Introduction

Ducati has the good custom of creating one hell of a bike and then add a special version next to it in order to keep things interesting for a larger crowd of potential buyers. They do so with the all-new 1198 and 1198 S models that come to continue the 999’s and 1098’s legacy in the style that consecrated those models.

There’s simply no other L-Twin engine that is more refined than the 1198.4cc Testastretta Evoluzione unit powering the 1198 models. Thanks to that, the two new bikes benefit of 170hp at 9,750rpm and of an incredible 97lb-ft of torque at 8,000rpm.

28. 2009 Ducati 1198 S
2009 Ducati 1198 S

Not only the new engine is powerful, but it is also claimed to be the lightest ever used in Ducati Superbikes. Using a new crankcase manufacturing technology, which reduces weight by a significant 3kg (6.5lbs), we have the main reason to believe that, while the magnesium-alloy cam covers and alloy outer clutch help too.

The engine’s pistons are derived from the world of racing and feature a distinctive double-ribbed undercrown in order to reduce friction. A system inaugurated and made famous on this last mentioned model is the Desmodromic system, also present in 1198’s engine configuration. This opens and closes the valves mechanically, ensuring great effectiveness at high rpm and so bringing a major contribution to the engine’s impressive performance.

For the 1198s, Ducati had the elliptical throttle bodies of the Marelli electronic fuel injection system enlarged with 13.3 per cent compared to the 1098, while the new models get an aggressive 2-1-2, exhaust equipped with a catalytic converter and two lambda probes, ensuring smooth engine performance and helping meet Euro3 regulations.
21. 2009 Ducati 1198
2009 Ducati 1198

The racy engine is coupled to a close-ratio six-speed transmission through a dry multiplate clutch, meaning that riders will get a very accurate impression of what riding a racing bike actually means.

Competing in MotoGP and the World Superbike has made Ducati very perseverant in developing new systems and now, in 2009, we’re witnessing the first ever production motorcycle fitted with a traction control system being available to the large public. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is standard on the 1198 S and comes as an option on the simple 1198. This intervenes mostly during mid-corner acceleration and prevents the rear wheel from sliding. The rider will be aware of the system’s intervention thanks to a warning light.

Also, the Ducati Data Analyzer is another justification for the S model’s much bigger retail price and is optional on the standard model. The system automatically records information such as throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times in order to make it possible for everyone to lay back and analyze their performance to see what more can be improved. The usual answer to that is the rider’s aggressive style.
11. 2009 Ducati 1198
2009 Ducati 1198

While both 1198s feature the same Brembo braking system acting on two 330mm discs up front and a single 245mm one at the rear, the wheels and suspension differs much. On the 1198 it is all about the fully adjustable 43mm upside-down Showa fork with TiO and a progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa monoshock as well as stylish light alloy 17-inch 10-spoke wheels. On the 1198 S you get the same front and rear suspension capabilities, but with the Ohlins name on as well as also 17-inch, 7-spoke in forged light alloy wheels that are veritable GP replicas.

Speaking of MotoGP derivations, the digital dash (displaying all possible information) definitely fits in this category.

Features such as the suspension and wheels set a slight weight difference between the 1198 and 1198 S. Be it wet or dry, the S model weighs 4 pounds lighter than its standard sibling.