA in the past. But it does not compare at all to the ride quality and looks the Ducati provides not to mention enough pep to get you in trouble lol.

Have you had your morning shower mate?.. Geez that flies

Great review as usual Tim! So have you made up your mind for your next purchase? Holding out until after EICMA?

For another extra 1k I would still take the V2.

Thanks Tim. Totally agree with your review. I’m in the lucky situation to have retired and wanted a replacement for my Honda cb1000r, so my Supersport S arrives on Wednesday! Totally agree with your thoughts re V2. Lovely bike but wanted a bike for the road to use most days and make a companion for my Multistrada 1260s Grand Tour. Lucky me 👍

Yes, but the Pani is sooo beautiful - and she sounds more mechanic....

thanks for the review - in plain English, real life aspect, subscribed

Ice cream in November? Quite sensible, really: a cone isn't going to melt all over the place

awesome video! :D cant wait for you to review streetfighter v2 :P

Nice review, thanks. The flies are absolutely disgusting.

Bought the 2019 Supersport after graduating from my Street Triple 675. And WOW what an incredible machine. Absolutely love the damn thing. Does everything I think I could possibly want (for now) from a bike. I can see my owning it for many years to come. 👌

I test rode a 950S this summer and concur with your favorable (note American spelling there) feelings about the bike. I was considering this as a second bike to compliment my BMW R1200RT. I ended up not buying but not because I didn't like the Duc. One thing that was a big negative for me was that, at least here in the US, there are no maintenance manuals available from either Ducati nor aftermarket folks such as Haynes. Simple routine maintenance items such as adjusting chain tension, oil and filter changes, and wheel removal aren't covered in the owner's manual. Too bad, as I suspect many owners would like to be able to at least have the option to do such work.

Anyone looking at a 2-cylinder Ducati should DEFINITELY try out an Aprilia Rs660… bang for the buck, it’s the best Italian road-based-but-more-than-track-capable sportbike on the market… and probably the most fun can be had on it, as well.

I’ve put on 5600 miles on since June. Love this bike.

I spent a year with a new 2023 Panigale V2. I knew I'd move to a SuperSport 950S for the comfort eventually but damn, the SS is a better bike on the street in every way. This is the torque I expect from a v-twin, it's so much more comfortable, the stock exhaust sounds much better, heated handgrips are a life changer, the suspension is more comfortable AND handles better on the street, it doesn't roast my thighs, the dash has better info, the quickshifter is actually a little smoother, and let me say heated handgrips again. I also love the trellis frame, and that more of the engine is visible. Looks more like a Ducati! I am so happy. I should have just bought the SS in the first place, but I had to cross a Ducati Superbike off my bucket list first. Oh well, no regrets about that but I am 100% thrilled that I sold the V2 for the SS. If I was able to do multiple track days a year I'd have a V2, but this is the street bike I've been dreaming of!!

Just want to let all know that, I ended up buying both bikes. I found a 2017 SSS with under 1000km for sale at a bargain price and then purchased the, Troy Bayliss special V2. I don't often ride the V2 but truely enjoy the SSS.

Greetings from Sweden! =) What an amazing bike. I recently sold my Z900 and now I'm in the market for something different. Been looking at this bike for a while now. But I'm just wondering. Can anyobody give me an estimate on the service costs on this bike? Both the smaller and the bigger one. Thanx for a great review aswell!

I own a 2017 model and love it! Great video!

I bought it after a Speed triple 1050 RS and back to back a 1200RS just to change the style of bike... but to my surprise this thing performs incredibly good! Suspension also Öhlins but far better on the road... even better stability ... handling phantastic... and more than enough usuable power to be fast on road...in short a great bike with an exquisite finish and a stunning look too!

Comfy, streetable bikes with an excellent suspension for under $15K - short list! Tuono 660 Factory, short list! The reasons are myriad, but - it'll get ridden more often!

For me, I really dislike the rear end. Its not aggressive enough. Takes away from the overall look.

Correction: the mirrors on the Panigale 959/V2 do fold, but only once. Please don't ask me how I know.

Planning on what bike i should get next, very intrested in getting the Ducati Supersport 950, the only consern i have about it is the exhaust. I kinda like loud bikes, and all exhausts for it is super expensive. Or if the stock exhaust is enough.

This for my daily! a Pani V2 for a track bike. Wake me up 😂

I been riding mx for years but had to stop because i just turned 60. So I finally bit the bullet and bought a road bike, first one for 40 odd years a 797 and absolutely love it but now Im seriously thinking about treating meself to one of these. Peace x

Does this have quick shift? I just put a deposit on a 2022 Super Sport 950s and I've never really ridden a bike before so I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to change gears and how to do it manually

I found this clip very useful. I'm about to buy my first Ducati and am torn between the Supersports S and the Panigale V2. Being 53 years old, I'm leaning towards the comfort side but I really want to have the best. I have some other bikes for comfort (Triumph Thunderbird 1600) and even some older bikes. My question is, do I buy the true sports bike (V2) or what seems to be the lesser of the two, Supersportys S ? I guess I will only truely know when I test ride them for myself. Great review.

Vibration with it? Thinking of one because of weight and narrowness.

Wish id seen this video 2 months ago before a bought my 2016 vfr 800 not that theres anything wrong with it ,yes the vfr is alot cheaper but the ducati does the same just better at least now i have an idea already what my next bike is 😂, great video 👍🏻

I went into the Ducati dealer this September to buy a hypermotard had no idea this bike existed sat on it and said hey could I test drive this they said sure that was it it's the most user friendly I have more fun laughing out loud riding this bike makes you feel like a superstar goes 150 mph Plus and smooth and loves doing it best bike I think I've ever owned and I've been riding since I was just a kid I'm 50 years old now I have the SP in the pearl white color scheme model and it is absolutely wonderful Country Roads sweeping Hills and sweeping turns just a beautiful bike to ride even in the city of Milwaukee riding along the Lakeshore for along the river I have all the Harley guys asking me what is that bike and I gladly tell them it's a Ducati!!!

If its not a race bike, put some fenders on the bike! Nothing worse than crap flying all over the bikes internals where its impossible to clean out the rubbish. Just look at this bike. A rear fender thats useless. And a front fender just for show, it doesn’t keep anything off of the motor or radiator.

Acceleration is about torque, max speed is about power, ability to maintain torque as the speed increases.

Brilliant review..

How does the 950S compare to the MV Agusta F3 Rosso...?

This is a superb road bike. More enjoyable than my Multistrada 1200 DVT and just as comfy. When you compare the specs it very similar to a 916 and how much more can you use on the road? Loves Welsh A and B roads, that booming V2 just rolls on and off. The new version looks better IMO than the early ones too.

Good review.

The supersport is my dream bike although ive always wanted a 2006 model, I remember being a kid and having a poster of it on my wall, if it wasnt for the supersport id probably never have gotten into bikes

How vibey is it at freeway motorway speeds…55-85 mph?

I test ride both and bought the panigale V2. Test ride both and see which bike makes you more excited and put a smile in your face. To me, it was apparent that the panigale V2 wifely more exciting to ride. And I got bored on the 950 even just on the test ride.

Love one next to the Multi V2 in the garage, come on Lotto😉. What is it with the mirrors, brilliant on the Multi?

Amazingly beautiful bike. Unbelievable. One note: I will ever understand why everyone talks about “beginner bikes” and mention anything above a 125cc! A 950Ss Ducati is anything but a beginner bike unless the “beginner” is suicidal. I’ve been riding for almost 40 years now and I own a couple of bike, one of them is a Monster 797s and it’s still not, by any means, a “beginner “ bike. It’s just a good bike for anyone that has at least a couple ou more of years riding. My 5th (fifth) bike was a 125cc, and then a 250, and a 650 and etc (I had four 50cc 2 stroke bikes before and I travel the country in them). probably one of the reasons I’m alive. This is like calling a entry level Porsche a beginner car. Ps: Love Ducati

damn it ! Why cant the 950s look as good as the V2 !

Even the flies like it! Absolutely amazing bike 🤩

It's got the looks, good sport touring ergos, but it's let down by the power. For the love of God Ducati give me the V2 power and not the detuned version.

CBR650R or SuperSport 950S? Struggling!

That bike looks all kinds of smooooth. 🔥💪

Really good review but I think for 2022 my money is going to be on a Streetfighter V2!

Comfortable Ducati... Best for all ages❤

Test rode a SuperSport S in October, what a revelation! Lovely bike, love the visceral experience from the noise and the pops and bangs of the exhaust. Planning to buy one in the new year. Great review video and backs up what I had already thought, which is that it makes more sense on the road than the V2. Thanks!

Owning a BMW K1200S, which I've ridden for about 15 years now I'm really tempted... state of the art technology and about 50 kilos less than my truste BMW, certainly would make up for a most impressive ride. However, I checked prices here in Switzerland, and it's not looking good. 20 grand for the Supersport S with the Touring package is rather steep. Looks like 2022 will be one more BMW year for me.

Traded in my 2021 supersportS end ov last year and brought panigale v2 bayliss and deffo prefer the v2.

How about reviewing the new mv agusta rosso range!!!

Brilliant review

good review of my next bike! too bad your roads are so boring!

How does it compare the the Hypermotard for a Sunday blast?

I have a 2018 Ss, I have to agree with you … what a great bike ! more than enough power for the road .Handles fantastic and looks the nuts with the full Akro system love it.

Me alegro de no ser como la mayotia de las personas.

Comprehensive and useful review. Thanks

If there was one with the big testastretta motor I'd be sold

How does 950S compare with BWM R1250RS?

How much do the service interval is cost?

Which application do you think is better ? The Hypermottard or this Supersport ?

Great review of an often overlooked bike, love it that you can pronounce the suspension manufacturer properly, ewlins.........

Thanku for Some Good informations 😃😁

Thanks Gelato for another excellent moto review 🙂

The question is. Why are there so many flies in this exact spot? Anyone have an idea? :D :D :D

You should try the Bmw K1600 …. It’s like a battleship with wheels 🛞!! 😂😂 but you’d be surprised how light it feels when it’s moving 👍🏾

Wonder if or when they will update with the new Monster frame?

I had a 2018 Supersport S -loved it. Since then I’ve had 2 Multistrada 1200 S’s, and a BMW S1000RR. I’m going to get a 950S - it’s the perfect bike for me.

Always only Red or white

This reminds me of the Honda 650r