I got the hots for a new 2016 959 Panigale. Any one else out there have a Ducati, what are you're likes, dislikes?
Trying to decide on the Artic White Silk or Ducati Red. Gorgeous bike and is up for 2016 Motorcycle of the Year.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 1/29/2016 @ 5:07 PM *

I think I'd go with the white even though the red announces, "DUCATI."

Yep, smokin hot either way. This may just be the best Duc ever, a lot of folks are saying it's better than the 1299, not faster just more fun to ride fast.

I have a 2006 999R.

It is a whole different ball game, it's like riding a knife edge compared to the 14 ( if you can compare two very different machines) The Ducati is not happy unless you are doing the wrong side of 100 mph or in the tight twisties.
The model you are looking at should be a lot more user friendly.
Please don't take my comments as negative. I knew what I was getting into when I bought the bike so no complaints from me. Perhaps you could secure a test ride on one or two before you buy.

* Last updated by: redboot on 1/29/2016 @ 7:34 PM *

Are the Ducatisti like the the Illuminati of motorcycles?

In 2008, I was doing frequent track days (bottom half of the middle group usually) . and so decided it was time to try a Ducati. Bought a new 848 ( red because it WAS a Ducati):) and found out several things.. My Kaw 636 would take me to the edge of my comfort zone and be happy to rail along, the 848 was embarrassed to be running at the pace I was capable. I could not think as fast as teh Duc would turn and stop. It was a beautiful bike and I had a lot of fun for a year but always felt as tho I shud have been going faster. At 70 , I think I just waited too long to try one :)

* Last updated by: chrly on 1/30/2016 @ 3:23 AM *

Interesting comments gentleman, I need to secure a test ride on one of these post haste. Everything I've read of late indicates Ducati has gone broadband with this machine, they've opened up the rider triangle and widened the bars for more comfort. Reliability wise , I've heard they have made great strides, not like in the old days where every ride left you wondering if you'd be left stranded at roadside. First major service is the valves at 15K miles.
I guess the real question is do you have any regrets?

@Rook....Yes, they are related. First step in becoming a Ducatisti is to become one of the Illuminati. Only the Illuminati have enough money to fix a Ducati if it breaks down....lol!

I saw one of these up close in the Artic White last weekend at the Dallas Motorcycle Show. I was mesmerized by the level of detail on the 959 compared to my Jap bikes, like they're from a different planet really.

I picked up a 2005 Ducati 999 last year that needed some "love". The PO had neglected maintenance and had hit a pothole which bent both rims badly. The dealer had quoted him a price of $5500 to to do all the back maintenance (timing belts, valve clearance, flush brake and clutch fluids, oil and filter change, and new air filters) and to replace both bent wheels.

While these are really cool bikes sinking $5500 into one doesn't make much sense since that's well over 50% of the market value. Anyway, I felt sorry for it and decided it was worth tinkering with. In spite of the "mystique" Ducati's are super-simple especially compared to a Japanese inline 4 like the ZX-14! All the hype about adjusting the desmodromic valves is hogwash. It's super easy, much easier than a ZX-14. The 999 is a 4 valve/cylinder model so you have a total of 8 valves with TWO shims each. So you have only 16 measurements and potential adjustments. I checked, found 4 out of spec, swapped a few around and needed one new shim. Cost me $11 at the Ducati dealer. The belts are also easy, just could the ribs to get the timing right - MUCH easier than your ZX-14 cam chain - and you just tighten until it "twangs" at the right frequency. My smart phone and a guitar tuning apps did the trick!

I found two like-new wheels from a guy who upgraded his 999 to carbon fiber wheels (at a staggering cost!) and got them shipped to me for $400 total. All said I Was into the bike for about $500 worth or parts, about 10 hours of labor, and about $50 in tools that I didn't already have.

Then the fun part, a Ducati is all it's cracked up to be on the road. The 999 is super light and handles crazy good! It doesn't have the punch of a ZX-14 but the power just keeps coming until you're well north of 100 mph before you know it. Unlike a Harley V-twin which will shake itself apart at high rpms, the Ducati just smooths out the faster you rev it.

My problem with the 999 was rider comfort. I'm 6'2" and have a 34" inseam and even with the thing adjusted for maximum legroom, I couldn't go more than about 30 minutes without having to stop and stretch. So I sold it (sadly) to someone who was small enough and young enough to enjoy it. I'd get another one if they made one that fit larger riders like me.

If you are going to be doing the maintenance yourself, it's NOT a problem. If you are going to be having the dealer do it, be prepared to spend a LOT of money, they are expensive to maintain, even the newer ones that have longer service intervals.

Good write up JW! I'm hearing now the red paint on the 959 is very soft and will scratch easily. The guys on the forum are having to go to extremes to protect the finish.Not good on such an expensive machine, I'm surprised Ducati hasn't gotten a handle on something this basic.

I agree with jwh20. I was a Ducati tech for around 12 years. I'd much rather adjust the valves on a Ducati than an inline 4. And the testastretta motors are even easier. You just have to take your time. And doing a top end job is super easy compared to the inlines. Basically 4 nuts and 4 bolts and the heads and cylinders come off. I'm not sure why the story of how scary Ducati work got started but it does provide opportunities to pick one up used for cheaper than it should be.

Mad

Any truth to these rumors the paint is not very good, especially in red?

I can't say I've heard that rumour and I can't speak for any other Ducati. The red paint work on my 2006 999R, which has the carbon fibre fairing, is still stunning. It also only has about 5000kms on it though.
Personally speaking Kruz, I think you should just take one out for a blast. I guarantee you, once you stuffed one of these things into a few bends and whaled on the throttle on the way out of the bend the quality of the paint will be the last thing on your mind. Go for it.

* Last updated by: redboot on 2/4/2016 @ 6:41 PM *

Yes, I need a test ride, fortunately the Dallas Ducati dealer can arrange this on a 959.

Even Rook wants to come over to the dark side now and try a Ducati....

Naw, you need an early 70's Triumph Trident to cross over to the dark side. But an L Twin is a step down the right path. ( or the wrong path as the case may be.

* Last updated by: redboot on 2/8/2016 @ 9:34 AM *

I don't know what bike I'd add if I was able to do so. I would take the Ducati for looks and prestige, without a doubt.

Local Ducati dealer says $16,500 drive out price on the Ducati Red 959.I have to ask myself do I really need this bike? Would be nice no doubt.

I really want you to get it but from the start, I thought this would be a bike mainly for showing up and looking cool on. It may prove to be slightly superior to the zx-6 in overall performance but I think you're going to feel you're missing something in this bike that you like about all the others. Who knows, you may even feel the zx-6 is a little better in some ways. There's still no big compelling reason to buy anything right away. If someone was offering a big discount or if there was a bike that truly was light years ahead, I guess you would want to strike.

So which one are you getting the Arctic White or the Buccai Red?

If you want it go for it, there is no "reason" in this type of want only the desire and lust for the new sexy beauty.

I totally get it!

A guy at work is into these bike and spends crazy money on them. His current rides are a 1299 Pan R and a Supra La Gerra(sp) (light weight) he paid north of $70K for new ... now that's really high end call girl money.

They hold their value better than the Jap bikes so if you need to get a divorce in a year or two not that big of a net setback.

Sure would be fun at a COTA track day.

What kind of encouragement do I need to provide here to make this happen? I love seeing new bikes! And I love helping other people spend their money! So ... help me help you help me! HAHA!

If you get one, can't wait for pics

Thanks for all the fine input folks, I'll probably head over to the Ducati dealer in Dallas this weekend for a test ride. That's the logical next step. If I absolutely love the ride, that would make parting with the cash much easier to contend with. I've always heard that you buy a Japanese bike with your head but you buy an Italian bike with your heart. We'll soon see.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/5445717211.html

* Last updated by: redboot on 2/13/2016 @ 8:29 AM *

Reboot, that is full asking price, driveout on a new 959 in Red here is $16500.

Going to look at them and hopefully take a test drive right now, they have red and white in stock.

OK, made the trip to Advanced Motorsports in Dallas yesterday and got to see the Ducati Red and Artic White 959s side by side. Still no test ride yet but both cranked them up for me, loudest stock exhaust system I've ever seen on a production bike, glorious!

They're both very nice but something about that blood red one just whispers, "take me home". I think the white is cool but I feel I'd get tired of it after awhile and the matte finish is bound to turn a little dingy over time.
The Red just screams "Ducati" at you. Kind of like buying a Ferrari, there is only one color I'd ever take.

I got a driveout price of $16750 on the red one from the Dallas dealer and $16,500 from the Ducati dealer in Plano.
I don't think they're going to be giving these away any time soon.

Well, I was very close to pulling the trigger on the red one yesterday, Rook should I go for it?

kruz - Why the 959? Personally, if I was gonna spend big bucks on a Duc, it would have to be an 1199/1299 ... ie one of the big ones.

I dunno what's wrong with me, but that sub-1000 figure is bothering me! Oh, I know, it's cuz I own a 1441!

Good luck whichever way you decide. Still lookin' forward to pics.