Ducati’s Raised Temperature Smouldering Hot Sports Models

After introducing the new Multistrada V4, XDiavel, and Scrambler range, Ducati has pulled the wraps off the 2021 SuperSport 950 and Panigale V4 SP at the ongoing Ducati World Premiere 2021. While the latter is a track-focused variant of the V4, the SuperSport takes the centre stage with a major overhaul for 2021.

The SuperSport too has undergone the Panigale treatment, much like the V2 that was unveiled last year. The sunken headlights, paired with the aggressive “brow” and fins unique to the SuperSport, render the bike a much aggressive look. The fairing is now extended all the way to the twin-barrel exhaust. The V4-inspired air ducts are aimed to divert heat away from the rider, something the old model lacked. The SuperSport now also flaunts a new 4.3-inch TFT dash inspired by the Panigale family.

Under the new skin, Ducati’s primary focus has been the electronic suite. The bike now comes equipped with a six-axis Bosch IMU unit that governs the cornering ABS, traction control and wheelie control. The updated electronic package also includes three riding modes-- Urban, Touring and Sports as well as a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

Even though the Testastretta 937cc engine has been updated to meet the Euro5 regulation, it still makes 110PS at 9,000rpm and 93Nm at 6,500rpm, same as the outgoing model. The bike uses twin 320mm discs clamped onto Brembo M4.32 calipers at the front and a 245mm disc at the rear paired to a Brembo twin-pot caliper.

The SuperSport is available in Standard and S variants, where the latter is equipped with fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension.

The Panigale V4 family gets a new member in the form of the Panigale V4 SP, a track-focused model. The SP (Sport Production) moniker means serious business and that is evident from the new Stylema R calipers paired with an MCS master cylinder, complete with a remote adjuster for better and tailor-made adjustment at the brake lever. For aggressive downshifts and improved track performance, the SP also gets an SDM open dry clutch and a lighter 520 chain. In a bid to reduce the unsprung weight, the wheels have been made from carbon-fibre, shaving off 1.4kg. The new equipment sounds familiar, right? That’s because, everything has been lifted straight off the ultra-exclusive Superleggera V4.

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The SP comes in a stealthy matte black colour, with red accents and a brushed aluminum tank like the one seen on the V4 R. It also gets a race kit that comes with Ducati Data Analyser with a GPS module, mirror blanking plates, number plate hanger, and anodised, fully adjustable rearsets from Rizoma.

Like the rest of the V4 family, the SP features an updated electronic suite including Race A and Race B riding modes.

The SuperSport 950 will hit the streets in February 2021, followed by V4 SP in March 2021. We expect the SuperSport to be launched here in the second quarter of 2021 followed by V4 SP. The SuperSport is expected to be priced around Rs 13.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike will lock horns with the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX.