[BBBingo]

Ok not so much a versus, but how do the two compare?

Well they do share a bunch...

VD says:

It also features a secondary ‘showerhead’ injector, as used on the Panigale 1299R. The exhaust diameter is larger too, up from 55mm to 60mm – exactly the same as the 1299.

Inherited from the 1299 are the larger air intakes, a wider fairing and taller screen, machined foot-pegs and shorter mirror stalks.

Finally

While the 959 features a revised DQS (quick-shifter) which is incredibly slick, it would be great if it also had the auto-blipping downshifter of the 1299. Alas, it doesn’t

Ducati 959 Panigale review

 

[corsa]

I'll be interested in seeing what 959 owners overall have to say about the brakes in comparison to the follow tidbit I pulled.

The 959’s brakes are Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monoblocs, exactly the same as those on the 899. They offer good feel but don’t have a strong initial bite. The important thing is they offer plenty of stopping power, which is welcome as you approaching Turn 1 at 150mph.

 

[VroomVroom]

They may not have the same bite but the brakes are reliable when not in Sport mode. Ultimate Motorcycling came to the same conclusion:

Reaching the end of Valencia’s front straight at around 160 mph, the initial bite of the M4.32 Brembos isn’t as powerful as the 1299’s M50s, and feel at the lever wasn’t as precise. But throughout the day I never experienced any brake fade, and lever pulsation was only felt at the lever when the bike was set in Sport mode.

You may need to be careful with the ABS system while in Sport mode.

The ABS setting of three in Sport mode quickly got the nerves rattling. Due to some confusion from the slight bumps on the correct line at the front straight’s end, the ABS got confused and started intervening. Hard on the brakes, the lever pulsated before rushing into turn one of 13-corner circuit.

 

[DaveyDork]

They share a 60mm exhaust. Should be kinda plug and play for 1299 exhausts. The routing and such should all be compliant... (IMO)

 

[SpeedyGonzales]

Minor servicing shouldn't be too pricey but valve adjustments always costs a bit more. I would hit up the dealership and see how much the maintenance would cost if it's one of your concerns.

 

[BBBingo]

Minor servicing shouldn't be too pricey but valve adjustments always costs a bit more. I would hit up the dealership and see how much the maintenance would cost if it's one of your concerns.

depends how much mileage you do in a year... if you're passing 2 valve adjustment periods in a year that sucks... but then again I've been reading that the new Testastretta SuperQuadro's are fairly good at keeping themselves within tolerances.

 

[Jon Seddon]

How do they compare

I tried the 1299 for a day at Cadwell Park in the UK and a 959 for two days at the Circuit of Andalucia recently.

Both great bikes.

1299 when you opened the throttle it was like the hounds of **** had been unleashed and were chasing you, incredible. Brakes sharp but controllable. Felt very planted and stable, great front end. Did get a hot backside even on the track.

959 fast but not near the 1299. Brakes not as sharp but fine for me. Handling I would say was very similar, maybe front end not quite as good.

What swung it for me was that I felt the 959 was more useable for the road, which is where I ride most. I actually had more fun on the 959, even though the 1299 was a great ride.

I was concerned that with the 1299 all I'd do is look at it.

Can't wait for my 959 to arrive👍

 

[dougo1199]

I tried the 1299 for a day at Cadwell Park in the UK and a 959 for two days at the Circuit of Andalucia recently.

Both great bikes.

1299 when you opened the throttle it was like the hounds of **** had been unleashed and were chasing you, incredible. Brakes sharp but controllable. Felt very planted and stable, great front end. Did get a hot backside even on the track.

959 fast but not near the 1299. Brakes not as sharp but fine for me. Handling I would say was very similar, maybe front end not quite as good.

What swung it for me was that I felt the 959 was more useable for the road, which is where I ride most. I actually had more fun on the 959, even though the 1299 was a great ride.

I was concerned that with the 1299 all I'd do is look at it.

Can't wait for my 959 to arrive👍

Thanks for sharing! Makes total sense.

 

[DarR]

I'll be interested in seeing what 959 owners overall have to say about the brakes in comparison to the follow tidbit I pulled.

Quote:
The 959’s brakes are Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monoblocs, exactly the same as those on the 899. They offer good feel but don’t have a strong initial bite. The important thing is they offer plenty of stopping power, which is welcome as you approaching Turn 1 at 150mph.

FWIW, I have both M4.32 (P959) and the M50 (M1200R) and can't tell them apart on the street. Both are the most powerful brakes I ever rode.

 

[nband]

I should have test ride the 1299 but my thoughts coming from an 06 R6 that was well equipped were the 959 was an updated mid-class were the 1299 is competitive with liter bikes. No auto blip was a bummer but other than that I felt it would be like my r6 but better. I'm seriously considering a liter in a couple years for track duty. I heard a lot of people say the 959 is better for the street and 1299 better for the track. I also heard from a local dealer a lot of guys were trading in 1199s for the 959... don't fully understand that.

In a nutshell 1299 has more power, slightly better brakes and auto blip. Another thing to note is the 1299 has the s and r models


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[able duc]

Guy on the 1299 forum has just bought a 959 to replace his 1299 for track duties and use the 1299 on the road.
Hello from Canada 1299S + 959 - Ducati 1299 Forum

 

[Dingo]

smart guy!

 

[nband]

I just can't imagine using all of a liter bike on the street... seems like I'm going to be closer to the 959s limit on the street, albeit still nowhere near its limit.


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[Kruz]

Fellas, the 959 has all the power I need on a back road, my new ZX-10R is over the top in the twisties, it's difficult to use all that top end rush, 959 has just the right amount of poke for any occasion. The more miles I pile up on this machine the more I like it.


My take on the 959 vs 1299 is it would really depend on the track and riders. On a tighter track I think the 959 would really acquit itself well, on a long flowing track the 1299 would have the upper hand....but just.

 

[DarR]

The only reasons for me to choose the 1299 over the 959 are looks, electronics and bragging rights.
More power, better brakes and suspension (S Model) are "functionally" unimportant as I don't have the skill set as a rider to exploit those advantages at the margin, both on and off the track.

 

[Kruz]

Yep, most riders will be faster on the 959, very few have the skill set or huevos to exploit the extra power the 1299 has on tap. especially on a public road.

 

[TheX]

My take on the 959 vs 1299 is it would really depend on the track and riders. On a tighter track I think the 959 would really acquit itself well, on a long flowing track the 1299 would have the upper hand....but just.

Are you going to join us at COTA in March?

 

[dougo1199]

lot's of variables for sure, but in general I would chose the 959 over the 1299 for street use. Track use - @Kruz makes a good point concerning tight tracks vs more flowing tracks. I was at a tight track in MI this year (Grattan) where I had set my best time of 1:26 about 10 years ago on my 749. It took me a couple of days to get back close to that time on the 1199. Lot's of hard breaking, tight, off camber corners. A fairly long straight but obviously not long enough to make a huge difference. lol!

 

[Ian996]

Ahhh Grattan
I luv that track but I wish Sam would spend some money and resurface it
and clean up the washrooms
I have been making an annual pilgrimage for a 3 day track rally in early August since 2003
Last year was a first time for the 959 at Grattan The 959 has surpassed my 996 in every way

 

[dougo1199]

Ahhh Grattan
I luv that track but I wish Sam would spend some money and resurface it
and clean up the washrooms
I have been making an annual pilgrimage for a 3 day track rally in early August since 2003
Last year was a first time for the 959 at Grattan The 959 has surpassed my 996 in every way

No kidding? That's awesome! The 3 day "fest" is usually at Gingerman. Which I much prefer compared to Grattan.