IBW 2016: Ducati to unveil 959 Panigale

Yesterday we reported that Ducati will bring in the 959 Panigale to Indian shores later this year. Our sources inside the company have now told us that the bike is about to make its Indian debut at the India Bike Week 2016. 

The bike was first unveiled at the Milan Motor Show 2015 or EICMA as it is largely known and will now replace the 899 Panigale. Ducati had to make the change to ensure that the Panigale adhered to the Euro 4 emission norms. As a result of the same, the Panigale now displaces 57cc more and churns additional power of 9.1PS bringing the figure up to 157PS and 8.4Nm which brings it up to 107.4Nm. 

The changes aren’t just restricted to the engine. The front of the 959 Panigale is wider than its predecessor and it now comes with larger air intakes. But the most noticeable change on the new Panigale is the dual side exhausts mufflers that make the bike 7kg heavier than the outgoing model. The seat unit has also been reshaped along with the side fairing panels. 

The suspension duties up front are performed by upside down forks by Showa. At the back it gets monoshock from Sachs. The wheels and the tyres though have been carried forward from the 899 Panigale. The Ducati 959 Panigale comes equipped with ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Quick Shift, Engine Braking Control and Ride by Wire. 

While Ducati has already stopped taking bookings of the 899 Panigale last year, the new 959 Panigale will make it to India later this year. Enthusiasts will be able to get a preview of the bike at the India Bike Week 2016 in Goa on 19-20 February.