2016 DUCATI 959 PANIGALE
FIRST RIDE
P44
ENGINE
The DOHC, eight-valve,
V-twin, 955cc unit is
the first desmodromic
Superquadro engine to
pass the Euro 4 emissions
target, which is the reason
the European bikes have to
run the massive twin-barrel
exhaust mufflers whereas
we get the traditional
underbody exhaust. The
959 retains the same bore
as the 899 but Ducati
has increased stroke
3.6mm to 60.8mm. The
new stroke means a new
crank with a redesigned
journal lubrication system,
new pistons and longer
conrods from the 1299,
as well as the same
crankcases. Larger valves
operated by DLC (Diamond
Like Coating)-finished
rocker arms and new
camshafts with steeper
profiles and new cam
chain sit in the heads.
The aluminum top covers
are now ribbed for your
audio pleasure, as the new
ribbed design makes the
valve train quieter than
before, a critical part of
passing Euro 4. Ducati
says the new 959 will
need its valves checked at
15,000 miles with general
services once a year or
every 7500 miles.
CLUTCH AND
TRANSMISSION
The six-speed, Ducati
Quick Shift-equipped
gearbox now sports a
self-servo mechanism
that compresses the
friction plates when
under drive from the
engine without any
extra effort required
from the rider to release
the clutch. The same
mechanism reduces
pressure on the friction
plates for a proper
slipper action to keep the
rear wheel under control
during really heavy
braking and downshifts.
CHASSIS AND SWINGARM
The 959 shares the traditional die-cast aluminum monocoque design to
the 1299 that attaches to the cylinder heads and makes the engine a fully
stressed member. The geometry of the front hasn't been changed to the 899.
Weight distribution sits at a 51/49 front bias.
REAR SUSPENSION,
BRAKE AND WHEEL
Rear suspension is
a left-side-mounted
fully-adjustable Sachs
monoshock with a
progressive rate linkage
acting directly on the
double-sided swingarm.
Rear brake is a twin-
piston Brembo caliper
gripping a 245mm disc
with three-stage ABS.
