Launched back in 2016 as a replacement model of the Euro-III 899 Panigale, the Euro-IV compliant 959 Panigale became the most affordable superbike in the international lineup of Ducati until the brand launched the 939 Supersport last year. It came with a longer stroked 955cc engine, a tweaked chassis and styling, new side-mount exhausts and a weight increase.

With high spec Brembos’, Showas’, a quickshifter, traction control and ABS, the standard 959 was running great. But the folks at the Italian company had a greater vision. For 2018, the 959 just got checked by the folks who run the team’s MotoGP stunts. Better equipped and a fresh new paint job that was seen similarly with the 848 EVO Corse edition in 2013.

STYLING

When Ducati chose to upgrade the prefixes to the name Panigale, it decided not to fiddle the sheet metal. As a result, the new Panigale 959 Corse is pretty much the same bike as the 899, with the beautiful design remaining almost unchanged. The mean front fairing with sharp and angular dual headlamps continue to catch your attention, even after being a seven-year-old face. The bodywork panel, being designed in the wind tunnel, can cut through anything like a Damascus sword.

The 959 borrows styling cues from its elder brothers who have won the most important design awards, including the prestigious Compasso d'Oro. The front flanks sleek LED twin-pods with DRLs,’ and the curves flow all across the fairing which also mounts the LED turn lights embedded rear-view mirrors and the plexiglass windscreen, optimizing the aerodynamic protection and airflow to the engine.

At the rear, the tail guard splits into two parts to make an aggressive stance at the rear. Behind the plexiglass is an advanced multifunctional LCD instrumentation that mimics the layout of the Ducati Corse in competitions like the Superbike and MotoGP world championships. New 10 spoke light alloys get a black treatment and sport Pirelli Diable Rosso Corsa rubber.

The 959 Corse is unique because of its MotoGP inspired paintjob that signify the bike is always ready to race. The motorcycle gets kitted with the state-of-the-art gold suspension units from Ohlins that has always been a saliva maker for us chaps. Ohlins also provides its adjustable steering dampers that complete the front end variations from the standard 959. The bike also makes use of the MotoGP spec lithium-ion batteries and lightweight titanium Akrapovič exhaust units (European model).

Overall Dimension

POWERTRAIN

Unlike the voguish new V4 that is all about that four-cylinder engine, this 959 Corse still runs on the twin-pot 955cc Superquadro-engine that develops 150 hp at 10,500 rpm and 79 lb-ft of max torque at 9,000 rpm.

An advanced six-speed transmission comes with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), and a hydraulically actuated multi-plate wet clutch, which has back-torque limiting “slipper” function keeps the bike in perfect balance on the street and the track. Ride-by-Wire tech makes it possible to have different power and delivery based on the selected riding modes and also to manage engine braking, as well as allowing the implementation of traction control.

The 959 Panigale’s extremely oversquare bore/stroke ratio of 1.64:1 allows for reliably high rpm, thanks to the ultra-short stroke of the crankshaft. The monocoque in fact also is an air-box. It contains air filter as well as the throttle bodies and the fuel circuit, complete with injectors sealed off by the bottom of the aluminum fuel tank. Type-approved Ducati Performance silencers in titanium by Akrapovič complete the package (Europe and Asia).

Such an engine enabling high-performance on the track as well as on the road comes without having to compromise on long maintenance intervals. The valve clearance control is, in fact, every 15,000 miles and the maintenance intervals at 7,500 miles.

Engine Specification

RIDE AND HANDLING

With all this, the bike has a tremendous chassis following the innovative Monoscocca concept. This monocoque structure, made of cast aluminum for increased strength, uses the Superquadro engine as a structural element, forming the motorcycle’s lightweight core. The Corse weigh 435 lbs, 5.5 lbs lesser than the standard 959. Also thanks to the lightweight lithium-ion battery.

The anti-slip saddle is lined by Alcantara and is designed to reduce the profile between the lower limbs for an attacking position. Then there is the optimized handlebar offering the perfect position for controlling the bike with total confidence both on the road and on the track.

The motorcycle gets kitted with the state-of-the-art suspension units from Ohlins that are multi-adjustable and are titanium-nitride treated which replaces the Showa and Sachs combo. 43mm Ohlins NIX30 fork at the front and Ohlins TTX36 shock-absorber at the rear. The suspension fittings are completed by an adjustable steering damper, also by Öhlins.

Top performing Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers clutch onto twin semi-floating 320 mm discs at the front, and a 245mm disc at the rear gets a 2-piston caliper performing immense braking power for the 959 Corse. Two channel Bosch ABS 9MP provides combined braking with an anti-lift-up function for the rear wheel.

The 959 Panigale Corse is fitted with an electronics package which includes three riding modes (Race, Sport, and Wet) ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW).

Chassis Specifications

PRICE

You can get your hands on this special Panigale 959 Corse at a price tag of $ 17,595, which to be dodgy is less than half of what you pay for a Panigale 1299. Nonetheless, is $ 2,200 more than the standard 959 Panigale.

Price

COMPETITION

MV Agusta F3 800 RC

The hottest performing middleweight sportsbike in production wearing civilian clothing is the F3 800. The blend of performance similar to a liter class and handling prowess of a 600cc track machine is the DNA of every F3 800. And this limited-production RC (Reparto Corse) edition is a legitimate celebration of this MV Agusta’s superior qualities created by the honchos at the racing department.

Having borrowed the styling elements from the F4, the F3 looks more muscular, and the bodywork is sleek and chiseled. Talking of which, it received an update over the previous livery that sees red wheels and newer sponsorship titles across the bike. The three-spouted exhaust tips give way to a 3-into-1 SC-Project exhaust unit that gives in to the striking road presence of the F3 800. Aluminum takes control over the rear view mirrors, and clutch and brake levers. Billet aluminum footpeg kit and fiberglass rear seat cover complete the RC package.

MV has created a one-off unique three-cylinder engine that is regarded as the most advanced and powerful mid-sized power unit to have ever been built. The in-line 798cc motor produces a phenomenal 148 bhp at 13000 rpm and 65 lb-ft at 10600 rpm. The performance at high revs is superlative due to double overhead cam timing system with four titanium valves per cylinder. . The MV EAS 2.0 mechanical slipper clutch system takes power to the rear wheel through the cassette type 6-speed gearbox.

Low and wide clip-on handlebar gives the rider a great leverage on steering maneuvers. This chassis is coupled to adjustable USD 43 mm Marzocchi fork having 125 mm travel and fully adjustable Sachs mono-shock at the rear piggybacking a nitrogen reservoir. Nissin radial pump operated Brembo monobloc radial calipers having 320 mm and 220 mm discs at the front and rear respectively.

At the technology front, this bike is laden with top class electronics and rider aids. The MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) platform combines fully electronic management of the accelerator and throttle body with 8 level adjustment traction control. Three riding modes and The RLM (Rear Wheel Lift-Up Mitigation) will keep the rider safe.

VERDICT

Ducati has been making a huge roar ever since they announced the launch of their 2018 models that include the mighty new flagship Panigale V4, the Scrambler 1100 and the Multistrada 1260. And joining that party is this special 959 Panigale that gets the Corse treatment.

The 959 Panigale is not just an 899 Panigale Version 2.0 – it is more than that. It hides a ruthless soul under their drop-dead gorgeous skin. A worthy successor to the exemplary 1198 and the 899 eventually and it is currently the most accessible track-focused bike from Ducati. The 959 Panigale Corse still appears as a fresh design which has the potential to carry its futuristic persona at least for three to four more years down the lane.

With the host of top-spec equipment kitted onto the monocoque chassis and the electronic rider aids, such features and characteristics confirm once again how the 959 Panigale Corse embodies absolute excellence through the advanced technologies used in its creation. And with a touch of their MotoGP expertise, the 959 Corse enters the elite space with added impetus, yet with the intact allure.