Ducati Panigale 959 (Ducati Panigale XNUMX)

Content

Basic data
Technical information

One such model is the Supersports Panigale 959, which was unveiled to the public last year at the Milan Motor Show. It is the brother of the larger Panigale 1299, the successor to the predecessor Panigale 899. The Italians call it the "little Panigale", albeit with a serious, almost liter volume.

Increase

Most of the changes were made in Bologna on the unit: it has an increased stroke (from 57,2 to 60,8 mm), the crankshaft and connecting rod are new, the cylinder heads are different, the slip clutch is the same as that of the older brother, this is a new injection fuel. The unit complies with the new Euro 4 environmental standard and thus can safely wait for the beginning of 2017 when it comes into force. It is because of the mentioned standard that the exhaust pipes - in our case a pair of new twin Akrapovic cannons - have a larger diameter (now 60 instead of 55 mm). The frame has undergone minor changes, the front windshield is the same as the model 1299. Many electronic aids; ›Ride by Wire‹, DTC (Ducati Traction Control), Bosch ABS, DQS (Ducati Quickshift) ensure that the claimed 157 horsepower is more or less always under control.

Track and not only

This time we didn't have the opportunity to drive the Panigale 959 on the track, so we didn't discover and look for its capabilities and limitations. It is clear that the Panigale is a racial supercar with enticing lines and selective handling. Just look at what Welshman Davis is doing in the last races of the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) when he regularly wins with the Panigale in both race weekend trials! Hm, and how? Can this car be used to go to a home store or jump into a movie? Yes! Regardless of the supersport nature of the car, it also makes daily turns. You just need to get used to the racing position, not expect comfort and know that the instruments are deeply recessed under the front guard - so they are more visible on the track when the driver puts the helmet on the fuel tank. Brembo brakes gnaw furiously at the twin 320mm front discs, so the joy of fully adjustable suspension on the show requires you to dedicate yourself fully to it in order to win. The bike as a whole is the right combination and trade-off of power and handling for all-round riding (daily to-and-fro and trail riding), in experienced hands it will be neither too strong nor too weak.

text: Primozh Yurman, photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

Basic data
Sales: Motocentr As Domžale
Test model cost: € 17.490 XNUMX €
Technical information
engine: Superquadro twin-cylinder, 955cc, V-shaped, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, four valves per cylinder, desmodronic valve control
Power: 115,5 kW (157 km) at 10.500 rpm
Torque: 107,4 Nm at 9.000 rpm
Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain
brakes: Brembo, front discs 320 mm,

monoblock four-rod radially clamping jaws,

245mm rear disc, twin-piston caliper, three-stage ABS
Suspension: 43mm Showa front adjustable telescopic fork, Sachs rear adjustable shock, 130mm wheel travel
Tires: 120/70-17, 180/60-17
Growth: 810 mm
Fuel tank: 17
Wheelbase: 1.431 mm
Weight: 176 kg