2021 Ducati SuperSport 950, Panigale V4 Range Unveiled

The SuperSport gets a Panigale-inspired facelift for 2021 along with better electronic rider aids

Comes with a new 4.3-inch TFT instrument console. It will be available in two variants: Standard and ‘S’ trim. The Panigale V4 now comes with a new SP variant with tricked out mechanics and an all-black colour scheme. 

The third installment of Ducati’s World Première web series unveiled the 2021 SuperSport 950 and the 2021 Panigale V4 lineup. The SuperSport has been thoroughly revised for the upcoming year with a new front fascia inspired by the Panigale V4, along with improved electronics. There are two variants to choose from: standard in a red paint scheme and the top-spec ‘S’ in white. 

Overall, the SuperSport looks a lot sharper and sportier thanks to the redesigned fairing which extends all the way to the exhaust. More importantly, the LED headlight now looks a lot like the Panigale V4 and even features fins to funnel air to the rider’s legs, improving thermal comfort.

Other notable changes include the new 4.3-inch TFT dash that controls a suite of electronic rider aids. This includes three riding modes: Sport, Touring and Urban, cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a 6-axis IMU that constantly monitors the bike’s lean angle, pitch and yaw.

Thankfully, the SuperSport doesn’t lose out on performance despite meeting the strict Euro 5 emission norms. It continues to be powered by a 937cc Ducati Testastretta twin-cylinder engine that makes 111.5PS at 9000rpm and 93Nm at 6500rpm.

Up next is the 2021 Panigale V4 range which gets a new track-focused SP (Sport Production) variant. As is the case with all special edition models, the Panigale V4 SP will be numbered. It gets a unique paint scheme inspired by Ducati’s MotoGP and SBK winter test liveries.

The matte black paint scheme features bright red accents and a brushed aluminium fuel tank that looks pretty cool. According to Ducati, the Panigale V4 SP has been designed to slay the track. Hence, it comes with its own race kit including a Ducati Data Analyzer, telemetry kit with GPS module, fully adjustable Rizoma anodised aluminium footpegs, and caps for when you remove the licence plate and mirrors.

But what really sets the bike apart from the rest of the Panigale V4 lineup is its comprehensive list of premium hardware. To start things off, the bike features top-spec Brembo Stylema R calipers and an MCS (Multiple Click System) master cylinder complete with a remote adjuster which enables the rider to fine-tune the levers as per their liking. Then there’s a dry clutch for improved track performance and aggressive downshifts. A pair of carbon-fibre wheels help shave 1.4kg and so does the thinner 520 chain which has been lifted straight off the Superleggera V4.

Goes without saying, the electronics for the entire Panigale V4 have been improved as well. Race mode, for example, has been split into two: Race A and Race B, for even better personalisation.

Prices for the models haven’t been revealed yet. The Panigale V4 and V4 S will start hitting Ducati dealerships abroad from December, followed by the Panigale V4 SP in March 2021. As for the updated SuperSport, it will be launched by February 2021 in the international market. Expect these bikes to make their way to India by mid-2021.