Test: Ducati 959 Panigale

Content

Basic data
Technical information

When you go from a liter supercar with 200 "horses" and 200 kilograms, you are unlikely to be impressed by anything else. So I was completely unencumbered by the power and weight data, and also sat on the new Ducati 959 Panigale, which stands out from the Panigale family mainly due to the dual exhaust, which needs to be replaced by an Akrapovic sports exhaust. But if the exhaust isn't where it shines, it's impressive when you put it into a corner and when you hit the brakes before a corner. With my head bowed slightly, I admit that it took me one lap to realize the incredible effectiveness of the Brembo monobloc brakes and give in to any serious braking and then brake again. But when I “learned” the engine and realized that the great twin-cylinder torque gets me out of the corner even when the engine isn't at top speed, and that it's light enough to slam into the corner like a GP race car, well, then it got fun. . About 20 percent later you can brake due to the light weight and great cycling and brakes. It is therefore ideal for overtaking under braking. And when I managed to drive a few laps on the ideal track, the speed also increases considerably, and the times fall. That's why this is a gourmet machine for anyone who wants to play around with the settings. Perfect balance of the bike and various power settings, as well as excellent rear wheel traction control. Bosch Racing ABS also prevents rear wheel lift during very hard braking. Shod in new tires Bridgestone Batlax Hypersport S21 Panigale was literally glued to the pavement!

Sinfully beautiful, extremely light, with great brakes and "tech candy" built into the computer, this is a racing car that, in the right hands, becomes toxic to its competitors on the track. It's not just the "horses", but the package!

text: Petr Kavčič; photo: Bridgestone, Peter Kavčič

Basic data
Sales: Motocentr As Domžale
Test model cost: € 17.490 XNUMX €
Technical information
engine: (design): Superquadro two-cylinder, 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: Brembove, front discs 320 mm, four-link radially mounted monobloc cams, rear disc 245 mm, two-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
Fuel tank: 17
Wheelbase: 1.431 mm
Weight: 176 kg