Ducati adds an upper-spec Panigale 959 to its lineup for 2018
Ducati has unveiled a high-end version of its “super-mid” Panigale model, titled the Panigale 959 Corse, at EICMA today.
Ducati’s idea behind the 959 Corse was to build its already-potent super-mid into a race-ready machine, and its upgrades align with just that. The motor at the heart of Panigale remains the same 955cc Superquadro V-twin, which is claimed to produce 150 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, but its exhaust system is now paired with titanium Akrapovič silencers for important weight savings.
Öhlins suspension has also been fitted to the 959 Corse to compliment the handling of its monocoque chassis. Up front, a pair of 43mm Öhlins NIX30 forks with titanium-nitride treated stanchions have been employed to handle the Panigale’s damping needs, while a fully-adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear shock is used out back. A matching Öhlins steering damper has also been fitted.
A lithium-ion battery has also been given to the 959 Corse to further help with weight savings, which is said to be a 5.5-pound drop from the standard model, bringing the high-end 959 down to 435 pounds with 90 percent fueled. And of course, it’s hard to not find yourself drooling over the MotoGP-inspired livery, which includes black wheels.
All that, in conjunction with the same impressive electronics package as the standard model, which includes ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC), and Ride by Wire (RBW), will no doubt equal an incredible racetrack prowess for the 959 Corse. Time to hunt down some liter bikes? Why not.
Stay tuned to for more information regarding price and availability on the 2018 Ducati Panigale Corse. Michael Gilbert
Ducati 959 Panigale Corse main standard features
o Special racing color scheme with black wheel rims
o Superquadro 955 cm3 engine
o EURO 4 compliant
o Servo-assisted slipper function clutch
o Multi-adjustable titanium-nitride treated Öhlins NIX30 fork with 43 mm diameter
o Multi-adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber
o Öhlins adjustable steering damper
o Lithium-ion battery
o Ducati Performance type-approved double exhaust in titanium by Akrapovič*
o Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Wet)
o Ducati Safety Pack (ABS, DTC)
o EBC, DQS
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