Ducati has officially launched the 959 Panigale in India at the recently held IBW (India Bike Week). Unveiled globally at the EICMA last year, the 959 Panigale replaces the older 899. It has been priced at Rs 14.04 Lakhs ex-showroom in Delhi and bookings have commenced at all Ducati dealerships. However, deliveries will begin five months later in July 2016.
The Panigale 959 gets a new twin cylinder 955 cc Desmodromic liquid cooled mill producing 154.9 bhp of maximum power at 10,500 rpm and 107.4 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. It weighs 176 kg dry and is mated to a 6 speed transmission with Ducati Quick Shifter. India gets the canister exhaust version which makes it the first Superquadro to comply with Euro 4 emission norms.
The bike shares the crankcase with the flagship 1299 Panigale. Ducati informs that it is made of die casting technology and ensures optimal weight saving, consistent wall thickness and increased strength. Riding aids includes ride by wire, 8 level Ducati traction control, engine brake control, riding modes and a servo assisted slipper clutch.
The engine continues to be a fully stressed member of the monocoque chassis. Like the 899, the Panigale 959 looks breathtakingly good and the motorcycle is shod with 10 spoke alloy wheels and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres.
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Apart from this Ducati has also announced that they will soon be expanding to another city in India with a new dealership soon. They currently are present in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore.