2018 Ducati 959 Panigale

Welcome to the 2018 Ducati 959 Panigale review and specification page. The Ducati 959 Panigale was the 7th best selling Super Sports motorcycle in 2018, selling 156 units. It barely outsold the $10,000 more Panigale v4. I was surprised that the Super Sports sales where so tight.

In terms of looks the Paniagle 959 the latest ‘original’ interpretation of Ducati’s new Sports bike design language. It is the base model of the range but it’s not a stripped down special however it is unfortunate that it looks just like a sports motorcycle from any other manufacturer. Nonetheless the Panigale 959 is a good looking motorbike that looks better in real life than in the pictures.

In terms of technology and engines the Ducati 959 Panigale is equipped with refined 955cc Desmodronic tech equipped L twin engine. Ducati is the only manufacturer I know that uses this configuration and sets it apart. Being an entry level Super Sports it is missing the tech found on the Panigale V4. As is  the 959 Panigale has class standard ECU with modes, traction control systems with ABS. There’s not much more in the spec sheet that says ‘buy me’. Other than tech, Ducati’s racing heritage speaks for it’s self and the 959 tech package is complemented by suspension tuning that makes it a winning model.  Note that the 959 and it’s predecessors used to only race with 750cc 4 cylinders as everyone believed that twin cylinder had the performance disadvantage. Of course that was only part of the politics behind motorcycle racing.

Overall the Ducati 959 Panigale is a great Super Sports motorcycle package not just trading on it’s brand alone. Why? it’s still an expensive motorcycle but it is competitive to other Super Sports motorcycles hence the approx $20000 price tag. The Ducati 959 Panigale is not the best handler or the most powerful but is it a sports motorcycle so it is about the package and then brand. The Super Sports motorcycle class is clearly about the latest tech and power. Asking you to pay more without the latest tech won’t work unless you classify a motorcycle incorrectly!

Ducati 959 Panigale Key Specifications
Engine:	L2 cylinder 4-stroke 8 valve (EFI)
Capacity:	955cc
Power/Torque:	110Kw @10500  RPM 102 Nm @ 9000 RPM
Gearbox:	6 speed
Kerb Weight:	200kg
Performance:	0-100kph N/A seconds Max Speed less than 100Kph
Fuel Economy:	16 litre fuel tank Approx. .6 litres per 100km
Seat height:	830 mm
Dimensions:	L2056mm X W810mm X H1115mm
Recommended Retail Price:	$ 20,490(2019) $ 19,990(2016)