2017 EICMA: Ducati 959 Panigale Corse Revealed

Published November 6, 2017
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Ducati’s most powerful L-twin gets top-spec components to make it a better track machine

Ducati’s push to connect its motorsport program with its road-going performance machines has begun with the launch of the new 2018 Panigale V4. This has also resulted in the discontinuation of its L-Twin powered flagship sportbikes, the Panigale 1199 and the Panigale 1299. Ducati has not given up on the L-Twin engine completely though. The 959 Panigale takes the bastion forward, and to give it a bit of oomph, Ducati has launched a ‘Corse’ variant of the sportsbike.

The Ducati 959 Panigale Corse is powered by the same 955cc, L-Twin motor as the ‘standard’ 959 but gets a host of top-spec components which bring it closer to a track-spec machine. Big names are involved: Akrapovic, Brembo, Öhlins and Pirelli. There is, of course, the new MotoGP-inspired livery to make sure people know that this is a special motorcycle.

The Ducati 959 Panigale Corse’s ‘Superquadro’ 955cc engine develops 150PS of maximum power at a peaky 10,500rpm and 107Nm of peak torque at 9000rpm. What makes it better as a track machine is its lower weight; at 195kg, the Corse is 2.26kg lighter than the standard 959 Panigale. The weight savings can be credited to the new Ducati Performance-approved titanium dual-exhaust from Akrapovic. Replacing the standard lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery has also helped save a few grams.

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The 959 Panigale Corse rides on Öhlins suspension at the front and rear; the front units are adjustable tritanium-nitrided NIX30 forks with 43mm sliders while an adjustable TTX36 monoshock brings up the rear. Braking duties are handled by twin Brembo 320mm discs and Monobloc M4.32 callipers at the front and a single 245mm disc at the rear, which is the same as the standard bike. Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, 120/70-17 at the front and 180/60-17 at the rear, are standard fitment.

The electronic suite on board includes ABS, DTC (Ducati Traction Control), DQS (Ducati Quick Shift), EBC (Engine Brake Control) and RbW (Ride-by-Wire). There are three different riding modes on offer - Wet, Sport and Race - to give the 959 Panigale Corse distinct personalities.