Ducati has officially discontinued the 899 Panigale in India to make room for its replacement, the 959 Panigale. Expected to be launched here by June 2016, the 959 Panigale will be imported from Thailand as a completely built unit (CBU) just like its predecessor.
While making it Euro4 compliant was one of the main reasons behind this update, Ducati has also taken this opportunity to upgrade the aerodynamics and electronics package of the 959 Panigale. The cosmetic upgrades, which include a wider fairing, windshield and larger air intakes give the front end an aggressive look.
The 959 Panigale is built on a monocoque frame, which has the engine as a structural element. The liquid-cooled L-twin Superquadro engine displaces 955cc, and produces 157bhp and 107Nm of torque. The electronics package includes ABS, traction control, quick shift, engine brake control and ride-by-wire throttle. The 959 Panigale comes with three riding modes - race, sport and wet.
With the production now being stopped, the 899 Panigale has been discontinued in almost all global markets. Though Ducati India has exhausted its existing stock of the 899 Panigale, the company is yet to start accepting bookings for the 959 Panigale. We can expect a slight hike in the price of the new model, thanks to the powertrain and technological updates. The 959 Panigale will rival other super middleweights like the MV Agusta F3 and the Triumph Daytona 675R.
