Ducati 899 vs 959 Panigale - What I don't like about the 959

[@DarR1299]

Great Vids. Thanks for producing. BTW, I just bought a 959US version. I would not have bought it had it sported the double Euro canisters. My heart goes out to our fellow UK/Euro riders who enjoyed the look of the 899.

[@keyboardheroics]

+Dar R Thanks mate

[@jameskalas16]

I shared the same views on the 959 until I saw it in person at motorcycle live here in the UK. It looks stunning even with the change of exhaust. The tweaks that have been done to the chassis, suspension and engine/clutch improve on what was already a brilliant bike. It's also VERY loud still.

[@keyboardheroics]

+James Kalas Great stuff, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@01270211136]

James Kalas. Thank god! Somebody else that can think freely. The pied piper said it was an ugly exhaust and all the sheep agreed I love the stock exhaust look.

[@keithchau1282]

Good points man. Aussie is getting the same bike as the US. It's one of only three markets getting the underslung exhaust, so it's probably going to be the Mona Lisa seen in better light...

[@tripletorque6608]

Being from the UK I was utterly disappointed with the new side exhausts. I am lucky enough to have found a new 899, which I take delivery of in a few weeks - can't wait!

[@keyboardheroics]

+TripleTorque Exciting times ahead, the joy you're about to experience will be something you'll never forget! Be sure to soak it in and enjoy every moment.

[@tripletorque6608]

+keyboardheroics Will do! Haven't ridden the 899 since testing a bunch of other bikes out, so will be interesting to jump back on having bought one! Thanks for your review - I've added the venture shield kit, as some form of paint protection. I take delivery on 2nd. Be sure to check out my channel after that date for some 899 vids!

[@JohnBarwick]

+keyboardheroics Completely agree with you, your analogy about the Mona Lisa is exactly right. When I first saw the 959 my jaw dropped not knowing that here in the US the model would be getting the underslung exhaust. I have an 848 and stylistically I think the rear-exiting exhaust appeals to me the most, though the underslung exhaust doesn't bother me (and is actually starting to grow on me). I get that regulatory bodies can put companies in a tough spot, but if I were Ducati, I would be devoting all my time to figuring out a way to meet Euro4 with the underslung exhaust or going back to the rear-exiting exhaust. The Euro4 style is an absolute deal-breaker for me.

[@erikj6128]

+John Barwick agree with you there. love the look of my 848 evo better than the newer models.

[@crossplanev8]

The shotgun exhausts on the euro version looks more masculine. The underbelly exhaust makes the bike look electric

[@rajdhaliwal]

Yeap, totally agree with your thoughts on the 959. I stayed up to watch the launch and went to bed a happy man knowing my 899 remains prettier to me. You might have missed it, but four countries get the underslung exhaust on the 959 - US, Canada, Mexico and 'straya! :)

[@keyboardheroics]

+RajDave Dhaliwal Yes I waited for the Ducati Australia press release information, which had the specs and all the photos were of the Euro spec bike. I noticed our 899 bikes are also Euro spec with the black front mud guard instead of the red so with the Aussie dealers showing Euro spec 959s on their websites I assumed this is the bike on offer here. If I was a gambling man I'd guess the 899 will be a future classic with it's 2 year life span, less weight and cleaner styling but I might be too biased to on that.

[@leighsa49]

+keyboardheroics Yeah by now you've probably realised we get the nice underslung exhaust here in Oz. The 959 is by all accounts a better 899. Better stability, slipper clutch, smoother throttle response, better torque and power curve. Not only that, its exactly the same price as the 899. The 899 borrowed heavily from the 1199 and the 959 borrows from the 1299 when it comes to styling. the 959 we get is only 2kg heavier and you get 9hp more and 10nm of torque. worth the trade id say

[@nyc863]

your video hinges entirely on whether the Euro exhaust is actually going to be stock in australia, or not? it seems like every other change is either a wash, or an improvement?

[@keyboardheroics]

+nyc863 Yes and the exhaust knock on effects of more weight, less sound, appearance and costs to swap etc. Extra scoops on the front and rear of the bike make the styling less clean in my opinion, not really a fan but I understand the manufacturers need to update styling now and then. The improvement would be the slipper clutch, although I've never ridden a bike with one I hear they are pretty neat. Thanks for watching.

[@jadeamantea7457]

I was in Fraser Motorcycles in Elizabeth St Melbourne the other day enquiring about the new 959 and the salesman said that Australia is getting the underslung exhaust.

[@dodgeskitz87]

Took awhile to find you, but i just added you to the list of south Australian motovloggers. :)

[@Vendrixvanor]

I originally wanted the white but was told they were sold out & had to wait for a 959. Glad now my impatience got the better of me. The red is damn sexy anyway.

[@keyboardheroics]

+Lux The red is amazing in person but I am biased there.

[@TTH77]

Totally agree mate I would of considered a 959 but omg that exhaust what a monstrosity. So I'm going for the 1299 which looks and sounds awesome stock anyway.

[@touchingthecloth]

how can you make a comparison having never ridden the 959...doh

[@lilkjay.4808]

😂

[@Swilling]

Crazy i didn';t realize that Australia got stuck with that terrible exhaust, i'm from Oz but live in the States, want to get a 959 this summer, just found your videos. Thanks for sharing. That UK/Aus exhaust setup really does ruin the look. Such a shame for such silly reasons.

[@keyboardheroics]

+Swilling At the time of this video Australian dealers were promoting the UK spec bike as the one to be released here. Turns out we got the USA spec version in the end. The Ducati Australia marketing guy dropped the ball on that one. Jealous about your place in the USA, I've been rejected for a greencard 3 times now! Thanks for watching.

[@jellevet7332]

+keyboardheroics for the quality of video's you make you deserve a lot more subs than you have!+1

[@shehanigans]

Agree - love these clips. #Straya

[@ericterry4890]

Greetings brother - I understand and can appreciate your disappointment with the new 959 Panigale. Fortunately, I live in the states and have the option for the side exhaust. I am considering both the 899 and 959. Have you had issues with heat under the seat on your 899?

[@keyboardheroics]

+Eric Terry I always ride wearing pants and mostly leather ones at that, so the heat is not an issue at all on the 899. If you ride in shorts it will feel hot but shorts on a superbike is not the way to go anyway really. The 1199 and 1299 generate more heat due to the bigger engines. Thanks for watching.

[@ericterry4890]

Makes sense. I always wear pants...actually i wear all my gear when I ride. Thank you for getting back to me. Will continue to watch. Stay safe

[@796monster]

hello from the U.S.,I'm considering a trade of my street triple r for a 959, very happy to see we are still getting the low exhaust, other than that being the major change from the 899, from what I have read it seems there are only minor changes, fairings are now the same as the big pani, footpegs have been improved, and now a slipper clutch ?, and slightly lowered to improve handling, I could be wrong, have you heard anything as to these upgrades ? thanks

[@keyboardheroics]

+Jim V Hi Jim, all I know on the 959 is what was mentioned in the video. Best of luck with the trade.

[@maxjohnson8506]

I'm from the states, so I think the new 959 is going to be sweet and I plan to upgrade from my Ninja 300 in the next couple years.

[@keyboardheroics]

+Maxwell Johnson Awesome, from one great bike to another, good ride choices there.

[@erikj6128]

+Maxwell Johnson went from my ninja 300 to a 2013 848 Evo! Best decision ever

[@mattfarrar5472]

As i'm sure you know by now we do get the underslung exhaust here in Aus i pick up my 959 tomorrow and i'm incredibly excited like a kid at christmas :) (And its 5kg lighter then the Euro 4 spec)

[@keyboardheroics]

Awesome, nothing quite like picking up the new ride.

[@haydenanthony4303]

Would expect a review tbf was just about the exhaust entire video....

[@lilkjay.4808]

😂

[@chivasteele]

The exhaust system is an eyesore but you can't blame Ducati.The European Union has dictated that the exhaust should emit less harmful emissions and Ducati had little choice but to produce the bigger exhaust for the European market.There will be however, aftermarket parts which hopefully fix the problem.

[@jimmypesso1466]

i feel you man...i have the panigale 889 and i feel like they ruined the bike...i would go for the 959 in a year or two but only if i can change the exhaust. i dont mind putting an akrapovic. lets just hope its possible....

[@DarR1299]

+JIMMY PESSO It's possible and available for about $4000

[@Raphael1989]

I was so disappointed when I saw the 959. I really thought about getting a 899 next year, but since they are no longer making it and I don't like the stupid european exhaust system, I might look at other manufacturers.

[@keyboardheroics]

+Wanderlust8760 Yes shop around and go with the best feel and always trust your instinct with motorcycles and you'll always end up happy.

[@keithchau1282]

Aussie is getting the underslung exhaust Wanderlust8760. Worth the extra $500 over the 899

[@DarR1299]

+OutsideIn That and the richer torque curve.

[@LordBirch]

899 for me is the best looking bike i just love the lines, but realistically i won't be able to afford one for another 7 years or so. The 959 only has a 2% better power to weight ratio, if people were that worried they'd go to the gym. on the other hand for a middleweight sports bike that is better for the twisties why would you add 7kg?

[@keyboardheroics]

+Lord “Birchdog” Birch I agree adding weight to a superbike is not what I am after, especially for Ducati that has had the lightweight supersport market to itself for sometime now.

[@CalebS555]

Have you got one now? Im looking at selling 2 bikes to fund this 1

[@erikj6128]

cant bash something until you ride one... but I will agree the new exhaust is... well.. yeah. It looks awful for the Euro models. lucky the U.S. models haven't nipped it yet. (still 899 exhaust style). but things can be fixed.. hopefully, there is always exhaust systmes

[@smuert]

i thought australia was getting the normal exaust system

[@thelifeofBrian8]

I feel like every change they made to the 959 aesthetically they made it look worse. I had an 899 in the US and now moving back to Europe the only bike I was looking at is the exact same 899. I just bought one with less than 1000km. Interesting, that the early 959s are pretty much cheaper than the 899s on the used market. I don`t have an extra $2000 to get Termi slip-ons which I would`ve had to put on if I went with the 959. Not to mention the front air inlet is way nicer on the 899. I also like the rear fairing better in all white and the 899 mirrors look better too. They even went back to the same mirror design on the V4 (go figure). To me the there is only one bike more beautiful than the 899 and that is the 1199 because it has a single sided swing arm.

[@jason_3777]

Was really hoping for more about ride quality and comfort than just exhaust talk...

[@keyboardheroics]

+Jason Nobles Fair enough, the bike was still unreleased at this point in time though. I may still do review videos in the future but for now my focus is elsewhere.

[@fluffymellons]

Putting an exhaust on a carbureted bike is an f'ing nightmare. Are you kidding? Change idle jets, change fast jets, adjust, synch, readjust, re-sync. Most bikes had 4 carbs!!!! Now you plug in a thumb drive and turn a key. Get a clue.

[@keyboardheroics]

+fluffymellons I don't know too many people that have the latest Ducati software in their driveway to plug in and turn a key...

[@BullAntx]

Who cares about the exhaust it's been talk about for too long, us Aussies get the underslung anyways, I freaking love my 959.

[@adamodell18]

reppin port adelaide, loves it

[@alexandermartini1770]

The exhaust has nothing to do with Ducati's design direction, they had to use it to comply with European regulations, hence Australia and the US get the underbelly exhaust as on the 899. Before you make video, maybe do a bit of research, you would quickly find Australia is getting the same version as the US ;)

[@alexandermartini1770]

+Alexander Martini The exhaust system also enjoys some new features: in the “World” version, a double side silencer is fitted, in line with the Euro 4 homologation regarding emissions, while in the version for those markets in which Euro 4 is not obligatory, the exhaust system is under the engine, joined to the fairing. For those who are still not happy, there are also aftermarket alternatives created by Akrapovic in lightweight titanium. Straight off Ducati's site

[@keyboardheroics]

+Alexander Martini If you watch the video you will hear me say the exhaust is a result of government regulations. Ducati Australia's press release all had Euro spec bike photos prior to the making of this video, that and the fact Australia previously has received the UK version of everything else, I had no reason not to believe otherwise. My tech spec research whether it's right or wrong is all from Ducati themselves, I accept no responsibility for any misleading information they put out, I merely regurgitated it into my own words to make this video.

[@alexandermartini1770]

+keyboardheroics it's more the mindset that Ducati have ruined the design, they have only worked with what they can do to met the regulations, that passage from them makes it pretty clear they aren't happy with the changes they have had to make. The main designer at Ducati is very particular and has a incredible attention to detail and the underslung exhaust is his only intention for the panigale.

[@alexandermartini1770]

+keyboardheroics however I do see how it's easy to misinterpret what bike Australia is getting as they don't officially say anything. But we do not require euro 4 emissions , so we don't get that particular bike :)

[@llerradish]

Whatever, looks good to me.

[@orlandoducati]

Europe does not play with loud....lol, geez... You should come to Florida, no emissions, loud everything

[@Benjay1975]

Exhaust aside, (No pun intended) its technically improved over the 899 in every way!, Journo's who have track tested the 959 have said its far better bike. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYrTf6Gvf9p1nsU

[@keyboardheroics]

+Benjay1975 I love the Baron but I'm not convinced here. There are definite improvements like the slipper clutch, potential improvements in handling I can imagine, but as for a faster bike power wise, there is no way you could tell the difference without the aid of a stop watch. The added weight very nearly cancels out the power gain to begin with so right away a red flag is raised that this comes across as a potential advertisement rather than an objective test. I notice the aftermarket exhaust that no doubt brought back the 899 style sound and possibly a tad more power so perhaps that woke the beast up both audibly and performance wise for them to heap praise on. Ideally one needs to come straight off an 899 onto a 959 to compare the two, it's not enough to have ridden one 1-2 years ago and then make the comparison with faded memories. Unless a journo can be blunt and critical with a few things or something, my inner sceptic wonders if they have been bribed with no more test bikes or a long term test bike in exchange for a sweet review. I've seen that happen several times in the automotive world over the years. Anyway moral of the story is test it yourself or trust the average Joe that has nothing to gain from their review I say.

[@theenlightenedvan]

ha port adelaide :D

[@SangNguyen-ns1nk]

Thích