EICMA 2015: Ducati 959 Panigale Sits Between Supersport and Superbike Beasts

Sure, it's also hard to tell what Ducati wanted from an aesthetic point of view when it created this machine, but we like the result. Some maybe hoped that the new 959 Panigale would stray a bit from the cues that helped the 1199 win design awards. That is, Bologna delivering a sport bike that retains the full on-track and road attitude of the 899, but which would boldly show off a different take on power and speed.

Still, Ducati preferred to borrow from the success of the 1199 and its 1299 offspring, blending it with the existing lines of the 899. The result is a machine that has a strong visual impact, and thinking about it as being tame in comparison with the Panigale R or the 1299 only works up to a point.

Euro 4 emissions regulations cannot be overlooked, hence the displacement increase

Things got harder for motorcycle manufacturers, and the new bikes have to be compliant with the Euro 4 emissions restrictions. Since fewer emissions are often achieved by altering the fuel maps of the engines, these bikes may have to suffer from reduced power, although this is not necessarily a given.

Power and grunt being the main idea of owning a Panigale, it was only natural to see Bologna increase the displacement to keep the 959 on the "vile side of life."

It remains to be seen what suspension will Ducati use after Marzocchi pulls the plug for good. We suspect that the new bike will not be negatively affected, as we hope Ducati finds another great supplier soon. Meanhwile, you can check out the gallery with live photos from EICMA 2015.