Hi, this is Kenny Sagawa, a motorcycle journalist.
This time's test ride is Ducati 959 Panigale.
This model is the evolution version of previous 899.
The most different part is the engine.
Although the displacement of this engine is increasing, the stroke has been increased as well.
In other words, the middle range of this torque is getting stronger.
However, it is still a high rotation engine.
This engine is good performer up to the higher power band range more than 8,000 RPM.
It has evolved as a middle class motorcycle in Ducati.
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Even if it is middle class motorcycle, the displacement is still 1,000cc, so that the performance is amazing.
Due to the torque is getting stronger in the middle power band range, the force going forward get stronger when I open the throttle.
I think that I can record a faster lap time than the previous model in here, Sodegaura Circuit.
It has 147 horsepower by Japanese way of measuring, and 157 horsepower by European way of measuring.
Although the numerical value differs by the difference in the way of measuring, the actual specifications are the same.
The engine has tremendous performance.
But, I didn't t feel such as explosive, difficulties of handling, and fear while I was test riding.
As the torque gets powerful in the middle range, but it will accelerate like a quadratic curve from the rotation around 8,000 RPM.
Monster of Ducati has the ability to perform up to the higher power band range from the middle range rapidly.
Compared to that, Panigale has somewhat gentle part in the middle band range, but I think that is the point for common riders to handle this motorcycle easily.
Of course, in order to ride this motorcycle faster, it is necessary to use the high rotation more than 10,000 RPM that is very difficult to handle.
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But it was difficult for me even to keep riding in that rotation range at Sodegaura circuit.
I think that I can fully enjoy riding because it is fast enough even if I use the middle speed range.
Let's straddle.
The seat position feels a bit high.
Since it has a slim body, I can touch the ground easily with my feet. (I am 179cm/73kg.)
Suspension is for high load, and sinking small when I only straddling.
The suspension is very firmly.
The suspension is set to work when high load is applied.
Add on that, the way of the rotation of the engine is very delicate.
The body that seems to be solid and rigid so as not to have a gap of 1 mm.
Handling is very sharp feeling.
When I enter the corner without reaching the speed to some extent, the motorcycle naturally tended to be inside position, and the handling at the corner has become too sharp.
Although I felt unfamiliar with this motorcycle at the beginning, then the more I got used to ride on, the more I felt that this sharp handling could be a weapon.
The more the speed gets high, the better handling as matches perfectly.
This motorcycle is absolutely based on a super bike.
Engine, frame, suspension and so on are all made to correspond to the race.
It is just like a fighter plane.
According to the engineer of Ducati, this motorcycle is set for not only for the circuit riding, but also you can enjoy riding at winding roads and general public roads.
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Regarding in the riding position, in fact, it is not tilted forward as I assumed.
The position of the handle is close so that it's easy to hold firmly.
But sometimes I pitched forward when I hit the brakes because of Brembo's great brake system.
I needed to hold the motorcycle firmly with my lower body at that time.
To wrap it up, I think this motorcycle is not just only Ducati's super bike, but also a model that represents the brand Ducati.
This motorcycle has the spirit of sporty, passion, good balancing, and high performance that responds to the rider's skill everywhere.
Also, I felt that the beauty of design and high quality texture made the motorcycle be very Ducaty.
You can find many parts for DUCATI Panigale on Webike!!
https://japan.webike.net/DUCATI/959Panigale/13704/mtop/
