JHP’S BEST BOLT-ONS
A quick chinwag with JHP Performance’s parts manager Tim Norman got us drooling over the top bolt-ons he recommended for Ducati’s 959…
1 The number one mod you can do to the 959 is to fit a trick exhaust. We recommend fitting an Akrapovic for the best performance; both a slip-on and a full system are available for the model. The standard system weighs a ton and the catalytic converter really strangles the motor, so it’s best to get it gone. The slip-on does eradicate the cat, but it doesn’t offer the same power enhancement or weight saving as the full system. One thing to note is that by changing the exhaust, you’ll also need to buy new lower fairing panels to suit the shape of the new system. 2 Ducati’s 959 is an amazing bike, but the wheels are really heavy and the difference found by fitting OZ Piega wheels is huge. The unsprung weight saving is really substantial and it means the bike becomes a lot more agile, and will consequently accelerate marginally quicker from the weight saving. They also look really smart and complement the stunning image of the 959. 3 Öhlins NIX 30mm cartridge kits and a TTX rear shock are must haves if you want to draw the best from the Ducati’s handling package. The stock components are reasonable on the road, but you’ll soon find their limits on track. We fit Öhlins to the 959 machines we prepare for the Ducati TriOptions race series and they’re proven to transform the bike in the bends, especially thanks to their high level of adjustability. 4 It’s a simple thing, but fitting a decent steering damper can really help to tighten up the bike and improve handling prowess. We recommend an Öhlins damper for the 959, which is proven to improve stability no end. It’s also adjustable, so can be tweaked to suit rider preferences. 5 The ergonomics of the 959 can be improved massively by fitting Lightech rear sets and a tall ace screen. We sell a tank extension module that pairs with a special race seat to give a more sporting and aggressive rider stance, and another product we’d highly recommend fitting is a throttle tube insert spacer that’s designed to sharpen up the throttle response. Stomp grips are also well worth their weight, as they give the right better control under heavy braking.