2018 Ducati 959 Panigale Corse Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Ducati 959 Panigale Corse is a limited-edition sportbike that makes the already amazing 959 Panigale even better. This Corse version has a powerful 955cc Superquadro engine that puts out an exciting 157 horsepower. This makes it an exciting machine both on the track and on the road. The striking livery of the Corse version is based on Ducati’s racing history. It has bold red accents on the fairings and wheels, which give it a unique and aggressive look. With high-tech technology like Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), the 959 Panigale Corse makes sure that every ride is as safe and fast as it can be. With its lightweight chassis, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, and high-performance Brembo brakes, the 2018 Ducati 959 Panigale Corse offers an unmatched blend of precision, control, and style. This makes it a sought-after and exciting choice for sportbike fans who want a unique riding experience.

Riding Mode (RM)

The Riding Mode can be selected from the instrument panel. Three preset riding modes are available: RACE, SPORT, WET.
The selected and active riding mode is displayed on the Standard screen of the instrument panel. Every Riding Mode contains the following parameters, set by Ducati or customised by the user through the setting function pages:

• a specific level of intervention for the DTC traction control (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, OFF);
• a specific engine power that will change throttle behaviour (HIGH, MED, LOW);
• a specific ABS calibration (1, 2, 3, OFF);
• a specific level of intervention of the EBC engine brake control system (1, 2, 3, OFF);
• the activation or deactivation of the quick shifter DQS (DQS ON or DQS OFF).
  Attention
  Ducati recommends changing the Riding mode when the motorcycle is stopped. If the riding mode is changed while riding, be very careful (it is recommended to change the Riding mode at a low speed).

Selecting the Riding Mode
Press CONFIRM MENU button (4) to enter the menu for selecting the Riding Mode. The instrument panel displays the name of the Riding Modes in the Standard screen:

• RACE
• SPORT
• WET
  One of them will be marked with an arrow near its name to indicate the last memorized condition that is currently active.

Attention
It is not possible to open the menu for selecting the riding mode, if button (4) is in the position for activating the turn indicators (to the left or right)

The stored settings may be the factory ones (Ducati default settings) or the ones customized by the owner. Every time the MENU CONFIRMATION button (4) is pressed, the instrument panel highlights in sequence the riding modes.
Once the desired riding mode is highlighted, confirm the selection by holding down the CONFIRM MENU button (4) for 2 seconds: the new riding mode selection is stored and the Standard screen is displayed.
Once the desired riding mode is highlighted, if the CONFIRM MENU button (4) is not pressed within 10 seconds, the new riding mode selection is not stored and the Standard screen is displayed.

The stored settings may be the factory ones (Ducati default settings) or the ones customised by the owner. Every time the MENU CONFIRMATION button (4) is pressed, the instrument panel highlights in sequence the riding modes.
Once the desired riding mode is highlighted, confirm the selection by holding down the CONFIRM MENU button (4) for 2 seconds: the new riding mode selection is stored and the Standard screen is displayed.
Once the desired riding mode is highlighted, if the CONFIRM MENU button (4) is not pressed within 10 seconds, the new riding mode selection is not stored and the Standard screen is displayed.

When system requests rider to confirm the riding mode change, the procedure will output an error if:
the throttle twistgrip is open, brakes are activated and the motorcycle is not still; in this case “CLOSE GAS” and “DON’T BRK” warnings flash on the display in MENU 1 and MENU 2, by alternating each writing every second.
If within 5 seconds the throttle is not closed, the brakes are not released or the motorcycle is not stopped (zero speed), the procedure for changing riding mode will not be completed and the Standard screen is displayed.

Note
If the change of riding mode is associated with the ABS change of state from “ON” to “OFF” or vice-versa, the instrument panel also starts the procedure for disabling or activating the ABS, respectively, upon confirmation of the selected riding mode.
If at least one error is present upon Riding Mode change, priority is given to messages “CLOSE GAS” and “DON’T BRK”, and the relevant Warning symbol will flash.

DUCATI Traction Control

The instrument panel displays DTC status as follows:

• if DTC is active, DTC indication and the rectangle with the Traction Control intervention level number (1 to 8) will be displayed steady on;
• if DTC is active, but system is in degraded operation due to a fault, DTC indication and the rectangle including the DTC intervention level number, 1 to 8 (flashing); also the DTC warning light starts flashing;
• if DTC is not active, the message “DTC” and the rectangle with the steady symbol “- -“;
• if DTC is in fault or the Black Box is in fault, DTC indication and the rectangle with the flashing “–” symbol; the DTC light turns steady on as well and the corresponding error is displayed. Attention
  In case of system malfunction, contact a Ducati Dealer or Authorised Service Centre.
• Attention
• DTC is a rider aid that can be used both on the track and the road. The system is designed to make riding easier and to enhance safety, but in no way relieves the rider of the obligation to drive responsibly and to maintain a high standard of riding in order to avoid accidents, whether caused by his own errors or those of other road users, through making emergency maneuvers, in accordance with the prescriptions of the road traffic code.
  The rider must always be aware that active safety systems have a preventive function. The active elements help the rider control the motorcycle, making it as easy and safe to ride as possible. The presence of an active safety system should not encourage the rider to ride at speeds beyond reasonable limits, not in accordance with the road conditions, the laws of physics, good riding standards and the requirements of the road traffic code.
  The following table indicates the most suitable level of DTC intervention for the various riding modes as well as the default settings in the “Riding Mode” that can be selected by the rider.

Tips on how to select the sensitivity level

Attention
The DTC level 1 setting has been calibrated using the tyres with SC2 compound (Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC2) that are not those originally supplied with your motorcycle. The use of this level with tyres having different characteristics may alter the operating characteristics of the system.
The DTC level 7 setting has been calibrated using Rain tyres (Pirelli Diablo Rain with size 190/60 ZR17 at the rear) that are not those originally supplied with your motorcycle. The use of this level with tyres having different characteristics may alter the operating characteristics of the system.
The DTC levels 2-3-4-5-6-8 settings have been calibrated using the tyres originally supplied with your motorcycle (Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa:
120/70ZR17 at the front and 180/60ZR17 at the rear). The use of tyres of different size and characteristics to the original tyres may alter the operating characteristics of the system.

In the case of minor differences, such as for example, tyres of a different make and/or model than the OE ones, but with the same size (rear = 180/60ZR17; front = 120/70 ZR17), it may be sufficient to simply select the suitable level setting from those available in order to restore optimal system operation.
If tyres of a different size class are used or if the tyre size differs significantly from the original tyres, it may be that the system operation is affected to the point where none of the 8 available level settings will give satisfactory results. In this case it is advisable to deactivate the traction control system.
If level 8 is selected, the DTC system will kick in at the slightest hint that the rear wheel is starting to spin. Between level 8 and level 1 there are further intermediate levels of intervention for the DTC. Levels 1, 2 and 3 allow the rear wheel to spin and slide: these levels are recommended on the track only and exclusively for expert riders: in particular, level 1 is designed to work at best only with tyres having SC2 compound.
The choice of the correct level mainly depends on the following parameters:

• • The tyre/asphalt grip (type of tyre, amount of tyre wear, the road/track surface, weather conditions, etc.).
  • The characteristics of the path/circuit (bends all taken at similar speeds or at very different speeds).
  • The riding mode (whether the rider has a “smooth” or a “rough” style).

Level depends on grip conditions: the choice of level setting depends greatly on the grip conditions of the track/circuit (see below, tips for use on the track and on the road).
Level depends on type of track: if the track/path features bends all taken at similar speeds, it will be easier to find a level suitable for all bends; while a track/path with bends all requiring different speeds will require a DTC level setting that is the best compromise for all bends.
Level depends on riding style: The DTC will tend to kick in more with a “smooth” riding style, where the motorcycle is leaned over further, rather than with a “rough” style, where the motorcycle is straightened up as quickly as possible when exiting a turn.
Tips for use on the track
We recommend that level 6 is used for a couple of full laps (to allow the tyres to warm up) in order to get used to the system. Then try levels 5, 4, etc., in succession until you identify the DTC sensitivity level that suits you best (always try each level for at least two laps to allow the tyres to warm up).
Once you have found a satisfactory setting for all the corners except one or two slow ones, where the system tends to kick in and control too much, you can try to modify your riding style slightly to a more “rough” approach to cornering i.e. straighten up more rapidly on exiting the corner, instead of immediately trying a different level setting.

FAQ