Cruiser's Planet Journal
Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950
Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 Buying Guide
Buying a Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 motorcycle can be a great way to get Italian performance and style on a more affordable budget.
However, purchasing a second-hand premium motorcycle is a much more involved process than simply looking at the asking price. Service records, mechanical condition, tyres, brakes, electronics, ownership, documents and other factors also play an important role.
A well-maintained used Ducati can be great value for money, providing an exciting blend of performance and comfort with Italian design.
If you are considering buying a Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 then this guide will help you to know what to look out for.
Why Buy a Pre-Owned SuperSport 950?
There is no doubt that purchasing a nearly new or factory fresh premium motorcycle is exciting.
However, when you buy a used motorcycle you are often able to get significant savings on the on-the-road price of a new model.
Buying a Ducati SuperSport 950 may be the perfect way to enjoy Italian performance and style on a more affordable budget.
The main reasons for purchasing a pre-owned premium motorcycle include:
• Lower purchase price
• Lower depreciation
Compared to a new model, a used motorcycle has often lost some of its initial value.
This means that you may be able to get more bang for your buck when buying a second-hand sports-bike.
Other benefits of the Ducati SuperSport 950 include:
• Sports-bike performance
• Comfortable on the road
• Modern rider electronics
• Powerful engine
• Exciting Italian styling
With its comfortable but aggressive riding position, the Ducati SuperSport 950 provides many rider benefits over a standard naked bike or cruiser, without the harshness and restricted ergonomics of a true race bike.
Sporty Design Meets Rider Comfort
Ducati has created the Ducati SuperSport 950 with classic Italian styling at the forefront.
The full fairing, aggressive front end, sculptured fuel tank, sharp tail section, sports-bike lighting and other details give the motorcycle an exciting, dynamic look.
The SuperSport model provides a more comfortable riding position than a track-focused sports-bike.
However, for the most part, it retains the aggressive Ducati looks that fans of the brand are expecting.
When assessing a used SuperSport 950, you should consider the following:
• Front fairing
• Side panels
• Fuel tank
• Windscreen
• Mirrors
• Tail section
• Indicators
• Engine covers
• Footpegs
You should carefully look for scratches or other imperfections on the mirrors, fairings, levers, engine covers or footpegs. These may indicate that the motorcycle was dropped at some stage. Cosmetic damage is common on used bikes but avoid any models with obvious cracked plastic or a paint job that appears to have been done incorrectly.
Engine Inspection Is Critical
A used premium motorcycle such as a Ducati SuperSport 950 will have some signs of wear and tear on its engine, but serious mechanical problems should be avoided.
Whenever possible, you should request to see the engine when it is cold.
Listen to the engine as it idles to identify any unusual noises or vibrations.
The engine should start without hesitation or knocking noises and idle smoothly. Avoid any Ducati SuperSport 950 motorcycle for sale with excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
If you are unfamiliar with Ducati engines, it can be helpful to bring a mechanic who understands high-performance Italian motorcycles along with you to view the engine.
Service History Should Not Be Ignored
For many owners, a used Ducati SuperSport 950 will represent a sizeable outlay of funds.
As a result, it is important to ensure that you are getting value for money with a bike that has been well maintained.
Whenever possible, you should view any service records and invoices related to the Ducati SuperSport 950.
A well-maintained motorcycle will typically have a full service history, including engine oil and filter changes. Other common services for a used Ducati SuperSport 950 include:
• Air filter servicing
• Brake fluid
• Coolant
• Spark plugs
• Battery replacement
• Scheduled maintenance
Depending on the age and usage of the Ducati SuperSport 950, additional items may also be on the maintenance schedule.
A full service history will also give you greater insight into how well the previous owner maintained the motorcycle. Do not assume that the lowest kilometres ridden will always represent the best value.
Electronics Should Be Assessed Carefully
Modern Ducati motorcycles typically come with a range of rider technologies and safety features.
Some of the most common electronic rider aids on the SuperSport 950 model include:
• ABS
• Traction control
• Quickshifter
• Riding modes
• Rider electronics
Whenever you view a used Ducati SuperSport 950 for sale, you should always turn the ignition on and assess the motorcycle electronics.
Make sure that no warning indicators are displayed on the dashboard.
Test the indicators, headlights, brake lights, horn and other dashboard functions.
Test riding modes, quickshifter and traction control if the motorcycle is equipped with these features.
Some electrical problems can be expensive to repair, so it is always best to avoid a used Ducati SuperSport 950 with known electrical issues.
Tyre Condition Can Affect Safety
The tyres on a used Ducati SuperSport 950 should always be assessed before you complete your purchase.
Worn tyres are dangerous, especially on a performance motorcycle. Look at the depth of the tread on both the front and rear tyres.
Tyres should also be free from cracks, uneven wear, bulges or any other signs of damage.
Avoid tyres with uneven wear patterns as this can be a sign of poor alignment. Worn tyres can also decrease the stability and handling of a sports-bike.
Do not be fooled by deep tread patterns on older tyres as these may have lost their grip.
Based on the age and overall condition of the tyres, you may need to budget for new tyres on a used Ducati SuperSport 950.
Performance tyres can be extremely expensive, so budgeting for this cost is always advisable.
Assess the Brakes on a Used Sports Bike
Performance motorcycles such as the Ducati SuperSport 950 will place extra strain on the braking system.
As a result, it is important to carefully assess the condition of the brakes on a used Ducati SuperSport 950.
You should always check the front and rear brake discs for signs of warping or cracking.
Look at the brake pads and make sure that they are not excessively worn.
Inspect the brake fluid, lines and ABS warning lights.
During your test ride, pay particular attention to how the brakes feel.
Avoid any used Ducati SuperSport 950 with unusual vibration, noise or reduced stopping power.
High-performance brake components can be very expensive to replace, so make sure that the brakes on the motorcycle are in good condition.
Suspension Is Important for Comfort and Handling
The suspension system on a used Ducati SuperSport 950 will impact both comfort and handling.
Make sure that the fork legs are not damaged or leaking oil.
The front suspension struts should also be in good condition and free from visible damage.
During your test ride, you should be able to feel the stability and control offered by the suspension system.
If the suspension appears to be uncomfortable or unsafe, you may want to avoid purchasing that particular used Ducati SuperSport 950
Inspect the Chain and Sprockets
The chain and sprockets on a used Ducati SuperSport 950 should always be inspected during your test ride.
Look at the tightness of the chain and make sure that there is no excessive slack.
Avoid chains that appear to be stiff, dry or worn.
You should also assess the condition of the sprockets.
A worn chain can cause serious damage to the engine and transmission if it is not replaced.
Chains and sprockets on a used motorcycle are often signs of poor maintenance.
If you are given an asking price for a used Ducati SuperSport 950 that needs new chains, sprockets or both, you should always build this budget into your overall price.
Checking for Accidents or Other Damage
Full faired motorcycles such as the Ducati SuperSport 950 can hide a wide range of damage without you knowing.
Look carefully at the condition of the fairings, indicators, windscreen, side panels, engine covers, tail section and engine air intake.
Are there any unusual panel gaps, paint jobs or bodywork that does not appear to be in good condition?
Ask the seller whether the Ducati SuperSport 950 has ever been in an accident.
Minor accident damage, such as small dents or scratches can usually be ignored. However, major accident damage should always be avoided.
Checking for Track Usage
Many owners of the Ducati SuperSport 950 will ride their motorcycles on tracks as well as the road.
This is perfectly acceptable, but you should carefully assess the condition of the used Ducati SuperSport 950 before you make your purchase.
Track use can sometimes lead to:
• Tyre-edge wear
• Scratched footpegs
• Rear sets
• Performance exhausts
• Modified ECUs
• Other track-specific modifications
During your test-ride, you may notice certain signs that will indicate if the motorcycle has been used on the track.
If the used Ducati SuperSport 950 has been modified, you may want to take this into account when assessing the overall value of the motorcycle.
It is always best to speak with the owner and ask whether the motorcycle has been used on the track.
Modifying a Sports Bike Can Reduce Value
Many owners of the Ducati SuperSport 950 will modify their motorcycles.
Modifications such as tail tides, exhausts, windscreens, levers, carbon-fibre accessories and other personalisation options are extremely popular with the owners of sports-bikes.
Aftermarket performance modifications, such as air filters or exhausts can also be popular.
These modifications can sometimes add value to a used Ducati SuperSport 950, depending on what has been done. However, you should always be aware that heavily modified motorcycles can be harder to value accurately and harder to resell.
If you are inspecting a used Ducati SuperSport 950 and the owner has made major modifications, such as remapping the ECU or modifying the engine, always make sure that the necessary parts are still available.
Documents Are Also Worth Checking
The mechanical condition of a used Ducati SuperSport 950 is extremely important.
However, you should always carefully review the documents that relate to the motorcycle.
Documents to look for when buying a pre-owned SuperSport 950 include:
• Registration certificate
• Pollution certificate
• Valid insurance
• Service records
• Invoice, if available
• Finance documents, if applicable
You should always make sure that the name on the registration certificate matches the details on the bill of sale. During your inspection, the dealer should be able to provide you with documents that identify the current owner as well as any previous owners.
Previous Owners Can Impact the Value of a Used Bike
When buying a used Ducati SuperSport 950, you should always make sure that you understand the previous ownership.
Ask the seller how many previous owners the SuperSport 950 has had.
While a first-owner motorcycle may appeal to some buyers, the number of previous owners should not be the deciding factor in your purchase.
As long as the motorcycle has been maintained and serviced correctly, a second-owner motorcycle can be just as good as a first-owner model.
Always consider the full picture, including the condition of the used Ducati SuperSport 950, the service history, the number of kilometres, accident history, modifications and other factors.
A Test Ride Is Always Advisable
It is always best to take a test ride before you purchase any used motorcycle, including a Ducati SuperSport 950.
During the test ride, you should be able to identify any unusual sounds or vibrations.
The engine should run smoothly and the chain and gears should not make any unusual noises.
You should also be able to test the quickshifter, riding modes and electronics.
It is always best to avoid a used Ducati SuperSport 950 if the clutch feels uncomfortable or the gears are difficult to change.
During the test ride, you should assess the overall balance and stability of the motorcycle. The brakes, throttle response and suspension system should all work comfortably and predictably.
Make sure that the riding position is comfortable for you, as this will be the position that you will use every time that you ride the motorcycle.
Is SuperSport 950 Suitable for Daily Commuting?
One of the main advantages of a Ducati SuperSport 950 is that it combines the performance of a sports-bike with the comfort of a commuter motorcycle.
The riding position and other refinements means that the SuperSport 950 is much more comfortable than a traditional sports-bike or superbike. It also has a more upright riding position than many of its competitors.This makes the SuperSport 950 suitable for riders who want the performance of a sports-bike but who still want to be comfortable when they are commuting to work or riding on the highway.
However, it is still a high-performance motorcycle and you should consider a range of factors before you decide to use your SuperSport 950 as your daily commute.
Traffic, insurance, comfort, heat, maintenance and other factors should always be taken into consideration when you are assessing the SuperSport 950 as a daily motorcycle.
Maintenance Cost of Pre-Owned SuperSport 950
When buying a used SuperSport 950, you will still need to budget for the ongoing maintenance costs.
These include:
• Servicing
• Engine oil and filters
• Tyres
• Brakes
• Chain and sprockets
• Battery
• Insurance
• Genuine spare parts
Maintenance costs will vary depending on the age, service history, condition and kilometres on the clock of the SuperSport 950. Always make sure that you understand the next service schedule and budget for any major maintenance items that may be required.
Why Should You Buy From a Pre-Owned Superbike Dealer?
When buying a used SuperSport 950, it is always advisable to work with a professional pre-owned super bike dealer.
A trusted dealer can help you to compare a range of used superbikes.
Some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a used superbike include:
• Registration year
• Owner history
• Kilometres driven
• Service history
• Price
• Condition
At Cruiser's Planet, you will be able to see a wide range of pre-owned motorcycles for sale, including a number of Ducati SuperSport 950 models.
If you are looking to buy a Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950, it is always best to compare the kilometres driven, owner history, service record and overall condition before you make your purchase.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used SuperSports 950
Before you buy a used SuperSports 950, you should always ask the following questions:
• What year was the motorcycle registered?
• How many owners has the motorcycle had?
• What is the distance driven?
• Do you have a full service history?
• Has the motorcycle ever been in an accident?
• Has the motorcycle ever been used on a race track?
• Has the motorcycle been modified?
• Is the original exhaust available?
• What was the last service completed?
• What condition are the tyres in?
• Are all of the electronic functions operational?
• Is the insurance valid?
• Do you have both keys?
• Is there any pending finance?
A trustworthy seller or dealer should be able to answer all of these questions.
Final Words
Buying a Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 can be a great choice for riders who want Italian performance and style but who do not want to spend the full purchase price of a new model.
The used Ducati SuperSport 950 guide has outlined some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a second-hand sports bike.
Remember that while a lower asking price is always attractive, you should focus on getting value for money. It is always best to view the mechanical condition, electronics, tyres, brakes, suspension, chain and sprockets, bodywork, service history, ownership and documents before you make your final decision.
A well-serviced and maintained Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 can represent a fantastic value for money, providing you with Italian performance and comfort.
If you are looking to buy a Pre-Owned Ducati SuperSport 950 in India, take a look at the pre-owned premium motorcycle collection at Cruiser's Planet and choose your dream bike based on the condition, service history, kilometres and overall suitability for your needs and budget.
