More powerful, lighter and safer
The new DUCATI 1198, while maintaining the same look as the previous 1098, is in fact a totally new bike. The 1198, which produces a powerful 170hp (125kW) from its new Testastretta Evoluzione engine, and has a dry weight of just 171kg (377lb), incorporates all of the World Superbike technology derived directly from the 2008 World Championship winning race bike of Troy Bayliss.
The 1198 is powered by the powerful Testastretta Evoluzione, a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine, the crowning glory of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine, that produces 170hp (125kW) @ 9,750rpm and a class-beating 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque @ 8,000rpm.
From data acquisition systems integrated as standard equipment, to ingenious dual
construction methods for its weight-saving single-sided swingarm and to the road-going
Ducati Traction Control, Ducati’s innovative trackside solutions continue to flow.
The innovative Ducati Traction Control system, supplied as standard equipment on
the 1198 S model, enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from your previous
track session or road trip. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear
wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction. DTC,
which offers a choice of eight profiles, provides a considerable increase in safety
during mid-corner acceleration.
The 2009 Superbike range presents the awesomely powerful new 1198 in the famous Ducati red and pearl white, and for those who demand the ultimate in specification, the 1198 S in Ducati red and midnight black with new bronze-coloured wheels and frame.
The new 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine
The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the crowning glory of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine. World Superbike dominance for almost two decades is the result of continual commitment to their twin-cylinder configuration. Ducati now share the reward for that commitment as World Championship-winning technologies flow from the factory race team into production engines.
The incredible 1198 and 1198 S are powered by a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 170hp (125kW) @ 9,750rpm and a class-beating 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque @ 8,000rpm.
The 1198 achieves its new capacity by using exactly the same 106x67.9 bore and stroke as the factory race bike. Volumetric efficiency through the four valves per cylinder has been enhanced by increasing the valve diameters approximately 4% to 43.5mm for the inlet and 35.5mm for the exhaust. They are actuated by racing-type rocker arms, ‘super-finished’ for reduced friction and fatigue, and double overhead camshafts with radical profiles that achieve approximately 10% more lift than their predecessors.
These incredible valve performances are only possible because of Ducati’s unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically. At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring. With the Desmo system, the valve is closed mechanically with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings. This system is used on every single Ducati motorcycle including their world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP bikes.
With increased capacity and improved volumetric efficiency, the elliptical throttle bodies have also increased in cross-sectional area by 13.3% compared to the 1098. Now boasting a size equivalent to 63.9mm diameter, the inlet body is exactly the same as the ‘R’ model.
The race-designed 1198 pistons have a distinctive double-ribbed undercrown to achieve high strength and reduced friction by using minimal piston wall surface area. Using technology developed for the Desmosedici MotoGP project, the design enables reliable operation of the 106mm diameter pistons when performing at high rpm.
The 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engines are the lightest ever used in Ducati Superbikes, thanks to a new crankcase manufacturing technology which reduces weight by almost 3kg (6.5lbs). The vacuum die-cast process ensures consistent and precise wall thickness and increased strength from absolute material purity. The weight-saving cam covers in magnesium-alloy are evident by their gold colour, while the alloy outer clutch and generator covers now sport a black finish.
In line with the increased power and torque output, the 1198 gearbox introduces ‘R’ model internal ratios. The new gears are machined from the same high-strength steel used in Ducati Corse race applications and are subjected to a shot-peening treatment that further ensures their strength and reduced fatigue.
The 1198 and 1198 S feature a beautiful and efficient exhaust system. Incredibly lightweight, it has been engineered with a power-increasing symmetrical 2-1-2 layout that uses 52mm-57mm diameter tubing with a wall thickness of 0.8mm (.030in). It is equipped with a catalytic converter and two lambda probes for smooth engine mapping and Euro3 conformity. The system terminates with Ducati’s trademark twin under-seat silencers, delivering that unmistakable signature sound of the big bore Desmo 90° L-Twin.
Advanced chassis
The Superbike chassis and suspension received detailed study and a ‘performance-first’ priority approach to development. The goal was to achieve considerable weight saving and build-in strength and rigidity to manage the high-powered Testastretta Evoluzione engines. The Ducati 1198 is a ‘biposto’ version equipped with a passenger seat and footpegs.
Trellis frame
Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight Trellis frame features 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm. The result is an incredibly rigid construction that remains one of Ducati’s lightest frame solutions ever. Adding style to performance, the two colours for the 1198 use ‘racing black’ frames and 1198 S a sophisticated ‘bronze’ finish.
Front suspension
The 1198 features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, with an additional special low friction titanium oxide treatment applied to the sliders, while spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction titanium nitride-treated sliders are used on the 1198 S. Both front suspension solutions have radial brake caliper mountings providing superior road holding and incredible feedback to give every rider more confidence and control.
Rear suspension
The lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a compact and weight-saving rear suspension linkage system that features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 1198, and an incredible Öhlins unit for the 1198 S. The 1198 and 1198 S rear suspension system has an adjustable rear ride-height, independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings - valuable when seeking the perfect set-up for personal riding style or track conditions.
Single-sided swingarm
The dual construction technique used for the single-sided swingarm sees the main operational components use individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, with fabricated aluminium sections used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component. The 1198/1198 S swingarm is colour finished in black.
Race-bred brakes
With motorcycles as capable as the new Ducati Superbikes, superior braking power is fundamental. The 1198 and the 1198 S use Brembo’s powerful Monobloc caliper racing technology. Machined from a single piece of alloy, the calipers achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise ‘feel’ at the brake lever. The twin Monobloc calipers each have quadruple 34mm pistons that grip huge 330mm discs to help achieve spectacular brake performance. The weight of the discs has been kept to a minimum by employing racing-style narrow braking surfaces.
Super lightweight wheels
The lightweight front wheels of the 1198 and 1198 S substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The construction of the rear wheels are equally as impressive with considerable weight savings over traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm fitments.
The 1198 rides on new style 10-spoke wheels finished in a subtle graphite grey. As usual, the 1198 S goes to the next level by rolling out on the new 7-spoke GP replica wheels. These beautifully lightweight, forged-aluminium, machine-finished wheels are colour-matched to the Trellis frame in a sophisticated bronze.
The 1198/1198 S models are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC at 120/70 ZR17 for the front fitment and 190/55 ZR17 for the rear. These tyres provide shoulder areas designed to maximize contact patch area and length and carcass specially designed for stiffness under heavy braking and precision during high speed cornering.
Magnesium subframe
Producing a front subframe in magnesium underlines the attention to weight-saving detail. Its construction provides secure support for the headlamp, instruments and fairing and the weight-saving around this high, forward position contributes considerably to overall ‘feel’ and control of the machine.
Aerodynamic bodywork
Carefully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the 1198 bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the race-oriented riding position.
Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow through the advanced, large surface area coolant radiator, which is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies and oil coolers. Aerodynamically shaped air ducts positioned just below the headlamps are precisely calculated to provide ample air delivery to the pressurised airbox.
The lightweight bodywork contributes considerably to overall performance by reducing weight, protecting the Testastretta Evoluzione engine’s power output, and assisting the rider to effortlessly ‘tuck in’ from the wind stream and reduce drag to achieve maximum straight-line track speeds.
Electronics and Innovation
Instrumentation
This pure racing digital instrumentation originating from Ducati’s MotoGP project, has no switches or buttons to compromise its clean, minimalist lines. Instead, information additional to the default read-outs is managed from the left-hand handlebar-mounted switch gear, allowing the rider to scroll through and select from various menus. The new display, which now has a bright white LED back lighting, presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Additionally, it displays lap times, DTC level selected (if activated on 1198 S) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention (if activated on 1198 S) and scheduled maintenance. The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA and DTC systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.
Traction control
For the first time ever on a Ducati production motorcycle, a true competition-level traction control system for the road comes integrated into the 1198 S electronics as standard equipment. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system further underlines Ducati’s technology flow from racing to production and demonstrates how solutions developed for the track can be applied to enhance safety on the road.
DTC uses the same software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their world championship winning MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycles and offers a choice of eight settings developed by their professional test riders and racers.
Accessible from the left-hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the system offers a choice of eight profiles. Each one has been programmed with a wheel-spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill graded from one to eight. While level eight administers a confidence-building, high level of interaction from the system by activating upon the slightest amount of wheel-spin, level one offers a much higher tolerance and so much less intervention for highly competent riders. When the level is selected and DTC activated, the level is displayed on the instrumentation.
When the profile that best suits the combination of road or track conditions and riding style has been selected and the DTC system activated, front and rear wheel sensors compare speed differential to sense when rear traction is being broken (wheel-spin). High speed software then makes instant electronic adjustment to the fuel injection, taking immediate control over power output so as to restore traction at the rear wheel. A warning light is displayed during DTC interaction. As soon as the system recognises the return of equal wheel speeds, it re-establishes normal power delivery. In this way, DTC provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration.
The DTC system is supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S and 1098 R models.
Data acquisition
The Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) - complete with PC software, a USB-ready data retrieval card and instructions - evaluates the performances of the bike and its rider, and make comparisons between various channels of information. The DDA is available for the 1198 from Ducati Accessories, and is supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S model.
Normally only available on race bikes, DDA records numerous channels of data including throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, lap times. The system also automatically calculates engine rpm and vehicle speed data so as to display gear selection as an extra channel of information. An additional channel of information is now dedicated to recording the DTC index which can then be viewed as a graphic trace and indicates the amount of DTC interaction during wheel-spin. At the end of a ride or track session, an upgraded 4mb of data can be downloaded to a PC ready to compare, analyse and get an inside view of the performance of the rider and motorcycle.
Data can be analysed in graphic form with options to zoom into detail of specific sections. Dragging a trace along a timeline to reveal individual values of the above listed channels enables the user to analyse performance in the same way that data technicians can in factory teams. The latest version software is now compatible with Windows Vista™ and allows data to be compared with that from a completely separate session and for pages of data to be printed off easily.
Lights and indicators
The horizontal twin headlamps, a signature Ducati style from the iconic 916, have been modernised with the latest lighting technology. Two polyellipsoidal units light the way with a powerful beam while maintaining an aggressive look to the front of the machine in pure Ducati Superbike tradition. The unit used on the 1198 now save over 0.4kg (1lb) over previous versions, reducing weight from a crucial high frontal area which enhances the overall vehicle handling and all-important ‘feel’ of the front-end.
The rear light employs a specially designed strip of LEDs enhanced by a high diffusion lens shaped into the sleek lines of the tailpiece. The same LEDs are intensified for brake lights.
The directional indicators also use the latest in LED technology for illumination. The frontal indicators are beautifully integrated into the rear view mirrors and, for the 1198/1198 S now come with an optional spacer kit enabling an extension of 30mm over the standard mirror stem length.
DUCATI 1198 S
‘S’ performance
Producing 170hp (125kW) and with a dry weight of just 169kg (372.6lb), the new 1198 S now incorporates more World Superbike technology than ever before by taking the 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine and adding top-of-the-range suspension, lightweight chassis components and a true racing-style traction control system designed for road use.
The “S” version comes in the famous Ducati red and midnight black contrasting superbly against the sophisticated bronze finish of the frame and new 7-spoke GP replica Marchesini forged and machined wheels.
The high performance, fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins forks, which sport low friction titanium nitride-treated fork sliders, respond effortlessly to every imperfection in the tarmac. Beyond their advanced engineering solutions, one of the most important characteristics of Öhlins forks is their ability to communicate the condition and quality of the tyre-to-road contact patch, a feature that puts every rider in superior control. The suspension set-up at the rear is complemented with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock equipped with a ride enhancing top-out spring and mounted to a single-sided swingarm for outstanding drive and traction. The front-to-rear Öhlins package is completed with a control-enhancing adjustable steering damper.
The ‘S’ sets the standard for lightweight performance. On any sport or race bike, the most effective area to reduce weight is its ‘unsprung weight’. These are components like tyres, brakes and wheels. Lighter wheels have a lower ‘moment of inertia’ that is beneficial with every direction change and application of the brakes. The 1198 S addresses this important area by mounting new 7-spoke GP replica Marchesini forged and machined wheels. Both front and rear are super lightweight and their benefit is immediately apparent. The weight saving is further enhanced with the application of a carbon fibre front fender.
The 1198 S is supplied with the Ducati Data Analysis (DDA) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) systems as standard equipment. The DDA package enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from your previous track session or road trip. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction.
| | DUCATISUPERBIKE 1198 | DUCATISUPERBIKE 1198 S |
| Engine | | |
| Type | L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled | L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 1198.4cc | 1198.4cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 106x67.9mm | 106x67.9mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.7:1 | 12.7:1 |
| Power | 170hp (125kw) @ 9750rpm | 170hp (125kw) @ 9750rpm |
| Torque | 97lb-ft (131.4Nm) @ 8000rpm | 97lb-ft (131.4Nm) @ 8000rpm |
| Fuel injection | Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies. | Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies. |
| Exhaust | Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers | Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers |
| Emissions | Euro 3 | Euro 3 |
| Transmission | | |
| Gearbox | 6 speed | 6 speed |
| Ratio | 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25 | 1=37/15 2=30/17 3=27/20 4=24/22 5=23/24 6=22/25 |
| Primary drive | Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1 | Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1 |
| Final drive | Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 38 | Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 38 |
| Clutch | Dry multiplate with hydraulic control | Dry multiplate with hydraulic control |
| Chassis | | |
| Frame | Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450 | Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450 |
| Wheelbase | 1430mm (56.3in) | 1430mm (56.3in) |
| Rake | 24.5° | 24.5° |
| Total steering lock | 57° | 57° |
| Front suspension | Showa 43mm with TiO fully adjustable usd fork | Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable usd fork with TiN |
| Front wheel travel | 127mm (5in) | 120mm (4.7in) |
| Front wheel | 10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17 | 7-spoke in forged light alloy 3.50 x 17 |
| Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17 | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear suspension | Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm | Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm |
| Rear wheel travel | 127mm (5in) | 127mm (5in) |
| Rear wheel | 10-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17 | 7-spoke forged light alloy 6.00 x 17 |
| Rear tyre | 190/55 ZR17 | 190/55 ZR17 |
| Front brake | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad. | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad. |
| Rear brake | 245mm disc, 2-piston calliper | 245mm disc, 2-piston calliper |
| Fuel tank capacity | 15.5L (4.1 US gal) | 15.5L (4.1 US gal) |
| Dry weight | 171kg (377lb) | 169kg (372.5lb) |
| Seat height | 820mm (32.2in) | 820mm (32.2in) |
| Max height | 1100mm (43.3in) | 1100mm (43.3in) |
| Max length | 2100mm (82.6in) | 2100mm (82.6in) |
| Instruments | Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speed, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A & B trips, fuel reserve trip, scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, oil pressure, fuel reserve. Plus: Integrated immobilizer system. | Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speed, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A & B trips, fuel reserve trip, DTC level selected (if activated) scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, DTC intervention, oil pressure, fuel reserve. Plus: Integrated immobilizer system and management of DDA and DTC. |
| Warranty | 2 years unlimited mileage | 2 years unlimited mileage |
| Versions | Dual seat | Dual seat |