939 SP 821 Vs 939sp

Brummie · Jan 8, 2017

Rjkc600 said: ↑

Ok chaps, as some of you know I have upgraded from a HM 821 to a 939SP.

I currently own both, so can give a good comparison between the models.

For those that wonder why I did this move, I traded in my 1299 Panigale as I preferred riding the 821 over that so figured I'd move the 1299 and the 821 on and buy the ultimate Hypermotard as my only bike.

So upon picking up the 939SP I had not Demo'd the 939 at all. Hadn't even sat on one, largely due to it being essentially the same bike and thinking I wouldn't bother.......or so I thought.

First thing that is instantly noticeable is the height of the SP. It lists as 2CM higher I believe, but feels quite a bit more once I swing my leg over. It also looks taller and bigger, although I suspect that could be my eyes playing tricks.

So on I get, start it up and off I go. Now I saw the headline BHP increase of 3 bhp over the 821 engine and thought "pathetic". I then read the "18% more midrange" comment from Ducati press information. I was sceptical, but I was aware that it could only be an improvement, even if a small one.
Well I was mistaken. The midrange is far superior, it now feels like a big engine and it pulls so much stronger in the midrange that I was genuinely surprised and impressed. Now the 821 had just about enough midrange to power lift the front wheel in 2nd as I hit 6000rpm, but it required a well timed 'tug' I found.

The 939 is completely different. It flips up the front wheel with no struggle at all, this thing is a wheelie machine, so if that's your thing then you'll be very satisfied.

The engine also seems to have smoother fuelling low down. The 821 isn't actually that bad in itself, but the 939 seems to have improved things a little low down in the rev range, I wouldn't say it's perfect but hey it's Ducati and the day they create fuelling perfection is the day pigs will certainly fly.

The Ohlins suspension looks amazing, really making the bike look special and feels very firm, with very little rear squat when I sit onboard. The front end feels far nicer in corners than the 821, and the front end shakes that could occur under power on a poor road surface seem to be gone with the ohlins suspension, although as I'm still 'running it in' I can't be certain here.
Either way the suspension has a much more premium feel when riding, with feedback being felt without upsetting the bike. I really think Ducati need to add adjustment to the base model hypermotard, non adjustable forks are just not acceptable on premium bikes in my opinion.

I found the 939SP far harder to achieve knee down on. The 821 was surprisingly easy to do so, but this needs some serious hanging off to get there my tyres have slightly worn the Supercorsa wording of the tyre so plenty of lean on. I guess this is down to a higher ridding position. Handling through the country lanes of Essex is truly awesome. So much confidence from the bike when riding fast through the roads.

Another thing I immediately liked was the front brake lever is slightly shorter than the 821. It makes it far nicer to feel for the brake and feels more controllable when trying to brake progressively. The Brembo master cylinder is also a big upgrade, the brakes feel so much stronger.

The standard exhaust also has a nice noise and sounds better than the 821, crackling lightly on overrun. It does look rather huge though, particularly from behind. Although this will be ditched soon for a Termignoni system.

The standard seat still has that dip that restricts movement, so I've junked that in favour of the Ducati performance seat which I had fitted to my 821. A big improvement allowing movement around the seat.

In summary the main standout feature is the engine, definitely a big improvement in midrange which has made it awesome. Combined with the trick looks of the SP model I am one happy man.

The 821 is still a great bike and made the decision that this was the way to go for me, I mean who'd have thought I'd open up the garage door and jump on the Hypermotard over a 1299, nearly every time?! The hypermotard just has more fun factor on the road.

Sadly the 821 currently resides at the back of the garage, listed on eBay for a new owner to enjoy.
Click to expand...

Great write up, I'm with you, I have a 821 SP plus an 1199S and a 2004 ZX10R (a keeper) and it's the Hyper that gets ridden most. Ducati' best kept secret I reckon. It's the agility I like best, it turns instantly.

Steven Ginesi · Nov 26, 2018

Rjkc600 said: ↑

Ok chaps, as some of you know I have upgraded from a HM 821 to a 939SP.

I currently own both, so can give a good comparison between the models.

For those that wonder why I did this move, I traded in my 1299 Panigale as I preferred riding the 821 over that so figured I'd move the 1299 and the 821 on and buy the ultimate Hypermotard as my only bike.

So upon picking up the 939SP I had not Demo'd the 939 at all. Hadn't even sat on one, largely due to it being essentially the same bike and thinking I wouldn't bother.......or so I thought.

First thing that is instantly noticeable is the height of the SP. It lists as 2CM higher I believe, but feels quite a bit more once I swing my leg over. It also looks taller and bigger, although I suspect that could be my eyes playing tricks.

So on I get, start it up and off I go. Now I saw the headline BHP increase of 3 bhp over the 821 engine and thought "pathetic". I then read the "18% more midrange" comment from Ducati press information. I was sceptical, but I was aware that it could only be an improvement, even if a small one.
Well I was mistaken. The midrange is far superior, it now feels like a big engine and it pulls so much stronger in the midrange that I was genuinely surprised and impressed. Now the 821 had just about enough midrange to power lift the front wheel in 2nd as I hit 6000rpm, but it required a well timed 'tug' I found.

The 939 is completely different. It flips up the front wheel with no struggle at all, this thing is a wheelie machine, so if that's your thing then you'll be very satisfied.

The engine also seems to have smoother fuelling low down. The 821 isn't actually that bad in itself, but the 939 seems to have improved things a little low down in the rev range, I wouldn't say it's perfect but hey it's Ducati and the day they create fuelling perfection is the day pigs will certainly fly.

The Ohlins suspension looks amazing, really making the bike look special and feels very firm, with very little rear squat when I sit onboard. The front end feels far nicer in corners than the 821, and the front end shakes that could occur under power on a poor road surface seem to be gone with the ohlins suspension, although as I'm still 'running it in' I can't be certain here.
Either way the suspension has a much more premium feel when riding, with feedback being felt without upsetting the bike. I really think Ducati need to add adjustment to the base model hypermotard, non adjustable forks are just not acceptable on premium bikes in my opinion.

I found the 939SP far harder to achieve knee down on. The 821 was surprisingly easy to do so, but this needs some serious hanging off to get there my tyres have slightly worn the Supercorsa wording of the tyre so plenty of lean on. I guess this is down to a higher ridding position. Handling through the country lanes of Essex is truly awesome. So much confidence from the bike when riding fast through the roads.

Another thing I immediately liked was the front brake lever is slightly shorter than the 821. It makes it far nicer to feel for the brake and feels more controllable when trying to brake progressively. The Brembo master cylinder is also a big upgrade, the brakes feel so much stronger.

The standard exhaust also has a nice noise and sounds better than the 821, crackling lightly on overrun. It does look rather huge though, particularly from behind. Although this will be ditched soon for a Termignoni system.

The standard seat still has that dip that restricts movement, so I've junked that in favour of the Ducati performance seat which I had fitted to my 821. A big improvement allowing movement around the seat.

In summary the main standout feature is the engine, definitely a big improvement in midrange which has made it awesome. Combined with the trick looks of the SP model I am one happy man.

The 821 is still a great bike and made the decision that this was the way to go for me, I mean who'd have thought I'd open up the garage door and jump on the Hypermotard over a 1299, nearly every time?! The hypermotard just has more fun factor on the road.

Sadly the 821 currently resides at the back of the garage, listed on eBay for a new owner to enjoy.
Click to expand...

What would you say abou a 821SP VS a standard 939? Which would you have? Would love to know the answer to that.
I’m toying with the idea of a 939SP as opposed to the new 2019 950 standard model

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