[Yellowhammer]

I have owned my 2003 999 for 4 years now and im looking to upgrade. Considering trading it in for the 959. I love the Panagale styling and the 959 appears to be in my price range.

Who has ridden both? Have any insight on how they compare for everyday street use? Comfort? What about twisty mountain rides?

 

[[email protected]]

I haven't ridden the 959 but have ridden the 899 and 999 and can say that the current 899/959 is a more comfortable bike.....for me. I found the 848 to be a lot more comfortable than the 999 series of bikes. All 3 of them will heat things up in traffic but on longer hauls, the 899 is more comfortable.

 

[Peter Krynicki]

The January issue of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure has a test ride of the 959 and whoever did it loved the bike saying how much better it is than the 899.

Pjk

 

[Tracy749s]

I have a 749s and have tried the 899/959. And i have to say that the new bikes are amazing! When you want it to do something? It will do it with ease.
The comfort is awkward at first (because of the riding position the bike is designed too) but then it starts to make sense the more you ride it. I really enjoyed both of the bikes. So much to where I ended up picking up a 2014 1199s instead. It was going for the same price as the 959 but had extra goods to it, so I couldn't pass it up. Lol

 

[Proctologist]

As mentioned, the sitting position is different, but then again every bike is.

Everyday use is possible, but stop-n-go city driving isn't pleasurable.

Test drive the 959 and make your own decision. Just my $0.02

 

[randomtask]

Since you love the styling of the Panigales I would definitely trade up. You're getting more power and more tech (traction control, etc). And I personally believe comparing a 999 and 959 (or any sportsbike) in everyday driving is splitting hairs. At the end of the day it's still a sportsbike. If daily comfort is that important to you then look at a Monster/Hyper/Multi/Diavel etc.

 

[Able Duc]

When I had my Pierre Terblanche design I loved it dearly. Now owning an 899 I'm really happy with it.

I also have not ridden the 959 but with a sensible set of pipes I think it would be a great thing. Or you could just buy an 899 for a steal that's ready to go.

 

[Tube Guy]

I just did a side by side today. I have a 2003 999 with power commander and full termignoni, bar risers, and bunches of carbon. This is my take:

The riding position is NOT that different. I was shocked how close they were, but remember I have bar risers. They 959 is lighter by spec, but I could not really feel it. In sport mode, the 959 was really pipey. The acceleration was extreme...but then the 999 power delivery is so smooth. Speaking of pipes...the stock 959 pipes were nicer sounding than I expected though I would still change it.

The quickshift is nice. Frankly I upshift without a clutch on my 999 at times. They both handle excellent. Since I was on a test ride I could not push the 959.

The 959 is perfect and polished. Almost too polished. The 999 somehow felt more extreme. Maybe it's my exhaust. Maybe it's just rougher and less refined.

One thing I want to say: I went to two Ducati dealers, and both times the salesmen were fawning over my 999 and talking about how beautiful it is. I agree. To me it looks more like a sportbike and certainly looks faster. Even if it's not. But mine's dripping with carbon fiber and I don't see people doing that with 959's.

I wish my 999 and ABS and DTC like my Hyperstrada. It's bad-ass. And at my age (almost 60) I know I'm not bullet-proof.

I might buy a 959 anyway. I see almost new ones selling for under $11K. I dunno. I want a tricked-out one but don't want to pay for the goodies.

 

[The Guvna]

I just did a side by side today. I have a 2003 999 with power commander and full termignoni, bar risers, and bunches of carbon. This is my take:

The riding position is NOT that different. I was shocked how close they were, but remember I have bar risers. They 959 is lighter by spec, but I could not really feel it. In sport mode, the 959 was really pipey. The acceleration was extreme...but then the 999 power delivery is so smooth. Speaking of pipes...the stock 959 pipes were nicer sounding than I expected though I would still change it.

The quickshift is nice. Frankly I upshift without a clutch on my 999 at times. They both handle excellent. Since I was on a test ride I could not push the 959.

The 959 is perfect and polished. Almost too polished. The 999 somehow felt more extreme. Maybe it's my exhaust. Maybe it's just rougher and less refined.

One thing I want to say: I went to two Ducati dealers, and both times the salesmen were fawning over my 999 and talking about how beautiful it is. I agree. To me it looks more like a sportbike and certainly looks faster. Even if it's not. But mine's dripping with carbon fiber and I don't see people doing that with 959's.

I wish my 999 and ABS and DTC like my Hyperstrada. It's bad-ass. And at my age (almost 60) I know I'm not bullet-proof.

I might buy a 959 anyway. I see almost new ones selling for under $11K. I dunno. I want a tricked-out one but don't want to pay for the goodies.

That thing is a beauty, would never trade something that beautiful in!

 

[Tube Guy]

That thing is a beauty, would never trade something that beautiful in!

Thanks for the compliment. I like that you can see more frame and suspension and the beauty of the engineering. I might buy another Ducati sportbike but this is fast enough.

I bought a 939 Hyperstrada and that is absolutely the funnest bike I have ever ridden and I've owned a lot. It handles like a razorblade. I can't believe it really. And at the price they've closed them out at it's a no-brainer.

 

[rk805]

I had a 749R track bike and just bought a 959 Panigale street bike, I think they are very different but both have traditional Ducati traits: revvy V-Twin, sporty riding position, great handling. My 749R with trellis frame and Ohlins was much stiffer, it took effort to ride quickly. The 959 is much easier to go quickly and more modern - digital display with modes, quick shifter, etc.

One main different: cable vs ride-by-wire throttle. The Panigale is not so precise, it tends to wander off-throttle and it's hard to blip. It's the only complaint I have so far.