MotoSpecs

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S vs 2021 KTM 890 Duke R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S

Sport

Engine
Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic
Power
81 kW / 110 hp @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
210 kg / 463 lbs
2021 KTM 890 Duke R 2021 KTM 890 Duke R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
121 hp / 89 kW @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
166 kg / 366 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20212021
Make ModelDucati Supersport 950 SKTM 890 Duke R
Dimensions
Seat Height810 mm / 31.9 in834 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1478 mm / 58.3 in1481 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-206 mm / 8.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight184 kg / 405 lbs166 kg / 366 lbs
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight210 kg / 463 lbs-
Performance
Max Power81 kW / 110 hp @ 9000 rpm121 hp / 89 kW @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque93 Nm / 69 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm99 Nm / 73 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm
Engine
Displacement937 cc / 57.2 cu-in889 cc / 54.2 cu-in
Engine DetailTestastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, DesmodromicFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke94 x 67.5 mm90.7 x 68.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.6:113.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
EmissionsEuro 5EURO5
Engine Management-Bosch EMS with RBW
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflersStainless steel primary and secondary silencer
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection system, 53 mm throttle bodies with full Ride-by-WireDKK Dell'Orto fuel-Injection throttle body 46mm
IgnitionElectronic-
Lubrication-Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multiplate clutch, slipper and self-servo with hydraulic control. Self bleeding master cylinderPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final DriveChain, front sprocket 15, rear sprocket 43Chain 520 X-Ring
Gear Ratios1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24-
Primary DriveStraight cut gears; ratio 1.84:1-
Transmission / Drive6-Speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders headChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - FrontFully adjustable 48 mm USD Öhlins fork with TiN treatment43mm WP APEX upside-down forks
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Aluminum single-sided swingarm.WP APEX Monoshock
Rake24°24.3°
Steering Head Angle-65.7°
Trail91 mm / 3.6 in99.7 mm / 3.9 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear144 mm / 5.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Equipment / FeaturesPower Modes, Day Time Running Light (DRL), Full-TFT color display, Adjustable windscreen, Öhlins suspension, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO, Passenger seat cowl.-
Optional EquipmentAnti-theft system, Heated grips, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS).-
Safety EquipmentRiding Modes, ABS Bosch Cornering, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationFull-TFT color display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-piston, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS. Self bleeding master cylinder2x 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - Rear245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper, Bosch Cornering ABSSingle 240mm disc, Brembo 1 piston floating calliper
ABS-Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode)
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III180/55 ZR 17
WheelsY shaped, 3-spoke in light alloy-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 X 17
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17Cast aluminium wheels 5.50 X 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 KTM 890 Duke R

The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R edges out the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, lighter kerb weight, standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Lower seat height: 810 mm vs 834 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 937 cc vs 889 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2021 KTM 890 Duke R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 121 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 99 Nm vs 93 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 166 kg vs 210 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S vs 2021 KTM 890 Duke R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S and 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S uses Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, while the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R is lighter at 166 kg compared to 210 kg for the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R produces more peak power at 121 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S has the lower seat at 810 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R sits higher at 834 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S has the larger tank at approximately 16 litres vs 14 litres for the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 266-320 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Does the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or 2021 KTM 890 Duke R have ABS?
The 2021 KTM 890 Duke R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S or the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S has the edge in larger fuel tank and lower seat height, while the 2021 KTM 890 Duke R stands out for more peak power and higher torque. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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