News 17 Nov 2015

Bike: 2016 Ducati 959 Panigale

More power and torque for mid-sized superbike.

Ducati’s baby Panigale has grown to 955cc with the introduction of a 959 Panigale for 2016, featuring the new Superquadro engine and boasting 8kW more power and 8Nm more torque than the previous 899 model.

The mid-sized superbike has also gained a servo-assisted slipper clutch and beefing up of the big-end to maintain the reliability of the more powerful 90-degree L-twin engine that now puts out an impressive 117kW of power at 10,500 rpm and 107Nm of torque at 9000rpm.

The capacity increase was possible thanks to the stroke increase from 57.2 to 60.8mm, with the bore unchanged at 100mm. To achieve the new stroke length, the crankshaft was redesigned to include a new crank journal lubrication system. The con-rods are a new design to suit the increased stroke, while the compression ratio has not changed from 12.5:1.

The two cylinder heads and aluminium top covers now feature a ribbed design to reduce mechanical noise – a critically important pre-requisite for Euro 4 noise emission compliance. For the same reason, a different cam timing chain was used.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

The 959 Panigale volumetric efficiency is ensured by the oval throttle body dimensions – having an equivalent diameter of 62mm. The throttle bodies are now fitted with two injectors per cylinder – one above and one below the butterfly, independently controlled by a full Ride-by-Wire system. The new engine uses Ducati’s secondary air system, maintaining performance-optimised fuel mapping and effectively containing hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide levels while preventing unburned fuel emissions.

The six-speed gearbox features a 1299 Panigale-derived oil bath clutch. A first for a mid-size Superquadro engine, the clutch assembly features a progressive 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. While enhancing frictional efficiency, this also results in a rider-friendly, light clutch lever feel at the handlebar.

In sport riding conditions, the same mechanism reduces pressure on the friction plates, enabling a true racing slipper action, reducing the destabilising effect of the rear-end and providing a much smoother feeling when closing the throttle or during aggressive down-shifting, with the extra benefit of a super-responsive lever. The increased power and torque haven’t affected service intervals with valve clearance inspections still only required every 24,000 kilometres. General services are required every 12,000km or 12 months.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

The electronics package available on the 959 Panigale includes ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW). Thanks to Ducati Riding Mode technology, these systems can be combined differently to give the bike three different personalities.

Like its ‘bigger brother’, the 1299 Panigale, the 959 Panigale features the Superquadro engine as a stressed member of the chassis and a compact, enhanced-strength, die-cast aluminium monocoque. The chassis geometry of the 899 has been further improved in the 959. In the fully die-cast aluminium, twin-sided swingarm, the pivot is lower by 4mm with respect to the 899, contributing to the 1431mm wheelbase, while weight distribution is 51 percent at the front and 49 percent at the rear. The unchanged front-end geometry includes 24 degrees of rake and 96mm of trail.

The 959 Panigale is equipped with fully adjustable 43mm Showa BPF forks while the rear suspension unit is a fully adjustable, side-mounted Sachs monoshock. The 959 Panigale has a 10-spoke, 3.5 inch wheel at the front and 5.5 inch wheel at the rear, both rolling on Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, size 120/70 ZR17 at the front and a nimble 180/60 x ZR17 at the rear.

Source: Supplied.

Source: Supplied.

The 959 Panigale front brakes use twin radially-mounted M4.32 Brembo Monobloc callipers actuated by master cylinders. The front callipers grip 320mm discs, while a single 245mm disc at the rear is gripped by a single Brembo caliper.

Additional changes to the 959 include a redesigned nose fairing, headlight and tailpiece, new rear view mirrors and aluminium billet-machined footrests refine the Panigale’s styling and ergonomics.

Further information on the entire Ducati range can be viewed at www.ducati.com.au. Local pricing and availability is to be announced.

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