As the Supersport goes, so goes Ducati. The original production bevel-drive 750 Super Sport (the so-called “Imola Replica”) transformed the brand into a builder of world-beating superbikes, not just single-cylinder motorcycles with quirky valve operation. Miguel Galluzzi’s iconic 900 Supersport, coincident with the M900 Monster and the 916, was an instant classic, representative of Ducati’s first modern golden age. The fuel-injected Supersport, introduced in 1998 and designed by Pierre Terblanche—though it limped on through 2006—failed to meet customer desire, presaging the identity crisis of the overambitious 999 superbike.
The SuperSport 950 can only mean that Ducati is currently in another golden age, meeting customer desire by designing motorcycles that exude style within its bailiwick, and leveraging technology developed on the track. Released in 2017 and updated in 2021, the SuperSport 950 features a tried-and-true 937cc desmo V-twin, rational ergonomics (bar risers! Two-height adjustable windscreen!), and a full-featured technology suite. While it’s one of the last-to-be-updated models in Ducati’s lineup, it still feels modern. Plus, if you want a SuperSport that’s a desmo twin, now’s the time to act; Ducati just unveiled its new V2 engine (doesn’t quite have the same ring as Desmoquattro or Testastretta, does it?) which features conventional valve springs.
The base-model 2024 SuperSport 950 is available in Ducati Red for $15,495. The up-spec S model is available in Stripe livery ($18,395) and Ducati Red ($17,995). The S model features Öhlins suspension and a rear seat cowl.
