Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs. Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

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Overview - Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 vs Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

The Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and the Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 are both sporty motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 is equipped with an in-line engine with a displacement of 649cc. It produces a power output of 68.2 HP and a torque of 65.7 Nm. The engine has a compression ratio of 10.8 and features a DOHC valve configuration with 4 valves per cylinder. The bike has a steel tubular frame and a telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 41mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock absorber and preload adjustment. The front brakes are double disk with a diameter of 300mm and the bike is equipped with ABS and traction control as advanced rider assistance systems. The dimensions and weights include a wheelbase of 1410mm, a seat height of 790mm, and a kerb weight of 193kg with ABS. The bike also features LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

On the other hand, the Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 is equipped with a V-type engine with a displacement of 937cc. It produces a higher power output of 110 HP and a torque of 93 Nm. The engine has a higher compression ratio of 12.6 and features a desmodromic valve configuration with 4 valves per cylinder. Similar to the Kawasaki, the Ducati has a steel tubular frame and a telescopic fork front suspension, but with a larger diameter of 48mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock absorber and adjustment for compression, preload, and rebound. The front brakes are double disk with a larger diameter of 320mm and the bike is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and traction control. The dimensions and weights include a wheelbase of 1478mm, a seat height of 810mm, and a kerb weight of 210kg with ABS. The bike also features LED daytime running lights and a TFT display.

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 is suitable for touring and offers a comfortable riding experience. It also has a comprehensive safety package with ABS and traction control. The bike is very accessible and has an ergonomically versatile design. Additionally, it features the typical Ninja look that is recognizable and appealing to many riders.

On the other hand, the Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 has a more powerful engine with a higher power output, making it suitable for those seeking a more exhilarating riding experience. It also boasts high-quality chassis components, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The bike's electronics package, including features like riding modes, cornering ABS, and traction control, enhances the overall performance and safety. The sporty design of the SuperSport 950 S adds to its appeal, and it is also suitable for everyday use. Another notable advantage of the Ducati is its stationary noise level, which is less than 95 dB(A), making it compliant with noise regulations.

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 has average chassis and brakes, which may not provide the same level of performance as some competitors. Additionally, adjusting the rear shock absorber can be laborious, requiring more effort and time.

On the other hand, the Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 has been reported to have load vibrations in the lower speed range, which may affect the overall comfort of the ride.

In conclusion, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and the Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021 are both impressive sporty motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki offers a comfortable and accessible riding experience with a comprehensive safety package, while the Ducati provides a more powerful engine and high-quality chassis components. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 compared to Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023
Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore83 mmBore94 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke67.5 mm
Engine powerEngine power68.2 HPEngine power110 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque65.7 NmTorque93 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio12.6
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore36 mmThrottle Bore53 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath, Antihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDesmodromic
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement937 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter48 mm
TravelTravel125 mmTravel130 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel130 mmTravel144 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubularFrame typeTubular
RakeRake65.5 degreeRake66 degree
TrailTrail100 mmTrail91 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter220 mmDiameter245 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Quickshifter, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,410 mmWheelbase1,478 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height790 mmSeat Height810 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)193 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)210 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity16 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentLED daytime running lights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023

To judge the Kawasaki Ninja 650 purely on its paper form would be a serious mistake. The two-day test showed once again that performance data carries more weight at the pub table than in the wild. Kawa's sports tourer does exactly what it is supposed to and, thanks to the constant revision and the new features added for 2023, is still an enrichment for the class. Only hobby racers should be warned, as the name Ninja still stirs up a certain expectation that the 650 does not fully meet.

suitable for touring

comfortable

safety package

very accessible

ergonomically versatile

typical Ninja look

Chassis and brakes only average

adjustment of the rear shock absorber laborious

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021

Despite its sportiness, Ducati's redesigned and equipped Supersport 950 /S offers a good degree of suitability for everyday use and sufficient power for the country road or occasional trackdays. If you want to remedy the last remaining shortcoming, the throttle response in the lower rev range, which is characterised by load changes, you could consider changing the secondary gear ratio from 15/43 to 14/43. The one-tooth smaller drive pinion costs only a few euros, improves throttle response at low revs and also keeps handlebar and mirror vibrations within acceptable limits.

powerful engine

high-quality chassis components

electronics package

sporty design

suitable for everyday use

stationary noise of less than 95 dB(A)

Load vibrations in the lower speed range

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Ninja 650 vs Ducati SuperSport 950 S

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Ninja 650 2023 and a Ducati SuperSport 950 S 2021. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 112. It takes less time to sell a Ducati SuperSport 950 S with 93 days compared to 137 days for the Kawasaki Ninja 650. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 20 reviews for the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and 5 reviews for the Ducati SuperSport 950 S since model year 2021. The first review for the Kawasaki Ninja 650 was published on 10/4/2016 and now has more than 79,600 views. This compares to more than 45,900 views for the first review on Ducati SuperSport 950 S published on 11/13/2020.

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Ducati SuperSport 950 S

Model year
Current average market prices

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