Are you torn between the Ducati 959 and the Supersport? You’re not alone. Both bikes offer thrilling rides and striking designs, making the choice a tough one for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Imagine cruising down the highway, feeling the power of a finely-tuned engine beneath you. Each bike brings its own flair and performance, but knowing which one suits your style can make all the difference.
In this article, you’ll get a clear comparison of the Ducati 959 and Supersport, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. By the end, you’ll have the insights you need to make an informed decision that matches your riding preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Performance Comparison: The Ducati 959 offers a powerful 955cc engine with 150 horsepower, ideal for track enthusiasts, while the Supersport features a 937cc engine with 113 horsepower, prioritizing everyday usability.
- Riding Position: The 959 has an aggressive riding position, perfect for sporty handling, whereas the Supersport provides a more relaxed stance, making it suitable for longer rides and daily commutes.
- Technology Features: Both bikes are equipped with advanced technology; the 959 includes sophisticated rider aids like multiple ride modes and traction control, while the Supersport emphasizes user-friendliness with essential tech.
- Pricing Considerations: The Ducati 959 is priced higher (around $15,000) compared to the Supersport (ranging from $12,000 to $13,000), reflecting its performance-oriented features.
- Resale Value: The 959 typically holds its value better than the Supersport, retaining about 60-70% of its initial price compared to the Supersport’s 50-60% after several years.
- Target Audience: The Ducati 959 caters to track riders seeking thrills, while the Supersport is designed for everyday riders and newcomers looking for a versatile motorcycle.
Overview Of Ducati 959 And Supersport
The Ducati 959 and Supersport cater to different riding experiences while maintaining Ducati’s signature performance and style. Understanding their key differences helps you align your choice with your riding preference.
Ducati 959
The Ducati 959 Panigale offers a powerful 955cc L-Twin engine that delivers 150 horsepower at 10,500 RPM. Here are some highlights of this model:
- Performance: The 959 excels on the track with agile handling and exceptional acceleration. Its lightweight chassis enhances maneuverability.
- Riding Position: The aggressive riding position suits sport-oriented riders and provides a racer feel.
- Tech Features: Equipped with sophisticated electronics like ride modes, traction control, and cornering ABS, the 959 enhances stability and control.
Supersport
The Supersport focuses on versatility and everyday usability. It features a 937cc L-Twin engine, generating 113 horsepower at 9,000 RPM. Here’s what sets the Supersport apart:
- Comfort: The seated position is more relaxed than the 959, allowing for comfortable rides on longer trips or daily commutes.
- Practicality: A lower seat height and approachable weight make the Supersport an excellent choice for new riders.
- Tech Features: While it has fewer advanced systems than the 959, the Supersport still offers essential electronics, including adjustable ride modes and ABS.
| Feature | Ducati 959 | Supersport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Capacity | 955cc L-Twin | 937cc L-Twin |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 113 hp |
| Riding Position | Aggressive | Relaxed |
| Target Riders | Track enthusiasts | Everyday commuters, new riders |
| Weight | Lighter for agility | More approachable for handling |
Each motorcycle offers distinct advantages tailored to different riding styles. Selecting the right bike depends on whether you seek thrilling track performance or a well-rounded everyday ride.
Performance Comparison
The Ducati 959 and Supersport both deliver impressive performance, catering to different riding styles and preferences. Understanding their engine specifications and acceleration capabilities helps clarify which model suits your needs.
Engine Specifications
The Ducati 959 features a powerful 955cc L-Twin engine that produces 150 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque. This robust engine enhances track performance, offering quick throttle response. It showcases advanced engineering with features like desmodromic valve timing and a 6-speed transmission.
In contrast, the Supersport comes equipped with a 937cc L-Twin engine generating 113 horsepower and 71 lb-ft of torque. While it offers less raw power, the engine emphasizes a balance between everyday usability and sportiness. The Supersport also uses a 6-speed transmission and includes a ride-by-wire system for smoother throttle control.
Acceleration And Top Speed
The 959 excels in acceleration, achieving 0 to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds. Its top speed reaches approximately 170 mph, making it a thrilling choice for those seeking an exhilarating ride. The combination of high power and lightweight design allows for nimble handling during rapid maneuvers.
The Supersport, while not as spirited as the 959, still offers respectable performance. It reaches 0 to 60 mph in around 3.9 seconds, with a top speed close to 150 mph. This model provides a smoother acceleration curve, enhancing comfort on longer rides, and maintains great handling characteristics for urban riding.
By understanding the differences in engine specifications and acceleration capabilities, you can choose the model that aligns with your riding lifestyle—whether it’s track-focused excitement or everyday versatility.
Design And Ergonomics
The design and ergonomics of the Ducati 959 and Supersport highlight their unique approaches to performance and comfort, tailoring each bike to different rider preferences.
Aesthetics And Build Quality
Both the Ducati 959 and Supersport exhibit striking aesthetics and high build quality. The 959 features an aggressive design with sharp lines and sporty fairings, emphasizing its track-focused nature. It incorporates lightweight materials, including a trellis frame that enhances rigidity while reducing weight. The Supersport, while also visually appealing, offers a more streamlined look with a blend of sport and touring elements, appealing to a broader audience. Its bodywork emphasizes comfort without sacrificing performance, using durable materials that withstand everyday riding.
Rider Comfort
Rider comfort varies significantly between the two models. The Ducati 959 offers a sporty riding position that caters to those seeking an adrenaline rush on the track. Its seat height is higher, promoting an aggressive stance that enhances control but may not be ideal for long-distance rides. In contrast, the Supersport provides a more relaxed seating position, making it comfortable for daily commutes or longer journeys. Its lower seat height and adjustable handlebars allow for better ergonomics, accommodating a wider range of rider sizes and preferences.
Evaluating these design and ergonomic features can heavily influence your choice.
Technology Features
Both the Ducati 959 and Supersport offer advanced technology features that enhance the riding experience and ensure safety on the road. Understanding these features helps you choose the bike that fits your needs.
Instrumentation And Displays
The instruments on both bikes provide essential information at a glance.
- Ducati 959: It features a fully digital display that offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. You’ll see speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and ride mode settings prominently displayed. The display allows customization, letting you prioritize the information most important to you.
- Supersport: It also utilizes a digital display, designed for clarity and usability. It includes similar information, emphasizing user-friendly controls. The Supersport’s interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate settings, ensuring you focus more on the ride and less on the dashboard.
Rider Aids And Safety Features
Safety and control are paramount in both models, with a range of rider aids enhancing performance.
- Ducati 959: It features advanced rider aids, including multiple ride modes that adjust throttle response and traction control settings. The Bosch 9MP ABS system provides enhanced braking performance, ensuring stability during emergency stops. The Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system allows for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, enhancing acceleration and smoothness.
- Supersport: It includes adjustable ride modes to tailor the bike’s performance to various conditions. The ABS system, also from Bosch, ensures reliable stopping power. While it may lack some of the 959’s more aggressive features, it focuses on providing a balanced riding experience, appealing to riders who prioritize safety and comfort.
Both bikes incorporate effective technology that caters to different experiences, enhancing usability and safety on every ride.
Pricing And Value
When comparing the Ducati 959 and the Supersport, pricing and value play crucial roles in your decision-making process. Each bike offers distinct features that affect their overall cost and long-term worth.
Cost Analysis
The Ducati 959 typically starts at around $15,000, while the Supersport generally ranges from $12,000 to $13,000. This price difference reflects the 959’s advanced tech and performance-oriented design. Basic maintenance costs for both models can vary; for instance, the 959 may incur higher service costs due to its specialized components. Factor in insurance premiums, which can differ based on the model and your riding experience.
Resale Value Considerations
Resale value is another important factor. The Ducati 959 tends to hold its value well due to its performance reputation and demand among enthusiasts, often retaining about 60-70% of its initial price after several years. Conversely, the Supersport, while still retaining value, often experiences a larger depreciation, retaining around 50-60% of its original cost in the same time frame. If you plan on reselling your bike later, consider these resale trends when making your choice.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Ducati 959 and the Supersport really comes down to what you want from your ride. If you crave adrenaline and track performance the 959 might be your perfect match. Its powerful engine and aggressive design are hard to resist for sport enthusiasts.
On the other hand if you’re looking for comfort and versatility the Supersport offers a fantastic balance. It’s great for daily commutes and longer journeys without sacrificing that sporty feel.
Whichever you choose you’ll be getting a bike that embodies Ducati’s commitment to performance and style. Take your time to weigh your options and pick the one that feels right for you. Happy riding!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Ducati 959 and the Supersport?
The main differences lie in their engine power and riding style. The Ducati 959 features a powerful 955cc engine with 150 horsepower, ideal for track enthusiasts. In contrast, the Supersport has a 937cc engine with 113 horsepower, designed for versatility and comfort, making it suitable for everyday riding.
Which motorcycle is better for new riders?
The Supersport is generally better suited for new riders due to its relaxed riding position and lower power output. It emphasizes comfort and usability, making it a great choice for those just starting out in motorcycling.
How do the performance specs compare between the two bikes?
The Ducati 959 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds, with a top speed around 170 mph. The Supersport, while less powerful, reaches 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds, with a top speed near 150 mph, offering a balanced and enjoyable ride.
What advanced technology features do these motorcycles have?
The Ducati 959 includes advanced rider aids like multiple ride modes, traction control, and a Bosch 9MP ABS system. The Supersport also offers adjustable ride modes and a reliable ABS system, focusing on safety and rider comfort with a user-friendly digital display.
How do pricing and resale values compare?
The Ducati 959 typically starts around $15,000, while the Supersport ranges from $12,000 to $13,000. In terms of resale value, the 959 retains about 60-70% of its initial price after a few years, while the Supersport holds around 50-60%.
Which bike is better for long rides?
The Supersport is better for long rides due to its comfortable ergonomics and relaxed seating position, making it suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys. The Ducati 959 is more aggressive, catering to sport-oriented riders.
Are there significant maintenance cost differences between the two models?
Maintenance costs may vary, but generally, the Ducati 959 can have higher costs due to its advanced technology and performance features. The Supersport might be more economical for regular maintenance, appealing to everyday riders.
