Great bike. Review on Ducati 959 Panigale

Just as it did in 2015 with the 1299 Panigale, Ducati has upped the ante in 2016 with the “smaller” Panigale, giving the previous 899 the same stroke measurement as the 1299 to create the new 959 Panigale.

Looking at the other updates, they are minimal but important, with the engine’s slight increase in stroke from 57.2mm to 60.8mm necessitating a new crankshaft and connecting rods. The piston crowns are slightly different, while strict Euro 4 noise emissions standards required the fitment of a different exhaust system with dual mufflers on the right side(thankfully absent from US models), as well as a ribbing on the cylinder heads and valve covers, and a different cam chain. Exhaust diameter was increased from 55mm to 60mm, while on the intake side, the 62mm oval throttle bodies now feature dual injectors. Also, the wet clutch now gets the slipper/assist function from the 1299 that provides the dual benefit of lighter lever action and smoother downshifting when riding aggressively.

Thanks to the bike using the same cast-aluminum monocoque two-piece frame that uses the engine as a structural member, updates to the chassis are limited to a 4mm-lower swingarm pivot that's claimed to improve rear tire grip at the exit of a corner.