Superbike Chassis
The 848 EVO, 1198 and 1198 SP chassis and suspension are the result of a 'performance-first' priority approach to development, in which the goal is always to further reduce weight and increase strength and rigidity to manage the high-powered Testastretta Evoluzione engines.
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 three colour versions for the 848 EVO use frames finished in red and racing black while the 1198 is in racing black and both schemes of the 1198 SP are finished in red.
Front suspension
Both the 848 EVO and 1198 feature fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, with an additional special low friction titanium oxide treatment applied to the sliders of the 1198, while spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction titanium nitride-treated sliders are used on the 1198 SP. Both front suspension solutions have radial brake calliper 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 enable 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 848 EVO and 1198, and an incredible Öhlins unit for the 1198 SP with TTX twin tube technology providing totally separate damping adjustment in compression and rebound. The system uses experience gained in MotoGP to minimise friction and reduce the risk of cavitation under extreme conditions. The 1198 and 1198 SP 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 allows the main operational components to use individual aluminium castings so as to ensure strength around the pivot points, wheel hub and suspension links, while lightweight, fabricated aluminium sections are used to complete the construction into a single, beautifully engineered component. The 848 EVO, 1198 and 1198 SP all have singlesided swingarms finished in black.
Race-bred brakes
Ducati Superbikes have always been famous for their incredible, track-derived braking performance and the 2011 model line-up is no exception.
The 1198, 1198 SP and now the 848 EVO all use Brembo's incredibly powerful Monobloc calliper racing technology. Machined from a single piece of alloy, the callipers 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 callipers each have four 34mm pistons that grip 320mm discs on the 848 EVO and huge 330mm discs on the 1198 and 1198 SP to achieve spectacular braking performance.
Super lightweight wheels
The lightweight front wheels used on all Ducati Superbike models substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The 848 EVO is equipped with Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels by Enkei which are finished in black while the 1198 rides on 10-spoke wheels finished in a subtle graphite grey, also by Enkei. The 1198 SP goes to the next specification level by rolling out on beautiful black 7-spoke lightweight, forged-aluminium, machine-finished wheels by Marchesini.
The 848 EVO 1198 and 1198 SP models are all fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, at 120/70 ZR17 for the front, 180/55 ZR17 for the rear of the 848 EVO and 190/55 ZR17 for the rear of both 1198 models. These high-performance tyres have shoulder areas that maximize the contact patch and carcasses specially designed for stiffness under heavy braking and precision during high speed cornering. This precision in tyre construction enabled Ducati technicians to create extremely fine programs for the Ducati Traction Controls systems used on the 1198 and 1198 SP.
Magnesium subframe
Producing a front subframe in magnesium underlines the attention to weight-saving detail in the Ducati Superbike range. 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 Superbike bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the correct 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.