Ducati 959 (2016)

243 real MOT outcomes analysed • 92.6% first-time pass rate

2016 Ducati 959

CarHunch analysed 243 real MOT records for the 2016 Ducati 959. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Ducati 959 is significantly more reliable than the UK average, with a 92.6% first-time pass rate against the 80% benchmark—a strong indicator of robust build quality. Only 7.4% of vehicles have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which is well below concerning levels and suggests these bikes are fundamentally safe on the road.

These motorcycles average just 7,161 miles, indicating most are cherished rather than commuter workhorses, which partly explains their excellent pass rates. The low failure count of 0.49 per vehicle and modest advisory rate of 1.7 per bike mean minor wear items are the main concern, not structural problems—budget for routine maintenance items and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on chain, sprockets, and brake fluid condition.

We have limited data for the 2016 Ducati 959 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 20 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
92.6%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
7.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.49
Over 5.7 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
6k
Middle half: 4k–9k
For context

These stats describe 243 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 243 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 66.5%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy · Offside Rear Exhaust noisy
Other issues 23.3%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements · Rear Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements · …
Tyre wear 21.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Lighting 19.7%
Rear reflector missing · Drive chain slightly loose · Rear Rear reflector missing
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 7.3%
Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 243 Ducati 959 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Ducati 959

Based on MOT data from 243 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 7.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 607 Ducati 959 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 69.5%
422
White 29.7%
180
Black 0.8%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Ducati 959 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

6,193
typical
4,476
low mileage
9,165
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Ducati 959 vehicles fall between 4,476 and 9,165 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 4,476 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
4,476–9,165 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Ducati 959s sit.
Over 12,372 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Ducati 959 — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Ducati 959s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 162 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 85% of the peak.

171 162 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.49
Avg failures per vehicle
1.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Ducati 959: All 959 years → Which year to buy? →
2017

Or browse all models: Ducati →

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Ducati 959 stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?