By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1299 Panigale (MY2015) vs 959 Panigale Corse (MY2018)
Ducati 1299 Panigale vs 959 Panigale Corse: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
You'll feel the Ducati 1299 Panigale's twin thump the moment you crack the throttle, and it doesn't quit pulling through the midrange. Roll on the Ducati 959 Panigale Corse's throttle at the exit and the Öhlins shock keeps the rear settled under drive. It holds its line and flicks into the next bend.
What makes each one tick
1299 Panigale
There's nothing gentle about how the 1299 Panigale's Superquadro hurls the bike forward with a thundering bark. A bump doesn't get much give from the stiff suspension. The sharp geometry still points the nose with real precision, and the fork keeps reporting exactly how much grip the front tire has.
959 Panigale Corse
At Barber Motorsports Park, the 959 Panigale Corse snaps from side to side on the barest push at the bars, and the fork's damping keeps every input tidy. The brake lever calls up strong stopping power with good feel. Its first bite isn't the sharpest. The Superquadro howls all the way to redline.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1299 Panigale has the lower wet weight: 419 lb (190 kg) vs 441 lb (200 kg).
- The 1299 Panigale makes more peak power: 205 hp (151 kW) vs 150 hp (110 kW).
- The 1299 Panigale makes more peak torque: 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) vs 75 lb-ft (102 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
Nothing splits them on track days, commuting, twisty roads, and running costs. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1299 Panigale
What owners say
Strengths
- Highly effective electronics suite
- Monstrous V-twin power delivery
- Exemplary chassis and handling
- Powerful Brembo brakes
Trade-offs
- High running costs and spotty reliability
- Heavy clutch pull
- Significant engine heat
- Uncomfortable for extended riding
959 Panigale Corse
What owners say
Strengths
- Sublime handling and flickability
- Powerful Brembo braking system
- Premium Öhlins suspension package
- Smooth and torquey V-twin engine
- Stunning Italian design and Corse livery
Known problems to check before you buy
1299 Panigale
- Oil leaks from valve covers and fork seals Multiple owners report minor oil seepage from valve covers and fork seals, often requiring gasket or seal replacement early in the bike's life.
959 Panigale Corse
- Recall: Rear brake pad delamination Recall 18V480000 NHTSA Campaign 18V480: Certain 2018 Panigale 959 models may have rear brake pads with friction material that can detach due to improper heat treatment, reducing braking performance.
What they share
- Seat height
- 32.7 in (830 mm)
- Engine
- L-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 10,500 rpm
- Fuel capacity
- 4.5 US gal (17 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1299 Panigale | 959 Panigale Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 419 lb (190 kg) | 441 lb (200 kg) |
| 1299 Panigale | 959 Panigale Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1285 cc | 955 cc |
| Power | 205 hp (151 kW) | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) | 75 lb-ft (102 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,750 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| 1299 Panigale | 959 Panigale Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Rear tire | 200/55-17 | 180/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.6 in (1437 mm) | 56.3 in (1431 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1299 Panigale | 959 Panigale Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Cornering ABS | Standard | Not offered |
| Wheelie Control | Standard | Not offered |
| TFT Display | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
