Great to be able to watch such an insightful owner's report on my bike's better looked after body double, Stace. Mine's now done 23,000km, and apart from the brake fluid looking like Cola just a month after a refresh, there has only been the mirror vibes to contend with. You mentioned how the engine braking feels different in Sports mode. Like the Panigale 899 I used to own, the SS-S has EBC - Engine Braking Control with three settings. Unlike the Pani, you can't adjust it and save one of the three settings in a riding mode folder. The Supersport gets an EBC setting locked in to each mode instead. This is the reason the EBC is less aggressive in Sport, and more assertive in Touring. The less aggressive setting allows better hard braking control at a track day, while tourers often value engine braking as a way of slowing the bike with less disturbance to a pillion. Can't tell you what it does in Rain because I never go there... BTW, I can confirm that riding a Supersport in your seventies is like being able to drink from the fountain of youth at this age. Enjoy letting Boe take you there.
😁 Thanks Paul. That was great to learn what you say about the engine braking, and yeah I like it in Sport to more actively use the real brakes. You've inspired me that I still have another 2 decades at least to enjoy motorcycling 🤞
Great video, thank you. I am part way through doing my licence in the UK and with a month to go before my final test found the most beautiful red Supersport 939, the base model. I've loved it for a long time and when i found a one owner, cherished version at a great price I couldn't say no! I am a little nervous with it being my first big bike, but a little self control I'm sure all will be well. I have never been this excited about anything in my whole life!
I understand your excitement, I always feel I came to this too late and wish I discovered it sooner. You'll love the bike. Just try it in urban mode to keep the throttle response and power limited until you fund a groove. It would have been too much for my first bike, and I would never recommend it as a first bike. Just be deliberate, calm and ease your way to get to know it and sharpen your road skills.
I'm wishing I had done this 20 yrs ago, but it's never too late! I will put my sensible hat on while I learn how she rides and build up the fun! Thanks
It's always a good indication the reviewer loves their bike when they have given it a name. I own an RSV4 that I love (haven't named it, though) but it's just too much for the road and the ergos do wear you out so I have been thinking about swapping it for the 950S. (Also, I am a huge sucker for single-sided swingarms.) Appreciate the honest review. 👍
Thank you 😊. Yeah if you wantvto ride all day, still having some sporty fun, the SS is the bike. It will keep up with anything on the street, constrained only by the rider!!
1st, I'm also in love THIS bike! 2nd, just by fairings, engine (939) & year. It's definitely a Unicorn, but beautiful on the street. There is soooo much to love about this frame & motor! Other than heat & other small individual niggles- solved over time & ususually over budget. What a gem!
I have owned my Supersport S for nearly 6 years, added a Termignoni end can and mapped also bought the OEM panniers. This bike is great for riding all day and just a nice amount of power. Only niggles are I currently have a faulty fuel sensor and stock chain is not great and mirrors are useless. Haven't personally had any false neutrals and the heat from the engine is usually a blessing in the UK. Love my Supersport she's definitely a keeper. Cheers Stace.
I love how you still love your SS after 6 years. I plan on keeping mine for a long time too. We had a little ride today and I still think how awesome he is. The more I ride, the more he feels like an extension of me.
Rainy here in the UK so can't get out on my SSS. Went for a ride with you in Oz instead, thanks Stace. Agree 100%, totally love mine, the Italians build soul into their bikes, that's the difference. They're not perfect, but then your best friends aren't either. Nothing like a few hours spent cleaning and polishing, music on, sorted.
That is a passionate owners review. I did look at the Supersport but went with the 950 Multistrada instead. It doesn't look as nice but the wider handlebars and centre stand swung it for me. The engine performance is utterly usable, and that's what makes it fun to ride, at high RPM the engine noise/exhaust note is addictive, and for touring in the mountains the torque and power is just where I need it. On a side note there is a UK Ducati 1200 Multistrada owner and has just done 100,000km and like yourself has put his experiences on RUclips, similar likes and dislikes, and the engine has had no issues! Keep on enjoying your motorcycling.
Stace what a fantastic, honest, level headed review. No fuss no drama.. Currently looking at a 2017 Supersport with 13k miles but seeing you with near 40k is great. Thankyou!!
Awesome, thank you! And now it has over 50000km... only one issue since, ssxexplained in my latest SuperSport Touring video, the temp sensor went. But that's not a very common issue for this bike. Enjoy yours!
You have a beautiful country to make great use of a SuperSport... I'm sure you'll love it. We have 12 months of riding a year here, so I always feel sorry for those of you that have to put your bikes into hybernation for the winter!
Thank you so much for this video, i’m planning to buy a 939 or a 950 soon so i was looking for videos like this, it’s precise and rich of content. Love your bike ✌️
Excellent review, I’m riding a Multi at the moment due to being nearly 60, as I can’t do full on sports bikes anymore I really fancy a Supersport so will have to book a test ride soon, nice to hear about someone keeping the same bike for more than 5 minutes and tweaking it to suit you even more, cheers
Im 66 and thinking on one for a 4th or 5th bike. Im also on a 1200 Multi. I have modified the exhaust flapper on the Multi by just removing the screwed on plate inside the pipe. The screws are tack welded in place so you just need to get your dremmel grinder out and buzz them off. The reason for most failures is that the valve flapper gets stuck in position and causes failures due to temperature contraction and expansion. By leaving the valve actuator in place the shaft rotates freely with out binding and no resistance so it doesnt fail plus no codes, no cost.
Based on a look at your rear (tire that is), you should be running a different tire. You are not using the edge of the rossi tire so you are really wasting money / tire tread per mile for your riding style. You should run Pilot Road 6 or 5 would serve you much better for the way and miles you ride. You will not suffer any traction loss or feel in the canyons or cruising down the road or in a panache stop. You will love those tires.
Thanks but I am keeping these tyres and working my way up to using more of them. But chicken strips for street riding are not really a judge of wrong tyre... I rarely see bikes with any kind of tyre that don't have some of the edge unused. Pilot Road included.
Thanks for this well-rounded and lived-in review! I've owned mine since summer 2020 and I've lived it over my other bikes ever since (I've got about 4 bikes). Many recognizable points. :-)
I bought one before Christmas, nice bike, stonking great engine, planning to ride to Sicily (and back) in a couple of months from the UK. Didn't change my shirt just my youtube account.@@staceonwheels
Thanks, Stace, I really enjoyed your great review. I've had a 2018 SuperSport S for a couple of weeks now and just love it. You've already said it all - great handling, smooth and plenty of power, and a beautiful piece of art. I'm from just north of Brisbane, and will have to do a ride to the Bunya Mtns one of these days - it all looked very lovely.
fantastic review . Thanks for that. I had experience of riding 125s was afraid of supersport being potentially too agresive but more and more I think i could handle it
I was 71 when I traded my SuperSport S for a Multistrada 1260 S three years ago. I did many 5 day trips with 500 mi days on the SuperSport. I may have kept it if it had cruise control. I can't imagine why they would put cruise control on a 950 Multistrada and not on the SuperSport. The SuperSport was the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever owned. In comparison I thought the MS was ugly. It took me a long time to like the MS so much that I didn't fret about how it was not as beautiful as the SS. Both the MS and SS have averaged close to 50 mpg. I was probably the first SS owner to get the Desmo Service. I have also had the Desmo service on my 2020 MS.
I dread the day I won't be riding mine any more but I hope that's many many years away still. It's great to hear from someone who loves this bike like I do, and that you got so much pleasure from it. I don't care about the cruise control as I rarely ride long straight lines, but sounds like you cover more miles than I do in a day! Thanks for sharing your story, wushing you many more years enjoying you Multistrada.
Thanks, very well done review. I have the same bike as your friend, a base 2018 SS with touring kit. and a lot of what you said applied to my experience of owning one for coming up to 3 years plus some things I didn't know. "Bellissima" only has about half the milage that Boe has and Ive only had had the exhaust valve and the sidestand bolt issues you mentio (the losse sidestand bolts were noticed during an annual service, so luckily before it caused me a drop). Glad to know Boe's still going strong at 40K. I had nver ridden a ducati until after pruchasing this one but loved the look of it and the price was right. I like a lot of bikes, have owned quite a few over the decades, a couple of them more poerful than the SS, and have swapped bikes with riding friends, but the SS sure hits a sweet spot for me too.
Great to hear your story! And that was so lucky about tge side stand bolt... I know checking it is on the service list, but I check mine at almost every wash! Thanks for commenting.
Hello Stace, thanks for the review. it is great job. I own the same bike, and i love it. I am in Montréal, and i got a recall here for the rear brake issue. it was fixed, no charge. it was my only problem with the bike. I am not sure where you live since you ride on the wrong side of the road ;) , but a recall may be available where you are. you probably didn't get it because you bought it second hand. Have fun! cheers!
thanks.. as I have been really wanting a 950 super sports S.. but am apprehensive about going to a Ducati... due to so many things you have to consider... especially after riding Suzuki's for quite a few years.. without hardly any issues.. so I am weary.. thanks. gerry
Thank you for this! I already own a Supersport and absolutely adore it. What I have been struggling with is whether or not those outrageously priced sliders would truly protect the bike's fairing structure in case of a low speed fall (in case of a high speed fall with my old dry bones, I'd have bigger problems to worry about than a busted fairing). Your unfortunate experience doing a tight U-turn showed me that the brand you bought would. I mean at close to 50% of the fairing cost, you'd want to know they actually work some of the times!
They work... and look good too I reckon. No more drops yet, thank goodness, but I have had him on the track a couple of times and the sliders give me a bit of peace of mind.
Good review, thanks. Agree with pretty much everything. Have to say that the mirrors are complete pants and I would have expected better. In my almost 40 years of Ducati ownership, I can't think of worse ones - although you don't have to do the chicken dance to get a rear view. The engine isn't quite as soulful as the one on the 999, nor is it as powerful. I assume that that is down to emissions restrictions now, although the 999 already has a sizeable cat. Bearing in mind that my 999 was bought in 2006, I think I would be expecting more progress in the engine department in over 15 years. Very comfy though and as I have the paniers, I will be expecting some fun long trips on it. I took the 999 from Switzerland to the very north of Scotland, so you can tour pretty much anything if you feel like it.
I haven't ridden any other real Ducati so cannot say the engine disappoints me at all. On the track I realise how much it doesn't have versus a litre bike but everywhere else it's more than I can use at this stage of my abilities. But I reckon you'll live it for touring 😁
I enjoyed watching this video. Any new updates since you posted this - bike and you still doing ok? The bike is beautiful and the little mods you've made are perfect. Looked hard at Japanese for the reliability - but why is everything styling-wise so very Transformer like? I never imagined holding on to a Ducati for as long as you intend to (10+ years), but your long-term plan is encouragement to me. Looking to get a red Supersport 2024 and keep it as well;
I'm still fully in love with my 939, riding it heaps, and the only new issue was a faulty temperature sensor, which is rare and I was just unlucky. But I replaced it myself quite easily. The plan remains to never sell this bike.
These days I use a quad lock wireless charger, with a stem mount inside the LHS bar. There is another video on the channel about that. For the review video, that is just a standard quad lock mount on the same stem mount inside the bar.
Really helpful video. Been considering replacing my old CBR600F with one of these. Main thing stopping me is likelihood of theft of a nice looking bike in London. Surprised at some of the niggles. Maybe I'm just used to an old bomb proof Honda. 40,000 is a decent stint though so would expect some issues.
The niggles are annoying to some people, but for me they are no big deal and easy to live with. I love working on my bikes anyway, so fixing quirks is part of the fun. So depends on who you are! Theft wise, that's hard to know but there are plenty of UK SS owners in the ducatisupersport939.net forum you could as about this.
None of issues you described would put me off. Right now I'd quite like that under seat heating! Sadly bike theft in London is terrible. My main defence is parking next to nicer bikes when I'm at work - that a chain and a disc lock. @@staceonwheels
First, this is a great, really great review. Thank you for taking the time to make it. It has solidified my understanding of the bike and it’s qualities. The reason you appear to get better gas mileage since you changed the front sprocket is because when you modify the circumference any vehicle’s wheels or drivetrain sprockets or gears you fool the vehicle’s computer into thinking it is getting worse or better economy depending on if you increased or decrease the length of the drivetrain. If you replaced the front sprocket with one that had one additional tooth you would see a corresponding decrease in fuel economy.
Thanks for your kind words, and for watching 😁. I understand the point you're making, but don't reckon it applies to my experience. Doing the tyre set up (TSU instruction in the owners manual) recalibrates for a change in tyres or gearing. In addition, I changed the front sprocket about 2 years before my experiment with running the bike at higher RPM, and the change in fuel economy only happened after the RPM experiment, not the change in front sprocket. I still stand by my claim that higher RPM gives better fuel economy!
If higher RPM gave better fuel economy, Ducati seriously f'd up the fuel map, or something else. Higher RPM should get worse economy due to more internal friction.@@staceonwheels
Thanks for your video! Going to buy same model next summer, I prefer an old ( yours ) model for the front lights design instead in a new one. One question I would like to ask I the rear tire. Is a standard size or not? Thanks and good luck your beautiful white unicorn 🦄
Great review and some really good anecdotal information. I'm in the southeastern US. I started riding dirt bikes and then progressed to sport bikes. I moved on to cruisers as I got up in years, and now I live in an area with a lot of twisties! I wanted to get back to my sport riding beginnings. The Ducati SSS in Star White Silk was irresistable! I am set to pick up my new 2020 SSS in 2 days! I love the shape of your frame sliders! Would you share the brand name and where you got them? Thanks!
If you enjoy your new SSS half as much as I do, you'll be set! It's very comfy. The frame sliders are by Ducabike, and they also make bar risers for our bike in case you need some help to transition from a cruiser to a sportier forward lean 😀. You should have a distributor for Ducabike somewhere in the US for sure.
Pretty sure you can change the engine braking through the settings menu in the newer models. Did you do anything special on mounting your quad lock to the clip on? Your videos are helpful 😊
There's no engine braking setting on this bike, just ride modes that change a combo of ABS, traction control and tgrottle response. The urban ride mode also limits horsepower. For the 950, the settings might be different.
The algorithm sent me here 'cos I like this particular bike lol, enjoyed your video, liked your real world view so cheers You can google "how to pronounce" on google and hear for yourself how to say Puig, but phonetically British is pwig, US is pweeg and Catalan is different again so best hear for yourself, thanks again 🙂
Thanks for watching! The phone mount is a Quadlock with the stem mount which fits perfectly in the inner bar end. Some add the vibration dampener but I've had no problem without it.
I agree with 100%. I fell in love the the Supersport (not S) because of the colour. Mine is grey with red wheels and it looks awesome, to such an extent I was getting my helmet on at a petrol station and this guy said "Ducati?" Yeah, he said it was a really nice looking bike and then said that he had been on a thrashing ride with Carl Fogarty around London!! Wow. My plan is to keep this one, and I will go for the gold chain I think because it will look great on my bike also :)
I nearly got the grey too, yeah it's a unique colour combo. But it was the white I first fell in love with andcglad I got that one. I always wonder how motorcycle racers would ride around the streets...
@staceonwheels need the silencer covers? My exhaust servo got stick closed for the past 3k miles no reports on stuck closed only open and never threw a code so my cat is clogged and coming out so no need for them.
@@Theshark203 yeah stuck closed is a new one to me too. I am thinking of getting used (perfect condition) silencer covers... are you selling? You can email me at staceonwheels@gmail.com
I decided to subscribe to hear more about your SS bike. Its on my list of bikes to pick up. I also ride a Multistrada (yes i am tall), do you think the SS is too small for a 6’ guy? What about the clip ons, are they too low or forward?
Some tall guys have said it feels a bit small but at 6' I know of others who love it. The clip ons are already raised vs a true sport bike, but others had added more risers for comfort. I love it the way it is, and have no back or wrist issues even after riding all day. Test ride is the only way to know, of course.
I’m 6’1” and have had my 2017 from new. I fitted 12mm bar risers and the higher comfort saddle and find the bike really comfortable, but on a couple of LONG days have had a bit of knee discomfort but wrists and shoulders have been fine!
I hear mixed reviews about pillion comfort. For touring, it seems they aren't comfortable enough but for a shorter blat, they seem fine. I've never sat on the back, so can't speak from personal experience. You can go to ducatisupersport939.net and easily search for pillion info there. It's a brilliantly informative forum.
What’s your height? planning to get one but i am horizontally challenged.😂 what is it compared to a monster in terms of handling and performance and handling?
I'm 164cm but I have 3 other friends riding SuperSports that are all bit shorter than me, one is probably 160cm and she got her suspension lowered. We all wear boots with a thicker sole too, and the lowered seat this bike can have. The only thing we are all careful about is backing the bike out of a car park when there is gravel on the ground, to be extra careful not to slip. But you get used to that. If you can get the ball of one foot down at traffic lights etc... you'll find a way to get used to it. I haven't ridden a Monster so not sure but I hear that the handling is better... different geometry I think. Not sure if any Monster got the Ohlins either...? The engine is the same as in the 937cc Monster though.
In truth, no I don't. The bike takes experience and practice to ride smoothly at slower speeds, and get used to the grabby clutch and sensitive throttle. And even though you can ride it in urban mode to limit the power from 110hp down to about 75hp, it is an expensive fix if you drop it. My first road bike was a Scrambler and I deliberately practiced riding technique and road strategy until I felt the little scrambler was too easy and not powrrful enough. But I still practice constantly with the SuperSport and haven't found its limits yet.
And how did you go continuing to learn with the SS? I really would not have wanted it until I had the 10,000km and lots of techique practice under my belt with my Scrambler.
My supersports servo got stuck in the closed position and didn't throw any codes. Ran fine up until 8k fell on its face so fast felt restricted in the ecu like a limiter almost like the A2. Owners beware!!
That's the first time I've heard about it getting stuck closed, sorry to hear that. Much worse than getting stuck open. Perhaps you had bad corrosion in there... I thought the spring kept it open by default.
Doesn’t seem like that’s really much that’s gone wrong with it… I didn’t hear anything about having to get your valves adjusted, service internals and cost…etc
You're right - I could have talked about servicing. I've kept the bike up to date with all the scheduled services, including the desmo valve service, at 30,000km, and the timing belts were changed then too, as is typical I believe. No unexpected issues popped up at all in any of the services.
I bought my motorcycle used 2 days ago and made a trip of 500 km. She has only 7000 km. I noticed that some moments, especially in fifth gear, it would give a false neutral (the gear would not engage). Is there any clutch adjustment? The former owner said that the clutch pedal has already hit and is slightly bent, is it possible that the Quickshifter has been damaged?
If you are getting the false neutral only wnen you use the quickshifter, then that is a common issue with them. Otherwise, if you have the 939, it has a cable clutch so you can adjust this at the clutch lever.
What a really excellent and balanced review. I'm in trouble now though, I feel a bike change coming my way! Thanks Stace!
Ha! That's an excellent kind of trouble 😀
Great to be able to watch such an insightful owner's report on my bike's better looked after body double, Stace. Mine's now done 23,000km, and apart from the brake fluid looking like Cola just a month after a refresh, there has only been the mirror vibes to contend with. You mentioned how the engine braking feels different in Sports mode. Like the Panigale 899 I used to own, the SS-S has EBC - Engine Braking Control with three settings. Unlike the Pani, you can't adjust it and save one of the three settings in a riding mode folder. The Supersport gets an EBC setting locked in to each mode instead. This is the reason the EBC is less aggressive in Sport, and more assertive in Touring. The less aggressive setting allows better hard braking control at a track day, while tourers often value engine braking as a way of slowing the bike with less disturbance to a pillion. Can't tell you what it does in Rain because I never go there...
BTW, I can confirm that riding a Supersport in your seventies is like being able to drink from the fountain of youth at this age. Enjoy letting Boe take you there.
😁
Thanks Paul. That was great to learn what you say about the engine braking, and yeah I like it in Sport to more actively use the real brakes.
You've inspired me that I still have another 2 decades at least to enjoy motorcycling 🤞
Great video, thank you. I am part way through doing my licence in the UK and with a month to go before my final test found the most beautiful red Supersport 939, the base model. I've loved it for a long time and when i found a one owner, cherished version at a great price I couldn't say no! I am a little nervous with it being my first big bike, but a little self control I'm sure all will be well. I have never been this excited about anything in my whole life!
I understand your excitement, I always feel I came to this too late and wish I discovered it sooner. You'll love the bike. Just try it in urban mode to keep the throttle response and power limited until you fund a groove. It would have been too much for my first bike, and I would never recommend it as a first bike. Just be deliberate, calm and ease your way to get to know it and sharpen your road skills.
I'm wishing I had done this 20 yrs ago, but it's never too late! I will put my sensible hat on while I learn how she rides and build up the fun! Thanks
It's always a good indication the reviewer loves their bike when they have given it a name. I own an RSV4 that I love (haven't named it, though) but it's just too much for the road and the ergos do wear you out so I have been thinking about swapping it for the 950S. (Also, I am a huge sucker for single-sided swingarms.)
Appreciate the honest review. 👍
Thank you 😊. Yeah if you wantvto ride all day, still having some sporty fun, the SS is the bike. It will keep up with anything on the street, constrained only by the rider!!
1st, I'm also in love THIS bike! 2nd, just by fairings, engine (939) & year. It's definitely a Unicorn, but beautiful on the street. There is soooo much to love about this frame & motor! Other than heat & other small individual niggles- solved over time & ususually over budget. What a gem!
😁 it's certainly a bike people fall in love with easily.
Very nice and honest review Stacey. You right about everything. Getting to know these bikes.
Some great tips too. 👌
Brilliant, glad there was something in the review for you Max. I realky hope you end up loving your SS even half as much as I love mine.
I have owned my Supersport S for nearly 6 years, added a Termignoni end can and mapped also bought the OEM panniers. This bike is great for riding all day and just a nice amount of power. Only niggles are I currently have a faulty fuel sensor and stock chain is not great and mirrors are useless. Haven't personally had any false neutrals and the heat from the engine is usually a blessing in the UK.
Love my Supersport she's definitely a keeper. Cheers Stace.
I love how you still love your SS after 6 years. I plan on keeping mine for a long time too. We had a little ride today and I still think how awesome he is. The more I ride, the more he feels like an extension of me.
Rainy here in the UK so can't get out on my SSS. Went for a ride with you in Oz instead, thanks Stace. Agree 100%, totally love mine, the Italians build soul into their bikes, that's the difference. They're not perfect, but then your best friends aren't either. Nothing like a few hours spent cleaning and polishing, music on, sorted.
Glad you joined me for a ride in the sunshine Matt. We have plenty here to share. And yes, soul!
That is a passionate owners review. I did look at the Supersport but went with the 950 Multistrada instead. It doesn't look as nice but the wider handlebars and centre stand swung it for me. The engine performance is utterly usable, and that's what makes it fun to ride, at high RPM the engine noise/exhaust note is addictive, and for touring in the mountains the torque and power is just where I need it. On a side note there is a UK Ducati 1200 Multistrada owner and has just done 100,000km and like yourself has put his experiences on RUclips, similar likes and dislikes, and the engine has had no issues! Keep on enjoying your motorcycling.
Thank you! So great to hear about the engine longevity, and even more your enjoyment of your Multi. It's a gift, being able to ride these machines.
Stace what a fantastic, honest, level headed review. No fuss no drama.. Currently looking at a 2017 Supersport with 13k miles but seeing you with near 40k is great. Thankyou!!
Awesome, thank you! And now it has over 50000km... only one issue since, ssxexplained in my latest SuperSport Touring video, the temp sensor went. But that's not a very common issue for this bike. Enjoy yours!
@@staceonwheels Do you mind if I ask regarding the DESMOs, how many you have done on Boe?
@andyd2801 only the one, at 30000km. I think they are every 30k, but my owners manual isn't handy right now...
Thanks, 15000-18000 miles or convert to roughly 25000-29000 km
Great review. I’m planning on one for next summer here in Sweden. About 6-7 months of usable riding per year.
You have a beautiful country to make great use of a SuperSport... I'm sure you'll love it. We have 12 months of riding a year here, so I always feel sorry for those of you that have to put your bikes into hybernation for the winter!
Great Video! Thank you! Stay safe!
Thank you so much for this video, i’m planning to buy a 939 or a 950 soon so i was looking for videos like this, it’s precise and rich of content. Love your bike ✌️
Thanks and I hope you get yours and love it too.
Excellent review, I’m riding a Multi at the moment due to being nearly 60, as I can’t do full on sports bikes anymore I really fancy a Supersport so will have to book a test ride soon, nice to hear about someone keeping the same bike for more than 5 minutes and tweaking it to suit you even more, cheers
Thanks Nozzer, and yeah definitely go test ride a SuperSport as they are very comfy and still have sporty handling. Keen to hear what you think!
Im 66 and thinking on one for a 4th or 5th bike. Im also on a 1200 Multi. I have modified the exhaust flapper on the Multi by just removing the screwed on plate inside the pipe. The screws are tack welded in place so you just need to get your dremmel grinder out and buzz them off. The reason for most failures is that the valve flapper gets stuck in position and causes failures due to temperature contraction and expansion. By leaving the valve actuator in place the shaft rotates freely with out binding and no resistance so it doesnt fail plus no codes, no cost.
Based on a look at your rear (tire that is), you should be running a different tire. You are not using the edge of the rossi tire so you are really wasting money / tire tread per mile for your riding style. You should run Pilot Road 6 or 5 would serve you much better for the way and miles you ride. You will not suffer any traction loss or feel in the canyons or cruising down the road or in a panache stop. You will love those tires.
Great video, love your story, it is obviously from the heart. Why we Ride! 😊
Thanks but I am keeping these tyres and working my way up to using more of them. But chicken strips for street riding are not really a judge of wrong tyre... I rarely see bikes with any kind of tyre that don't have some of the edge unused. Pilot Road included.
Thanks for this well-rounded and lived-in review! I've owned mine since summer 2020 and I've lived it over my other bikes ever since (I've got about 4 bikes). Many recognizable points. :-)
Thanks 😁. I hope you continue to love it. Since my first track day a few weeks ago, I live it even more. Amazing bike, we have!
What a great review, thinking of buying one of these, so all good information. Thanks.
Glad it helped you. It's an amazing bike... you might need to change your favourite shirt to red though 🤣🤣🤣
I bought one before Christmas, nice bike, stonking great engine, planning to ride to Sicily (and back) in a couple of months from the UK. Didn't change my shirt just my youtube account.@@staceonwheels
Thanks, Stace, I really enjoyed your great review. I've had a 2018 SuperSport S for a couple of weeks now and just love it. You've already said it all - great handling, smooth and plenty of power, and a beautiful piece of art. I'm from just north of Brisbane, and will have to do a ride to the Bunya Mtns one of these days - it all looked very lovely.
Heaps of great riding around here! After 3 years I'm still exploring. Might see you out there someday!
Great video Stace. Love your methodical analytic approach!
Thanks Philip... just wanted it to be as useful as possible 😁
Excellent video!
Thanks Stace lovely review. Great advice on the negatives and some other helpful insights. Have been admiring these for a while. Again, thanks.
Thank you. Did it help you decide?
Great review. Great video, thank you!!!!!!
Are you thinking about getting a SuperSport?
@@staceonwheels Probably, i like Panigale but is not for long distances and not so reliable like 950 i suppose
@nikvret9544 the SS is def good on long distances. I did a recent video of a roadtrip on it.
I am relatively new to the 950 SuperSport so this is very useful - many thanks for sharing.
I hope you're enjoying your 950. Glad the review was useful for you.
fantastic review . Thanks for that. I had experience of riding 125s was afraid of supersport being potentially too agresive but more and more I think i could handle it
It will feel more than a 125, so make sure you test ride first. This was not my first bike!!!
I was 71 when I traded my SuperSport S for a Multistrada 1260 S three years ago. I did many 5 day trips with 500 mi days on the SuperSport. I may have kept it if it had cruise control. I can't imagine why they would put cruise control on a 950 Multistrada and not on the SuperSport. The SuperSport was the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever owned. In comparison I thought the MS was ugly. It took me a long time to like the MS so much that I didn't fret about how it was not as beautiful as the SS. Both the MS and SS have averaged close to 50 mpg. I was probably the first SS owner to get the Desmo Service. I have also had the Desmo service on my 2020 MS.
I dread the day I won't be riding mine any more but I hope that's many many years away still. It's great to hear from someone who loves this bike like I do, and that you got so much pleasure from it. I don't care about the cruise control as I rarely ride long straight lines, but sounds like you cover more miles than I do in a day! Thanks for sharing your story, wushing you many more years enjoying you Multistrada.
Thanks, very well done review. I have the same bike as your friend, a base 2018 SS with touring kit. and a lot of what you said applied to my experience of owning one for coming up to 3 years plus some things I didn't know. "Bellissima" only has about half the milage that Boe has and Ive only had had the exhaust valve and the sidestand bolt issues you mentio (the losse sidestand bolts were noticed during an annual service, so luckily before it caused me a drop). Glad to know Boe's still going strong at 40K. I had nver ridden a ducati until after pruchasing this one but loved the look of it and the price was right. I like a lot of bikes, have owned quite a few over the decades, a couple of them more poerful than the SS, and have swapped bikes with riding friends, but the SS sure hits a sweet spot for me too.
Great to hear your story! And that was so lucky about tge side stand bolt... I know checking it is on the service list, but I check mine at almost every wash! Thanks for commenting.
Hello Stace,
thanks for the review. it is great job.
I own the same bike, and i love it.
I am in Montréal, and i got a recall here for the rear brake issue. it was fixed, no charge. it was my only problem with the bike.
I am not sure where you live since you ride on the wrong side of the road ;) , but a recall may be available where you are. you probably didn't get it because you bought it second hand.
Have fun! cheers!
Welcome! Yeah it's an easy bike to love ❤️. The brake recall wasn't available here for some reason ☹️.
Excellent video. I would say the hydraulic clutch would make the cock pit look more finished and complete. Awesome bike.
I might do that conversion one day... and get that clear clutch cover... yummy!!
thanks..
as I have been really wanting a 950 super sports S..
but am apprehensive about going to a Ducati...
due to so many things you have to consider...
especially after riding Suzuki's
for quite a few years..
without hardly any issues..
so I am weary..
thanks.
gerry
The majority of owners love them to bits despite a few niggles. Test ride one?
Thank you for this! I already own a Supersport and absolutely adore it. What I have been struggling with is whether or not those outrageously priced sliders would truly protect the bike's fairing structure in case of a low speed fall (in case of a high speed fall with my old dry bones, I'd have bigger problems to worry about than a busted fairing). Your unfortunate experience doing a tight U-turn showed me that the brand you bought would. I mean at close to 50% of the fairing cost, you'd want to know they actually work some of the times!
They work... and look good too I reckon. No more drops yet, thank goodness, but I have had him on the track a couple of times and the sliders give me a bit of peace of mind.
@@staceonwheels Thank you for the confirmation! That was really nice of you.
Great review, never really thought about this model but it’s on my radar now. Thanks
Test ride it perhaps?
@@staceonwheels for sure thanks
Great honest review, thank you.
Great to hear that I wouldn't be too old to have one, since I too am early 50ies! 😅
From what I can tell, median age if SS owners is about 54!
Stace, like your videos....my 950 is 2 years old and have just rolled over 30000ks :)
Thanks! That's some decent riding for 2 years, but our bikes are so ridable... can't get enough. Actually just walked in from a quick blat just now 😁
5years old but the look are fire ❤
I never get tired of looking at it!
thanks for this video!
Good review, thanks. Agree with pretty much everything. Have to say that the mirrors are complete pants and I would have expected better. In my almost 40 years of Ducati ownership, I can't think of worse ones - although you don't have to do the chicken dance to get a rear view. The engine isn't quite as soulful as the one on the 999, nor is it as powerful. I assume that that is down to emissions restrictions now, although the 999 already has a sizeable cat. Bearing in mind that my 999 was bought in 2006, I think I would be expecting more progress in the engine department in over 15 years.
Very comfy though and as I have the paniers, I will be expecting some fun long trips on it. I took the 999 from Switzerland to the very north of Scotland, so you can tour pretty much anything if you feel like it.
I haven't ridden any other real Ducati so cannot say the engine disappoints me at all. On the track I realise how much it doesn't have versus a litre bike but everywhere else it's more than I can use at this stage of my abilities. But I reckon you'll live it for touring 😁
I enjoyed watching this video. Any new updates since you posted this - bike and you still doing ok? The bike is beautiful and the little mods you've made are perfect. Looked hard at Japanese for the reliability - but why is everything styling-wise so very Transformer like? I never imagined holding on to a Ducati for as long as you intend to (10+ years), but your long-term plan is encouragement to me. Looking to get a red Supersport 2024 and keep it as well;
I'm still fully in love with my 939, riding it heaps, and the only new issue was a faulty temperature sensor, which is rare and I was just unlucky. But I replaced it myself quite easily. The plan remains to never sell this bike.
What phone mount are you using? Really enjoyed the video and thanks for sharing your experiences! Best Regards.
These days I use a quad lock wireless charger, with a stem mount inside the LHS bar. There is another video on the channel about that. For the review video, that is just a standard quad lock mount on the same stem mount inside the bar.
@@staceonwheels Thanks. I will receive my 2024 Super Sport S in a week. Your video was so helpful! I’ll check out your other videos. Best Regards.
@michaelr.reynolds253 enjoy your beautiful new bike!
@@staceonwheels Thanks. Looking forward to getting back on a Ducati!
Excellent review! 😊
Thank you 😊
I’m considering the move to the SS from my Fireblade for a while, I’ll be buying an SS very soon!
It will be different I imagine, but the SuperSport really is a dream to ride.
akra tune really worth it
Yep...love at first sight.
Unavoidable!
Really helpful video. Been considering replacing my old CBR600F with one of these. Main thing stopping me is likelihood of theft of a nice looking bike in London. Surprised at some of the niggles. Maybe I'm just used to an old bomb proof Honda. 40,000 is a decent stint though so would expect some issues.
The niggles are annoying to some people, but for me they are no big deal and easy to live with. I love working on my bikes anyway, so fixing quirks is part of the fun. So depends on who you are! Theft wise, that's hard to know but there are plenty of UK SS owners in the ducatisupersport939.net forum you could as about this.
None of issues you described would put me off. Right now I'd quite like that under seat heating! Sadly bike theft in London is terrible. My main defence is parking next to nicer bikes when I'm at work - that a chain and a disc lock. @@staceonwheels
It's a sad world. Can't have nice things because others will take them. 😒
First, this is a great, really great review. Thank you for taking the time to make it. It has solidified my understanding of the bike and it’s qualities.
The reason you appear to get better gas mileage since you changed the front sprocket is because when you modify the circumference any vehicle’s wheels or drivetrain sprockets or gears you fool the vehicle’s computer into thinking it is getting worse or better economy depending on if you increased or decrease the length of the drivetrain. If you replaced the front sprocket with one that had one additional tooth you would see a corresponding decrease in fuel economy.
Thanks for your kind words, and for watching 😁.
I understand the point you're making, but don't reckon it applies to my experience. Doing the tyre set up (TSU instruction in the owners manual) recalibrates for a change in tyres or gearing. In addition, I changed the front sprocket about 2 years before my experiment with running the bike at higher RPM, and the change in fuel economy only happened after the RPM experiment, not the change in front sprocket. I still stand by my claim that higher RPM gives better fuel economy!
If higher RPM gave better fuel economy, Ducati seriously f'd up the fuel map, or something else. Higher RPM should get worse economy due to more internal friction.@@staceonwheels
I had the loose bolt on side stand issue. 2021 SS 950S. Didn’t know it was common. Fortunately no drop.
Yeah, lucky! Worth checking routinely... and maybe loctite too.
Thanks for your video! Going to buy same model next summer, I prefer an old ( yours ) model for the front lights design instead in a new one. One question I would like to ask I the rear tire. Is a standard size or not? Thanks and good luck your beautiful white unicorn 🦄
Thanks, yep it's a beautiful white unicorn for sure 😀. The rear tyre is the standard size, 180/55/17. Hope you find a good 939 easily.
Great video. Can you please provide the specs / thread sizing for the phone mount. Thank you
The phone mount is the quadlock stem mount inside the bar end.
Great review and some really good anecdotal information. I'm in the southeastern US. I started riding dirt bikes and then progressed to sport bikes. I moved on to cruisers as I got up in years, and now I live in an area with a lot of twisties! I wanted to get back to my sport riding beginnings. The Ducati SSS in Star White Silk was irresistable! I am set to pick up my new 2020 SSS in 2 days! I love the shape of your frame sliders! Would you share the brand name and where you got them? Thanks!
If you enjoy your new SSS half as much as I do, you'll be set! It's very comfy. The frame sliders are by Ducabike, and they also make bar risers for our bike in case you need some help to transition from a cruiser to a sportier forward lean 😀. You should have a distributor for Ducabike somewhere in the US for sure.
Pretty sure you can change the engine braking through the settings menu in the newer models. Did you do anything special on mounting your quad lock to the clip on? Your videos are helpful 😊
There's no engine braking setting on this bike, just ride modes that change a combo of ABS, traction control and tgrottle response. The urban ride mode also limits horsepower. For the 950, the settings might be different.
For the quadlock mount, it's just their basic stem mount and it fits perfectly inside the bar.
The algorithm sent me here 'cos I like this particular bike lol, enjoyed your video, liked your real world view so cheers
You can google "how to pronounce" on google and hear for yourself how to say Puig, but phonetically British is pwig, US is pweeg and Catalan is different again so best hear for yourself, thanks again 🙂
Thanks for that, and yeah I did google for the pronunciation of Puig and got different versions!!! Only they know... 🤣
Wow wow wat an amazing video thank you so so much❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks for the excellent video! Just bought my 939s and am looking for a good mount for my iPhone. What is the one you have on yours?
Thanks for watching! The phone mount is a Quadlock with the stem mount which fits perfectly in the inner bar end. Some add the vibration dampener but I've had no problem without it.
very nice video
I remember that day :)
You mean the Day Of The Drop? 🤣🤣🤣
@@staceonwheels no, the day you spotted one at the Servo … and you couldn’t stop talking about it 😆
Ah that's right... you were there too! Your first time around that mountain, if I remember right... and now look at you!
Hello Dear. Puig is a catalan company, the meaning is Peak, pronounciation "Putsch". Drive safe
Thank you 😊
I agree with 100%.
I fell in love the the Supersport (not S) because of the colour. Mine is grey with red wheels and it looks awesome, to such an extent I was getting my helmet on at a petrol station and this guy said "Ducati?" Yeah, he said it was a really nice looking bike and then said that he had been on a thrashing ride with Carl Fogarty around London!! Wow.
My plan is to keep this one, and I will go for the gold chain I think because it will look great on my bike also :)
I nearly got the grey too, yeah it's a unique colour combo. But it was the white I first fell in love with andcglad I got that one.
I always wonder how motorcycle racers would ride around the streets...
@staceonwheels need the silencer covers? My exhaust servo got stick closed for the past 3k miles no reports on stuck closed only open and never threw a code so my cat is clogged and coming out so no need for them.
@@Theshark203 yeah stuck closed is a new one to me too. I am thinking of getting used (perfect condition) silencer covers... are you selling? You can email me at staceonwheels@gmail.com
I decided to subscribe to hear more about your SS bike. Its on my list of bikes to pick up. I also ride a Multistrada (yes i am tall), do you think the SS is too small for a 6’ guy? What about the clip ons, are they too low or forward?
Some tall guys have said it feels a bit small but at 6' I know of others who love it. The clip ons are already raised vs a true sport bike, but others had added more risers for comfort. I love it the way it is, and have no back or wrist issues even after riding all day. Test ride is the only way to know, of course.
I’m 6’1” and have had my 2017 from new. I fitted 12mm bar risers and the higher comfort saddle and find the bike really comfortable, but on a couple of LONG days have had a bit of knee discomfort but wrists and shoulders have been fine!
Thanks for sharing this, for other tall humans like you!
Great video. Am considering one when I sell my street triple. How do these bikes go for pillion comfort?
I hear mixed reviews about pillion comfort. For touring, it seems they aren't comfortable enough but for a shorter blat, they seem fine. I've never sat on the back, so can't speak from personal experience. You can go to ducatisupersport939.net and easily search for pillion info there. It's a brilliantly informative forum.
@@staceonwheels thanks, that's really helpful! I would go for the MultiStrada but it's got a face even it's mother would find hard to love.
😂 not my style either, and way too big for my size, but I know people that love them.
Hi beautiful bike.
Question is that a stem mount Quadlock in handlebar tube?
If so great idea .
Yes it is! Fits perfectly.
@@staceonwheels i will buy a stem mount for mine ordered new 950S .
Subscribed. 👍
@gregbrassington2120 great, and thanks 😊
What’s your height? planning to get one but i am horizontally challenged.😂 what is it compared to a monster in terms of handling and performance and handling?
I'm 164cm but I have 3 other friends riding SuperSports that are all bit shorter than me, one is probably 160cm and she got her suspension lowered. We all wear boots with a thicker sole too, and the lowered seat this bike can have. The only thing we are all careful about is backing the bike out of a car park when there is gravel on the ground, to be extra careful not to slip. But you get used to that. If you can get the ball of one foot down at traffic lights etc... you'll find a way to get used to it.
I haven't ridden a Monster so not sure but I hear that the handling is better... different geometry I think. Not sure if any Monster got the Ohlins either...? The engine is the same as in the 937cc Monster though.
Do you think the 950s would good beginner bike to learn on
In truth, no I don't. The bike takes experience and practice to ride smoothly at slower speeds, and get used to the grabby clutch and sensitive throttle. And even though you can ride it in urban mode to limit the power from 110hp down to about 75hp, it is an expensive fix if you drop it.
My first road bike was a Scrambler and I deliberately practiced riding technique and road strategy until I felt the little scrambler was too easy and not powrrful enough.
But I still practice constantly with the SuperSport and haven't found its limits yet.
@@staceonwheels thank you so much seems got some decisions to make like new 950 s
950s was my 2nd bike. Traded in Yamaha MT-03 after 800 miles during first service. Saw the 950s on the floor and made an impulsive purchase 😂
And how did you go continuing to learn with the SS? I really would not have wanted it until I had the 10,000km and lots of techique practice under my belt with my Scrambler.
The bike has beginner version and limit the engine to 47 hp.
My supersports servo got stuck in the closed position and didn't throw any codes. Ran fine up until 8k fell on its face so fast felt restricted in the ecu like a limiter almost like the A2. Owners beware!!
That's the first time I've heard about it getting stuck closed, sorry to hear that. Much worse than getting stuck open. Perhaps you had bad corrosion in there... I thought the spring kept it open by default.
13:48 how is the bottom of your exhaust so shiny?
Haha! Autosol metal polish. It didn't take long and it lasted so far more than a year, maybe longer. Worth it!!
Doesn’t seem like that’s really much that’s gone wrong with it… I didn’t hear anything about having to get your valves adjusted, service internals and cost…etc
You're right - I could have talked about servicing. I've kept the bike up to date with all the scheduled services, including the desmo valve service, at 30,000km, and the timing belts were changed then too, as is typical I believe. No unexpected issues popped up at all in any of the services.
I bought my motorcycle used 2 days ago and made a trip of 500 km. She has only 7000 km. I noticed that some moments, especially in fifth gear, it would give a false neutral (the gear would not engage). Is there any clutch adjustment? The former owner said that the clutch pedal has already hit and is slightly bent, is it possible that the Quickshifter has been damaged?
If you are getting the false neutral only wnen you use the quickshifter, then that is a common issue with them. Otherwise, if you have the 939, it has a cable clutch so you can adjust this at the clutch lever.
I want this bike for its looks but everytime i hear about its problems im convinced to stay with my infallible Honda loll
The rest of the SuperSport experience is more than worth it. It has character, soul and spirit. Just test ride one!
Paulmotea
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