What has changed?
The ‘middleweight Ducati superbike’ or the ‘baby Ducati’, call it whatever you like. But, this motorcycle is evolving into something not so ‘baby-like’. The 899 was already an upsize from the 848, however, now Ducati has broken into a new territory with the 959. The changes on the 959 not only include more power and a controversial exhaust but it also features many more advancements.
1. The more power bit
The capacity hike, up 57cc from 898cc to 955cc is thanks to a longer stroke (up from 57.2mm to 60.8mm) but the bore remains 100mm. Consequently, power is up from a claimed 148bhp at 10,750rpm to 157bhp at 10,500rpm and torque is also improved, up from 8.1Nm to 107.3Nm at 9,000rpm.
2. The double-barrel exhaust
The 959 Panigale features a new double-barrel style exhaust with twin aluminium silencers, which complies fully with Euro 4 regulations. A stainless steel pre-silencer sits under the engine, keeping the weight of the catalyser close to the bike's central axis for optimal handling. The 899 had a less controversial and more visually appealing underslung exhaust.
3. Design and Chassis
The bodywork features wider fairings, larger air intakes, a taller screen and shorter mirror stalks similar to the 1299. The footpegs are now machined aluminium, the same as those used on the 1299 and the swingarm has been located 4mm lower to aid traction. Ducati’s monocoque aluminium frame remains the same on the 959 as on the 899 and while the suspension is identical: 43mm fully-adjustable Showa BPF front forks and a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock, the shock on the 959 is 2mm taller to compensate for the double-barrel style exhausts. The wheelbase of the 959 is also 5mm longer than the 899.
4. Engine internals
In order to meet the Euro 4 noise requirements, Ducati has revised the engine internals and casings. The 959 features a new crankshaft, camshaft, new pistons and con-rods. The timing chain has been revised to produce less noise while the engine casings and head are thicker to deaden the noise from the internals.
5. Straight from the flagship parts bin
The 959 also features a secondary ‘showerhead’ injector, located directly above the piston and borrowed from the ‘R’ Panigales. The 959’s exhaust diameter is 60mm, up from 55mm on the 899 and now identical to the 1299 Panigale's.
6. Electronic technology
The electronics package available on the 959 Panigale includes ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW). The 959 Panigale also has three available Riding Modes: Race, Sport and Wet.
Gallery
1/2
Double Tap to Zoom
