Ducati 959 Panigale review, test ride

Now out on track my first reaction to the 959’s handling was of surprise, I was just expecting it to be very light and sensitive to inputs at the handlebar, but the 959 needed a bit more muscle to get turned in. Spec sheet comparison shows that the baby Panigale actually weighs more than its elder sibling. Also, it doesn't have the forged alloy wheels. A few laps in, as I used a bit more effort at the bars, the 959 proved that it didn’t lack in agility and the extra effort to get it turned wasn’t wasted, because in exchange you were getting unwavering commitment from the front end. Go too hot, pick the wrong line, shift weight mid corner, nothing, absolutely nothing, seemed to bring out a nervous streak in the 959. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa rubber at both ends no doubt amplified the sense of confidence. In Race mode with TC level set to 3, on exiting a couple of corners you could sense the torque overcoming the grip from the rear tyre with just a hint of slip before settling back in line. No doubt the changed pivot position makes much better use of the traction on offer and adds to the confident demeanour of the motorcycle. Also helping the rider are the new alloy foot pegs, never did a foot slip even when hustling through transitions.

Also adding to the sense of confidence here is the introduction of a slipper clutch. Scrubbing speed from 260kph to 100kph, slamming down the gears from 6th to 2nd picking and sticking to a line was all too easy as the rear wheel stayed obediently in line. Squeeze on the front discs via the M4.32 Monobloc calipers resulted in solid retardation. The radial master cylinder for the front brake also offered a light feel at the lever and offered good modulation as well. Other elements, such as a single-sided swingarm and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)-based cornering ABS system have also been kept off the equipment list to keep the price accessible.