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Sport · 2016

959 Panigale

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MotoLibrary Score
67 /100 Sporty
Power/Weight
0.89 hp/kg
Torque
107 Nm
Engine
959 ccm

2016 Ducati 959 Panigale Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Ducati's sport motorcycle lineup, the 2016 Ducati 959 Panigale features a 959 cc (58.5 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 157 HP (114.6 kW) at 10,500 rpm while maximum torque reaches 107.4 Nm (79.2 lb-ft) at 9,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 163.7 HP per liter and a 1,500 rpm working window between peak torque (9,000 rpm) and peak power (10,500 rpm), the engine character is placing it firmly in high-revving supersport territory where top-end breathing dominates.

On the scales, the 959 Panigale measures 200 kg (441 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.79 HP/kg (1.27 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 830 mm (32.7 in) seat height — resulting in a taller command-style riding posture suited to medium-to-tall inseams, combined with a 1,431 mm (56.3 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Ducati archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 2016 to 2018, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.

Specific Output
163.7 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.79 HP/kg (1.27 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
9,000–10,500 rpm
Standover Height
830 mm (32.7 in)
Engine
Displacement 959.0 ccm (58.52 cubic inches)
Engine Type V2, four-stroke
Engine Details Superquadro, L-twin cylinder
Power 157.0 HP (114.6 kW)) @ 10500 RPM
Torque 107.4 Nm (11.0 kgf-m or 79.2 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM
Compression 12.5:1
Bore x Stroke 100.0 x 60.8 mm (3.9 x 2.4 inches)
Valves/Cylinder 4
Fuel System Injection. Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full Ride-by-Wire elliptical throttle bodies.
Fuel Control Desmodromic valve control
Cooling Liquid
Transmission
Gearbox 6-speed
Final Drive Chain (final drive)
Clutch Slipper clutch
Driveline Chain 520; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 44. Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.77.
Performance
Emission Details Euro 4
Exhaust 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with alumimum outer sleeves
Chassis
Frame Type Monocoque Aluminium
Rake 24.0°
Trail 96 mm (3.8 inches)
Front Suspension Fully adjustable Showa BPF fork. 43 mm chromed inner tubes
Front Travel 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Sachs unit. Aluminum double-sided swingarm.
Rear Travel 130 mm (5.1 inches)
Wheelbase 1431 mm (56.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
Rear Tyre 180/60-ZR17
Front Brakes Double disc. ABS. Floating discs. Four-piston calipers. Radially mounted.
Front Brake Ø 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear Brakes Single disc. ABS. Two-piston calipers.
Rear Brake Ø 245 mm (9.6 inches)
Wheels 10 spokes light alloy
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight 176.0 kg (388.0 pounds)
Weight incl. 200.0 kg (440.9 pounds)
Power/Weight 0.8920 HP/kg
Seat Height 830 mm (32.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Height 1115 mm (43.9 inches)
Overall Length 2050 mm (80.7 inches)
Fuel Capacity 17.00 litres (4.49 US gallons)
Other
Starter Electric
Color Options Red, white silk
Instruments Full LCD Display
Warranty 24 months unlimited mileage
More from Ducati
Buying Checklist

Before You Compare This Bike

Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.

Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
Rider Profile

Who Is This Bike For?

🔴
Advanced
High performance — experienced riders only.
🏁
Best For
Sport & Track
📏
Seat Height
83 cm / 32.7 in
⚖️
Handling
Manageable weight for most riders
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