2016 Ducati 959 Panigale Review | MC Commute

[@london_biker6177]

Three reasons I wouldn't choose this for commuting: scumbag thieves, scumbag thieves, and scumbag thieves.

[@sameyeham]

Blinker canceling neurosis, the struggle is real.

[@jord1son88]

Yep, totes.

[@S65B40]

I thought I was the only that did that. I'm not alone?!

[@haydenanthony4303]

@@S65B40 100% do it too lmfao

[@dunkk2438]

Daniel H No, you‘re not alone. We should seek help.

[@AbhishekReddy1993]

The comment is 4 year old, let me know if anybody found cure by now, I need help too

[@R3LF13]

The fact that this isn't as fast as a liter bike for similar money is actually exactly why I'm considering it. I've never put a lot of stock in the whole "too much for the road" thing, but the more onboard videos I watch of the R1 (the liter bike I want), the more I realize that not being able to wind it out in any gear without doubling the local speed limit is kind of a problem. So this bike splits the difference between a 600 and 1000cc four and comes with all that Italian sex appeal? Yes, please.

[@daltonv5206]

I actually feel the same way. New liter bikes are just nuts

[@DearMajesty]

Honestly, with the increasing maintenance intervals, better reliability, and lower cost of ownership, I think the Ducati's are a decent value. They have unrivaled looks and sex appeal plus the name of Ducati and just overall a really great package! If you compare it to something like the current generation CBR1000RR it doesn't start to look so ridiculous. Less than 15hp difference plus it weighs 10 pounds less. The MSPR price difference is just one grand, but realistically with the discounts being offered now it's going to be $2k and I still don't think that's too much for how sexy this bike looks with a lot of great components.

[@peterwatt6174]

So if you compare this new bike with an aging generation of Honda 1000 it looks sorta ok? The 959 is 40cc off of a 1000, it's a litre bike for intents and purposes but it has little torque and is down anywhere from 30 to 60hp on the current class of a litre bikes. My 1986 Ninja 1000 came with 105hp at the wheel and it's got four bloody carbs. Ducatis are the Harley of the sportbike world, the only thing they have going for them is the name and the fact that they've been romanticized like nobody's business.

[@DearMajesty]

Peter Watt You're silly man. It's two cylinders vs four cylinders. You can't really compare the two on the same level. More cylinders will always make more power

[@tuyenhoang5546]

not alwaysabout the cc and hp. some of us just like the look. not lije we're gonna red light it or doing 120mph lol

[@daltonv5206]

@@peterwatt6174 this is the baby Duc. Ducati makes a liter bike. It makes more hp than all the competition. You just sound salty. Harley is a meme because they sell more lifestyle gear than bikes.

[@joshjensen6239]

I commute on one of these every day to downtown Chicago. Handles stop and go traffic just fine; handles lane splitting great. bike likes to run hot so you always hear the radiator fans kick in when city riding. Also, during a hot humid day going about 30mph - 35mph in 1st gear for long periods of time really likes to cook your rear end. This bike also handles rainstorms no problem, traction control and abs keep the rear tire from slipping all over the place like my other bikes do. In fact I feel safer riding in the rain on this than I do an upright sv650. All in all, if you like to corner stomp or do track days, but also commute to work this bike does both well.

[@joshjensen6239]

Well you are buying an exotic brand, so the service prices will hit your wallet pretty hard, but the new Ducatis are as reliable as any modern sport bike. No more belt service or dry clutch only lasting a season or so.

[@robbieracer3294]

Lane splitting in chicago? Didn't know you could there

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You've nailed it - every time I ride my Panigale is an occasion, they are just so darned cool - I don't get the same smug feeling when I ride my other bikes (and one of those is a GS!) :0) Thanks for posting...all the best - TMF

[@irideaduck939]

Agreed. Ride what inspires you. A rider makes a bike fast ... unless your talking about those monkeys that only go in straight lines.

[@jponz85]

Hows that leg and ass heat though

[@i_dodge_trees]

@@jponz85 probably welcomed,considering where Missenden is located.

[@DB-yi5sm]

TheMissendenFlyer lol yeah because the GS is a cool bike

[@mustangVishal]

@@jponz85 seems like the one who believes everything you hear on the internet as true; do yourself a favor and go on a test drive. Experience it first hand and then you'll realize it's negligible for a superbike.

[@marurider69]

yup..the bike is gorgeous..the italians know how to design beautiful and sexy bikes

[@krysistheabyss]

its german now

[@GiulioImparato]

owning a company and designing a bike are two different things

[@seriouslee1134]

+Giulio Imparato spot on sir... gianandrea fabbro..he is italian, who design the panigale..yeah we all know audi (german) bought ducati

[@MrKdr500]

Volkswagen bought Ducati.

[@fireoil]

Ferrari are not designed by fiat

[@salsasnacker]

I got a 2017 monster 1200 S and I have the same problem with the blinker cancelling. Just out of habit I cancel my blinker a few times after every use and it changes my dash to the ride mode selection! Great review, I'd love to get a middleweight supersport duc one day as a second bike!

[@rob.halpin]

Grand stuff, as usual. Say, any chance of reviewing gear on the commute, too? Cheers.

[@windyrun7979]

I really enjoy and look forward to zack and his mc commute videos. Thanks for doing :)

[@rmjoumaa29]

I know I'm late, but the last few words really drove home the point. Is it the best? No. Did I want to ride a different bike to work? No. Really enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@Ducati_Dude]

11:27 Why does the Multistrada 1200 w/DVT never get a nod? Other than the heat issue in hot weather, the MTS is a Blast. 160 HP / 100.3 lb-ft torque... now there is a recipe for a permo-smile... ✔

[@Kaaaaaaaam]

Panigale used to be my dream bike, until I rode one. One can not understate how awful the heat on your thighs feel. Once that "dream bike" awe was over, I couldn't stop noticing all the little imperfections you would expect to be corrected in such premium bikes.

[@citizensauto]

I agree....kinda like having a crush a chick and when you finally get to the goodies... her 😸 stinks 😷

[@andrewmiddleton7107]

lol gross

[@TheNujabes24]

Dude I sold my 1199 after a few months it was just so uncomfortable

[@FancyAnimal]

Two words "Comfort Seat." Thick section provides comfort and thermal insulation, Commute everyday. 10 hour rides every weekend. 22000 Miles on my 1199S.

[@VinnigsSpinTheBlock]

Fuck yea! I bought new 16.5k cash and man I've ridden mine from tx to Cali and to Miami 16k miles in 6months not regretting it at all! 899 rocks!

[@enb3810]

All of the panigales are beautiful.

[@Lordaniel899]

I recently bought an 899. I bought it because i wanted to buy (another) Ducati, not because i wanted to buy a motorbike. Having previously owned a Monster 795 - there's no doubt that owning a Ducati has cool written all over it.

[@BladeBarn]

how does motor compare to gsxr 750?

[@sharvan456]

Hi Zack, Can you do a MC Commute on a BMW S1000R? Thanks

[@Pambos46]

commute must be also in the center of the town to see how easy is on heavy trafic and also to check if you need to carry a passenger, not only to the 2 or three lines roads with light trafic.

[@moneyspent1]

i'll always love the Panigale! rented an 1199 in LA last summer for two days, of course i went to the snake, it was awesome but i could never own one out here in Mass. love the videos guys! i actually met Ari on that trip, he was doing a shoot on the new R1 at the time.

[@hazygs7060]

Where are you in Mass? Just asking because I work in Boston by South Station and I see several Panigales almost daily during riding season. Doesn't seem like those particular guys have trouble.

[@FancyAnimal]

I had my 1199 parked out front of South Station for 2 years. Ever see it?

[@darthabsessive9355]

959 in MA. Best ride ever!

[@helloman1976]

That is a BEAUTIFUL motorcycle! What a day for you, to "commute" on a Panigale!!! WOW!

[@ryvoltz]

I find every Panigale ridiculously pretty. But I can't seem able to find V2's exciting at all. And I confess I found disappointing when I found out that Ducati launched a V4 that sounds almost exactly the same as a V2. Thanks for another excellent video, MC!

[@quynhkhanh2072]

Hey Zack, i really liked your riders review of the 959 - i've got an 899 - which to me, is the most fabulous bike I've even owned. Formerly I had a Monster 795, and i see no point in talking about Ducati versus this or that other bike. You buy/I bought a Ducati because i wanted a Ducati, not because i wanted a motorbike. I recently ride Phnom Penh to Hanoi via Thailand and Vientiane and the Laos highlands, 2,300km over 6 riding days and 4 countries (lots of rain and a flood) - the bike was a dream, never missed a beat.

[@DearMajesty]

Haha I am always canceling my turns signals as well LOL

[@yhw4253]

thanks alot for the plain-spoken, non-macho, down-to-earth review!

[@cainnash7917]

Can you explain @ 2:16 the SUV trying to make a right turn at a red stoplight in front of you? Did you have the time to slow down or scoot over behind the pickup truck at the right hand lane of your direction?

[@Imotopilot]

Great review. I’ve been shopping for another middle weight Panigale but the Tuono keeps coming up in conversation. Hmmm.

[@sweeptheleg.]

No wheelies Zack? Wth man?

[@UnknownProdrive]

For everyday use the Tuono beats this baby Ducati in every area. I'd go as far as saying the Aprillia has more cache, it's icy cool.

[@Bredaxe]

A good percentage of the used Ducati's for sale in my area all seem to be listed right before the major service interval. I want to love Ducati's but I just can't trust them or justify the up keep costs. The only way I've seen to beat the Ducati issues is to ride the hell out of it before the warranty is up in the hopes that all the issues show up while you're​ still covered. If your Ducati is a garage queen, it will cost you way more.

[@SpottedCreeper]

Beautiful bike. Both in red and white it is just a master-class of Italian design. Want one!

[@touristguy87]

Panigale 1199 has plenty of low-end torque and will happily zip right up through first gear from idle if you just open the throttle and hang on. The 959 is a different beast, with the flaky clutch and somewhat cammy powerband that seems strong up to 6k but then really opens up and shows its stuff...but the fun is capped by the 10k redline. Doesn't take long to get used to that bike and want more power than the chassis and often the rider can handle, though the front-rear balanace on the 959 is much better than on the 1199 with the 200section rear. I think overall the 959 is a better balanced bike (and certainly *plenty* of bike for most riding conditions) but obviously it doesn't have the 1199's power (or noise). I'm still dying to take a ride on the 1299 and hopefully they've done something about the handling.

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Rode it, and I've got some conclusions. Riding position feels like you're at the top of a push-up for the whole ride. Pretty extreme. Hands hurt, wrists, shoulders etc. Hamstrings felt like New York Strips on the grill after 15 minutes. Letting out the clutch needs a surprising amount of RPM to not stall. On the good side, it's gorgeous and I decided that if I were being chased, that this is the bike I'd want to be on. I own much faster, but this bike handles and could probably get away from any pursuer the quickest.

[@Fugue602]

This or the Honda GROM?

[@namphan5130]

how is that even question?

[@MisterCheemf]

Fugue State The Grom dude!

[@victoririas2366]

😂🤣🤣

[@roadrash76]

Fugue State Grom it up!

[@emacemacii]

On these videos the 959 sounds like a Grom anyway. (Flamesuit on, get ready for 45 thumbs down from Duc fanboys)

[@robertwyrick7895]

It sounded to me like a challenge coming up. Ducati vs Aprilia, Panigale vs Tuono. Which is faster around the track.

[@KruKut]

Panigale vs RSV4... not Tuono

[@robertwyrick7895]

He kept referring to the Tuono. Thats why I said that.

[@KruKut]

Ah... couldn't tell you were saying how weird it would be to race two categorically different bikes, the way you worded it. Thanks for clearing it up ;)

[@Maccaroney]

Do more aggressive seating positions make it harder to stay off your hands in town? I wonder because i put Superbike bars on my 919 and it really made it harder to stay loose at low speeds.

[@opmike343]

Of course it does. More forward lean means you'll have to support more of your weight with your core. And since no one has perfect core strength/control, you'll inevitably end up putting more weight on your hands/wrists.

[@Maccaroney]

I figured so but i wasn't sure because i've never ridden a sport bike.

[@soren123]

I'm sure you've been asked a million times, but what gloves are you wearing?

[@dsd-downshiftdave8056]

Do you still have this? Any issues?

[@Supernova12034]

Interesting....the fz 09 is a competitor to this?

[@morganslove1]

I think Ducati have their own trophy in the motorcycle world not for being expensive, I honestly think because uniqueness. Only bike I can think of to match up to this is a Buell, but I think those went out of business. Eric Buell still makes bikes though. If y'all can get y'all's hands on one of those and do a review...keepumcoming#enjoyedit

[@ClutchFirst]

Ducati definitely makes you feel special. That, you can't put a price on.

[@Blackflag.actual]

CLUTCH1st but they definitely try

[@yuvrajmalik7997]

Which exhaust are you running? Whatever it is, the bike looks better than the stock ones.

[@stylefire]

the left hand grip looks like it is falling off the clip on: theres an inch or so of exposed bar at the inner edge. what is going on there?

[@navyrotc2012]

stylefire just unused space

[@immortanjoe7192]

How about riding position for daily use? is comfortable

[@theowerle1638]

Great review! What helmet are you wearing? So silent!

[@philtripe]

the 959 Panigale has a bore of about 100mmx61mm and my 796 has a bore of 60 and a stroke of 90 which explains why my 796 seems to have a bit more low end than my buddies diavel which has a similar bore stroke ratio of 106x67mm

[@akent46]

How are these on long trips of say 3 hours and more? My current bike is Street Triple R for refrencce

[@sankarsh_aekbote]

hey am planning to buy a ducati.. confused between 1199s and 959.. which would you pick ? mainly to commute

[@victorhawkins3461]

No, Zack, it ain't ugly...but I'd still go with the Ninja 1K. Enjoy hearing you laugh when you ride...and I enjoy learning so much about motorcycles of all stripes from your vids. Thanks!

[@rovos]

Ducati Superbikes are real nut cookers had this on the 749 and my last 848. They got hot really fast not a problem in colder weather not so nice in summer weather. Got a GSXR 1000 now more comfort :-).

[@mrchowmoto744]

any chance you could do a commute on an s1000rr...... thanks

[@andygeorge6065]

Gonna have a look at the Mt10-SP?

[@angoory]

Newport Beach?

[@markobencina89]

hi...it always takes so much time to start 0:27 ?

[@baadbwoy4381]

Ive just bought one of these. It doesn't seem very smooth at low speeds, the engine braking is so strong

[@soham_geek]

Why that left side of handlebar is extended more than right side

[@JeffHeidjuh]

Purely deceptive view, it really isn't any longer on the left than it is on the right. This deception triggers me aswell tho.

[@soham_geek]

JeffHeidjuh ohh I see. At first glance though anyone would believe that left side handlebar is a little bit longer

[@baller4ad]

Can you back it in though?

[@shamarone]

the sound of a Desmo twin (with aftermarket pipes) justifies the price of admission. it even sounds pretty good stock as you ride saving up the coin for the akras.

[@krayzieegg7294]

whats the jacket he is wearing?

[@Robiam73]

Curious how you compare the handling between this and the 1199? I’ve had an 848, 1199s and 1299s but found that the 1199s didn’t give me proper feeling of the road and what it was doing compared to the 1299s which I could feel and knew what the bike was always doing like an RSV4. Is this more like an 1199 or 1299 in how it feels ? (Ignoring power)

[@Aaron-ed2rb]

Any chance you could review the 2017 Ninja H2??

[@bilalhashmi4622]

really, really surprised about how you guys didn't review the ducati monster 821.

[@duncanIME]

What camera/microphone are you using?

[@sugarrfree]

Is it quicker and lighter than my fireblade 954? 🤔

[@llerradish]

Probably not

[@hazygs7060]

Really like these videos. Was wondering if there's any chance you could get on a MV Agusta Dragster? I mean, if you want to talk about something being gorgeous those really can't be beat.

[@ChenZo3020]

Excellent review. 👍👍

[@Jason-hk4uq]

Would this bike be worthet for 11k?

[@michaeladler3035]

Hi Zack. Nice Video. Could you do an MC Commute on the Honda VFR1200? Would love to here your thoughts about it.

[@vigneshkanna]

Anybody watching on quarantine days?

[@MrAlfisher3]

The Ducati name does more for it than anything else. I hear so many comments about how Sexy it looks, but honestly the R1 and GSXR 750 red/white are as sexy as most bikes come. At 15k the Duc isn't anymore in cost than other Jap liter bikes, and since money wasn't a factor but preference was I chose a GSXR 1000. The Duc isn't a bad bike, just wasn't my preference and cost wasn't a factor.

[@justplainzero5286]

I see more cars at one light than you did on your entire trip during my morning commute. If i hit 4th gear its a good day. 2015+ Yamaha R1 next please

[@jusperknusper]

I liked the 899's look better. Slightly sleeker fairing and, here in the EU, no fuckhuge exhaust.

[@SuperYertleTurtle]

I adore all Panigales you could even say all Ducatis. But when you said it's Tuono money I knew what my choice would be. But then again I prefer more versitile bikes and I just love offroad. I'll stik with my Husky dual sport....

[@Sh00fly86]

actually, I'm curious about your comparisons. You mentioned nothing but bikes designed for mid range power, where the 959 is a sportbike built for track use if you so desire. So to me it sounds like they nailed exactly what they were going for with the power being up at the high end of the rev range. What exactly would be the issue here?

[@Sh00fly86]

So would you consider this bike on par with the liter bikes of a few years ago, considering the power to weight ratio of the 959? Obviously it wouldn't stack up well against the new ones today, that's what the 1299 is for.

[@krasinkrumov5990]

what's that backpack you have?

[@krasinkrumov5990]

Thanks for replying Zack 😀 Checked it out, a bit expensive, but it does scream quality. Thank you for all the great quality videos!

[@spoonman73]

Bought the 2016 Ninja 1000 and you are right, it could be faster and lighter lol. Wish I would have gotten the zx10 or 14 now. Why can't manufacturers give us what we want!? An upright comfortable sportbike with fairings and performance like a supersport. Stop detuning these motorcycles! Are you listening Kawasaki or Honda or somebody?

[@Ghostrider304]

Great looking bike, but if I'm paying that money, I'm getting an S1000RR.

[@Porsche996driver]

Ya I'd probably agree, but for $15k it's just got that mystique. White with red wheels looks super clean.

[@Bredaxe]

Ghostrider304 I think the BMW is hard to beat right now in that price class for what you get in terms of power and technology. I'd buy one over the Ducati or equally priced Japanese bike.

[@jeffwright7680]

Ghostrider304 the 1000rr cost about 5 thousand more than the 959

[@exothermal.sprocket]

New ZX-10R SE (electronic suspension).

[@deon1978]

I thought like that. Then I went and test road the S1000RR and straight afterwards I climbed on an 899. After one hour I realised I had a soul...Why, because something in me came alive and it felt amazing. Something I did not experience on the S1000RR even after pulling over 100mph before hitting second gear. I remember climbing on the 899 and I thought, jeez how agricultural is this thing! The switch gear seems to have come of a tractor and boy it rattled my fillings lose. It was no match for the perfect and super smooth S1000RR. But when I started riding it, it started to awaken my soul! On paper I will have the S1000RR all day and everyday. But for sheer riding experience the S1000RR does not come close to the 899. Don't use your brain to buy a bike, let your soul decide. It is what it does to your soul that matters. And yes, I never thought I'd say that, but there you go.

[@EazyE11]

Is this thing so powerful to the point it would wheelie without me wanting it to?

[@rzorNvme]

Probably yes

[@mf3enjoi]

Great video bro because I'm thinking about buying a Ducati to commute

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's beautiful, except for that giant plastic dingleberry under the subframe, because someone at Ducati is fixated on underbelly exhaust systems. Used to be Ducati sounded rad, with a powerful thump in the soundwave. Seems the latest crop of 4-valve oversquare Ducati engines are so doggone muted and mellow. I think the 1098 and 1198 series were the last engines I liked in the Ducati. Face melting torque off the line.

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

Sounds like my ninja 300. Great looking bike

[@EpicWin2005]

You had to be that guy uh.

[@jponz85]

@@EpicWin2005 well he ain't lying lol

[@HotrodsMotorcycling]

I love Ducati's, no dealers within a two hr drive, I ride all over the country and I need a bike with a big dealer network.

[@Dirtboyindahouse]

or just get something reliable that doesnt need dealer everywhere lmao

[@WhiteGravey]

of often are you planning on your bike breaking down?

[@c0des]

nee some help guys im planning to buy a 2018 panigale or 2017 bmw s 1000rr which is better or what bike is better for everyday commute ?

[@Blackflag.actual]

CaptainCrev JO the one you ride every day

[@c0des]

Cameron Hufa fuck someonez on my acc shit

[@Death666wish]

Cancelling the blinkers is a good habit, it's Ducati's fault, I usually ride at night so I can see the light flashing, but as soon as I have a daytime ride you'll see me forgetting it multiple times, I almost got into an accident when a car saw me and almost pulled out in front of me, hadn't the driver been alert then my dumb ass would've ended up on his bonnet. I looked at him as I went on thinking he's an idiot while he did a gesture that I couldn't figure out, but a few meters later I realized what he was gesturing and who the real idiot was! I try to remind myself to have this habit, Luckily my crude bike doesn't have any electronics that I'd accidentally fiddle with!

[@douglasrea9128]

I bought a 1199 Panigale (base model) in 2012. Had it for two years and sold it like so many others. I replaced it with a 2010 BMW S100RR. Great bike, great power, handling, etc. The heat of the 1199 was simply unbearable. Yes, I've extensively ridden and owned other Ducs, but the Panigale is in a class by itself. BURN, baby BURN!!!

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Douglas Rea do you know if the there is same heat issue off the 899? Also I heard the S1000rr has heat issues off the frame?

[@douglasrea9128]

The Incredible Sulk no I do not have the same heat issues with my S1000RR. It's a great bike, I love how it handles accelerates and it's even powerband. But I missed a penny Galley. The heat issue probably could be addressed a great expense but not something I wanted to take on

[@douglasrea9128]

Panigale. So much for speech recognition

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Douglas Rea ha I thought penny was your affectionate name for the 1199, thanks for the reply it seems the head = S1000rr, heart = Panigale for most ppl

[@douglasrea9128]

Great observation. The heat problem is simply rediculous and unacceptable. The panigale is one of the most beautiful machines on the road but I ride my bikes so can't justify a garage beauty queen. Will I keep the S1000R? Good question that I have no longer term answer for...

[@MikeNolanNolski]

DO A SUPERSPORT COMMUTE

[@willem18241]

Do a Spyder F3

[@Gametr1x]

gorgeous bike bro!

[@orgami100]

I 405 south. . at least your not in the SF valley. .

[@LazyWaffleman]

Having worked at an Aprilla Dealership, I simply would not own one. Parts are a pain to get, and sometimes unavailable. They are fantastic machines but like ducati can be a pain in the ass to get simple parts.

[@01270211136]

LazyWaffleman . Not now Ducati are owned by, Audi.

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

I don't like the exhaust sound, R6 sounds sweet.

[@petar-boshnakov]

you definitely have to do the Grom. but not after the Ducati though haha

[@VinnigsSpinTheBlock]

Mv agusta f3 675 or the 800

[@UpYoursMW2]

Low speeds are such a pain for the F3, filtering works fine though.

[@EASTCAMDEN4LIFE]

UpYoursMW2 your right about low speed. I own the F3 800 AGO and is a pain in the ass to ride slow.

[@67cyborg1]

WHAT A SOUND JUST AMAZING. WAW

[@Shimmoda]

That's the exact one I would get it would sit nice with my rsv4 :D beautiful!

[@Smoove233]

Your RSV4 is sick man. The wrap came out good too. Keep up the great vids! I've been watching since you had 20k subs haha!

[@parthvatsal1]

hey.. Michael Phelps got a bike!

[@johnbaesv4776]

you are so nice with your neighbours!

[@Goo8e]

weird how the middle weight Ducati is now almost a 1000cc... years ago this would have been their flagship, competing with bikes like the Suzuki TL1000 and Honda VTR... makes you wonder why the 600 class still exists when with today's tech we we should have 750cc or even 800cc middle weights instead.

[@Michael_k_DK]

Love that bike but cant afford it sadly

[@brettfett74]

I thought I was the only one who was constantly hitting the blinker cancel switch for no reason. Good to know I'm not!

[@ozarksbackroads5484]

nice job Zach, I actually learned something and that is no small task. I would love to learn something about the Versys 1000 sometime.... :]

[@cjerico]

Those damn lines on the road terrifies me and you're not running along them casually!