2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S Comparison Review

Today’s article is about the comparison review of the 2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S. That’s it. It’s happening. Your cryptocurrency bet was successful, the stock market is up, and your bonus just arrived. You have a lot of money and are ready to spend it on a beautiful new Italian motorcycle. Enough with practical Japanese business; It’s time to indulge in silliness by buying your first Ducati. But let’s not completely ignore common sense.

Since this may be your first “big” bike, you’ll want to ride it more often than the typical superbike owner, who rides once every two weeks. That simplifies things because the everyday Ducatis have only two real competitors: the SuperSport 950 and the Monster. So, let’s compare the 2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S.

2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S – Features Comparison

Two of a Kind?

On paper, these two bikes are comparable, as you can see from the spec sheets. 937cc Testastretta L-Twin engine, six-speed gearboxes with two-way quick shifters, dual 320mm Brembo M4-32 monobloc four-piston calipers handling braking duties at the front, and a 245mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear. All are shared by both vehicles. Additionally, both bikes get 180/55 R17 tires at the rear and 120/70 R17 tires at the front with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 3.

Also Read: 2023 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 vs 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50

The L-twin engines of both bikes produce almost identical power and torque. While the Monster produces slightly more power — 109.9 bhp at 9,250 rpm and the same 93 Nm at 6,500 rpm — the SuperSport 950 produces 108.6 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

Additionally, both motorcycles get a full complement of electronics, including cornering ABS, traction control, wheel control, and ride modes. So, as long as you don’t do anything stupid, you should be straight. So they are almost the same, right? I think not at all. As you can see, the SuperSport 950 S in Arctic White, seen above, is priced at $15.69 lakh, while the Monster line’s entry point is $10.99 lakh. But once you’re in the saddle, you’ll realize these two bikes aren’t as similar as they appear on paper.

Heads and Tails

First, let’s talk SuperSport. Ducati has tweaked the front design for 2022, added a beefier exhaust, beefed up the electronics package, and that’s about it. Under the skin, a tubular steel trellis frame has replaced a new (lighter) frame in the 2022 Monster. That says a lot about the SuperSport because it’s not a completely new bike like the Ducati Monster and shares some of the top-end features of the previous generation Monster. Don’t get me wrong, the SuperSport is still a fantastic motorcycle on the open road, but since we’re trying to help you choose a Ducati for everyday use, let’s start with functional considerations.

The Supersport is extremely comfortable for a beautiful bike. The footpegs aren’t too far back, the seat is roomy, the clip-ons aren’t hanging too low, and even the motor won’t complain as you weave through traffic. The L-Twin is remarkably maneuverable. While there isn’t a ton of torque on the low end, 80% of it is still usable at just 3,500 rpm, which is more than enough for most of the city. Additionally, the gearbox is well-matched, with no rattles.

Naturally, the Monster Powerplant benefits from all of these features, but the slower ride has its drawbacks.

Both bikes get pretty hot in traffic. Although you can get used to it, it’s still a nuisance. If I experienced it in winter, surely you will experience it in summer. Especially on the Monster, the clutch is hard, and stop-and-go traffic will make your left arm jealous of your right arm. Even so, you’ll feel more comfortable controlling traffic on the Monster than on the SuperSport. It comes as no real surprise.

As a naked motorbike, the Monster’s riding position is much more upright, and the rider’s triangle is less aggressive. Additionally, a revised front frame of aluminum alloy improves balance and reduces weight compared to the Super Sport’s 210 kg curb weight. All this makes the Monster an easy bike to ride in most everyday scenarios.

OK, so the Monster triumphs in the city, but what good does it do when competing with the SuperSport on the interstate or twisty sections of the road? The Supersport, a Ducati designed for sport touring, feels like a bike that can handle any road condition.

Without waking the L-Twin from its nap, you can easily cruise at 120 kmph throughout the day. Fourth gear is enough to propel the car to 175 km/h if, say, you find yourself on the main straight of the Buddha International Circuit and press the gas pedal. You still have to go through two more gears.

Verdict

So which one should you get? If having a good-looking bike is important to you, then the SuperSport 950 S is undoubtedly the one because it looks stunning. The Super Sport’s windscreen and larger 16-liter petrol tank — as opposed to the Monster’s 14-liter tank — make it an ideal choice if you plan to take a lot of long-distance highway rides.

On the other hand, the Supersport has deficient ground clearance and scrapes over most speed breakers, so keep that in mind if you pass them often. Although a handsome motorbike, the SuperSport is not as comfortable as the Monster for daily use. The Super Sport is great for riding two, three, or even four days a week, but more than that, you’ll be sore on Sundays. And if you won’t use it daily, why not skip the SuperSport and spend more money on the Panigale V2?

2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S – Price

The new 2023 Ducati Monster is available at $12,995 only, while the 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S is available at $17,695.

2023 Ducati Monster vs 2023 Ducati Supersport 950 S – Technical Specifications

Engine

Chassis

Dimension