Ducati to launch 959 Panigale in India by mid-2016

Ducati will reportedly be launching the latest generation 959 Panigale in India by mid-2016. The bike will be the global successor to the on-going 899 Panigale. The new Ducati was unveiled at the recently held EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. To adhere to the stringent Euro 4 norms, Ducati had to revise the 899 Panigale extensively to comply with the same. The result is that the 959 Panigale now gets 57cc more displacement and churns out 9.1PS more power and 8.4Nm of added torque.

The change is visible on the bodywork as well. The front of the 959 Panigale is broader as it now comes with larger air intakes. One of the most prominent changes that can be observed in the 959 Panigale are the addition of the dual-side exhaust mufflers which mostly contributes in making the bike 7 kg heavier as compared to the 899 Panigale.

The Ducati 959 Panigale will be powered by an all-new 955cc twin-cylinder motor which is the first Euro 4 homologated Superquadro engine by the manufacturer. The powerplant will produce 159PS of power at 10,500rpm with improved torque figures. Power will continue to be transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. However, Ducati has equipped the 959 Panigale with a slipper clutch for a sportier and safer riding experience. Ducati has reported that the new engine delivers a higher torque curve and greater maximum power. Other mechanicals like the light-weight aluminium chassis, Showa suspension units, and Brembo brakes will continue to be the same.