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A Buyer's Guide For The Ducati 959 Panigale

Ducati 959 Panigale

The Ducati 959 Panigale is proclaimed the SuperBike of 2020 by Motor Biscuit. It's ideal for speed and high-end Italian engineering enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a new or used 959 Panigale, you're definitely in the right place. Check out our buyer's guide for a few well-placed tips and all the information you need to go out and get a good deal.

History of the 959 Panigale

Before you start negotiations on a bike, it's wise to bone up on your knowledge of its history. Familiarity with the specifications along with the good and the bad helps you to know what to look. This information is vital in a used model. Wikipedia gives us an overview of the history of the 959 Panigale. Ducati launched the line in 2016. The 959 Panigale is the successor of the Ducati 899. It was the predecessor of the Panigale V2. The first edition came equipped with a liquid-cooled V-twin, four cylinders/valve desmodromic engine. The bore stroke was 100 mm x 60.8 mm with a compression ratio of 12:5:1. It claimed 157 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and 79.2 lb-ft of torque at 9,000 rpm. It was matched with a 6-speed wet multi-plate chain drive transmission.

The entry-level Ducati Sport

Ducati 959 Panigale 1

The Panigale 959 is Ducati's entry-level sports bike. It instills confidence in new to intermediate riders with an unimposing size. Ultimate Motorcycling elaborates on the specs of the inaugural Panigale 959. The engine displacement is 955cc, outshining the bike it replaced with more power. It's track-ready with a Sachs shock and Showa Big Piston Forks. The electronics suite features Bosch ABS, traction control, Mitsubishi EFI, adjustable engine compression braking, and a quick-shifter. Another notable feature is the Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system with twin injectors for each cylinder, elliptical throttle body, and full Ride-by-Wire.

The 6-speed transmission is equipped with Ducati Quick Shift along with straight cut gears. The sprockets are front to rear, respectively 15/43. The chassis is comprised of a monocoque aluminum frame with 4.7 inches of travel in the Showa BPF forks in the front and a fully adjustable Sachs shock with 5.1 inches of travel in the rear. The front wheel is a 10-spoke made of alloy, 3.50" x 17" with the same in the rear at 5.50" x 17. Pirelli Diablo Rossa Corsa tires with 120/70 ZR17 in the front and 180/60 ZR17 in the rear. Slowing and stopping is enhanced with a 245 mm disc 3-piston caliper rear brake, and twin 320 mm semi-floating discs in the front with Brembo Monoblock M4.32 4-piston calipers, radially mounted in front brakes with ABS as Bosch as standard equipment.

Other features

The wheelbase of the 959 Panigale is 56.3 inches with a 24 degrees rake and 3.8 inches trail. The fuel tank holds a generous 4.5 gallons and the seat height is 32.5 inches. Although it's an entry-level sports bike, the curb weight is 440 pounds. The selling price for a 2016 Panigale was $14,995 for the red trim and $15,295 for the Arctic White Silk.

Known issues for the 959 Panigale

Ducati 959 Panigale 2

No bike is perfect. The 959 Panigale is no exception. According to 959 Panigale.net, The most common complaint is a hard start problem. Although the team is working on a solution to the problem, it hasn't yet been resolved. It's an issue that has been reported for a number of these bikes, although not all have shown this issue. It is believed that the charcoal canister is the source of the trouble. A design flaw can lead to a buildup of vapors which results in flooding. Lemberglaw reports that there have been issues with the rearview side mirrors of the 959 and other Panigales. They're fragile and it doesn't take much to break them. Some riders reported seizing of the rear brakes and this is related to a recall on the rear brake pads. Other issues include leaks and other defects in the engine, oil cooler failure, and a faulty fuel system. Older models may require an updated fuel cap venting system to avoid the buildup of excess pressure in the tank.

Is the 959 Panigale a reliable bike?

Some riders have owned their bikes with no major issues. As with any motorcycle, the Panigale 959 is subject to defects in the design or manufacture of certain components. Not all Panigales will experience the problems listed above. Knowledge of known issues helps new buyers to know which questions to ask the seller. It also provides points of interest for inspection before agreeing to the purchase of a specific bike.

Final thoughts

Ducati 959 Panigale 3

The 959 Panigale is an entry-level sports bike that is attractive and fun to ride. It launched in 2016 and newer models are currently in production. Although the price tag is high on new models, most Ducati enthusiasts agree that the cost is comparable to other high-end bikes within its class. This factor makes the Panigale 959 a good value for the high price tag. There are pros and cons associated with the Panigale, but if you're aware of the things that can go wrong, it's easier to inspect a used model and discover any issues that could prompt you to pass on the deal. Always ask the right questions to learn as much about the history and maintenance record as you can before you buy a used Panigale 959. Familiarize yourself with the established recalls on the model year that you are considering. Verify that the recommended repairs or replacements have been satisfied. The 959 Panigale is a fun bike to ride when it's in excellent condition.

Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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