2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special vs 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder
Power
150 hp / 112 kW @ 9000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
254 kg / 559 lbs
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2021 -2021
Make ModelHarley Davidson Pan America 1250 SpecialDucati Supersport 950 S
Dimensions
Seat HeightLow seat position 850 mm / 33.4 in High seat position 875 mm / 34.4 in Low seat position with optional ARH suspension 830 mm / 32.7 in High seat position with optional ARH suspension 855 mm / 33.7 in810 mm / 31.9 in
Wheelbase1580 mm / 62.2 in1478 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in-
Height1510 mm / 59.4 in-
Length2265 mm / 89.2 in-
Seat Height (Laden)Low seat position 789 mm / 31.1 in High seat position 814 mm / 32 in Low seat position with optional ARH suspension 772 mm / 30.4 in High seat position with optional ARH suspension 797 mm / 31.4 in-
Width965 mm / 38 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight239 kg / 527 lbs184 kg / 405 lbs
Fuel Capacity21.2 Litres / 5.6 US gal16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Wet Weight254 kg / 559 lbs210 kg / 463 lbs
Performance
Max Power150 hp / 112 kW @ 9000 rpm81 kW / 110 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque127 Nm / 94 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm93 Nm / 69 ft-lb @ 6500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1252 cc / 76.3 cu-in937 cc / 57.2 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinderTestastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic
Bore x Stroke105 x 72.3 mm94 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio13.0:112.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Euro 5
Exhaust2-into-1-into-1, catalyst in headerLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Electronic fuel injection system, 53 mm throttle bodies with full Ride-by-Wire
Ignition-Electronic
LubricationSemi-dry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090NWet multiplate clutch, slipper and self-servo with hydraulic control. Self bleeding master cylinder
Final Drive-Chain, front sprocket 15, rear sprocket 43
Final Drive RatioChain, 19/48-
Gear Ratios1st 13.11 / 2nd 9.687 / 3rd 7.509 / 4th 6.057 / 5th 5.08 / 6th 4.4361st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary Drive-Straight cut gears; ratio 1.84:1
Primary Drive RatiosGear, 49/89-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6-Speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO
Chassis
Frame TypeStressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structureTubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head
Suspension - Front47mm inverted fork with electronically adjustable semi-active damping control (optional: Adjustable Right Height (ARH)), Aluminum fork triple clampsFully adjustable 48 mm USD Öhlins fork with TiN treatment
Suspension - RearLinkage-mounted monoshock with automatic electronic preload control and semi-active compression & rebound damping, adjustable Ride Height (ARH)Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock. Aluminum single-sided swingarm.
Rake25°24°
SwingarmOne-piece cast aluminum-
Trail108 mm / 4.3 in91 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front191 mm / 7.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear191 mm / 7.5 in144 mm / 5.7 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-Power 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 Equipment-Anti-theft system, Heated grips, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS).
Safety Equipment-Riding Modes, ABS Bosch Cornering, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Full-TFT color display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs, radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-piston, radial pump with Bosch Cornering ABS. Self bleeding master cylinder
Brakes - RearSingle 280mm disc, floating, single piston caliper245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper, Bosch Cornering ABS
ABSStandard-
Rims - Front3.0 x 19-
Rims - Rear4.50 x 17-
Tyres - Front120/70R19 60V120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
Tyres - Rear170/60R17 72V180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III
WheelsAluminum cast, satin black (optional: annodized aluminum tubeless laced)Y shaped, 3-spoke in light alloy
Wheels - Front-3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special edges out the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S thanks to its more peak power, higher torque, standard ABS, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 150 hp vs 81 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Higher torque: 127 Nm vs 93 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Larger displacement: 1252 cc vs 937 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 191 mm vs 144 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 191 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S - Advantages

  • Lighter: 210 kg vs 254 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 810 mm vs Low seat position 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special vs 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special and 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special uses Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder, while the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S is powered by Testastretta 11°, L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic.
Which is lighter, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special or the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S?
The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S is lighter at 210 kg compared to 254 kg for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special - a difference of 44 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has more power, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special or the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special produces more peak power at 150 hp, compared to 81 kW for the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special or the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S?
The 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S has the lower seat at 810 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special sits higher at Low seat position 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special or 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S have ABS?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special 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 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special or the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special has the edge in more peak power and higher torque, while the 2021 Ducati Supersport 950 S stands out for lighter kerb weight and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.