For 2010, Ducati changed the 1098R model name into 1198R, but displacement remains the same – 1198.4cc – which makes the change obvious and things clearer. What is fizically new to the bike compared to the previous 1098R Troy Bayliss LE is an aluminium fuel tank, Termignoni exhaust system and a paddock stand, but you’ll only spot that if you’re willing to look beyond the gorgeous Corse paint job.
Apart from looks, the price – although not yet announced – will be the other factor making the 2010 Ducati 1198R Corse exclusive. Still, models such as the 1198S Corse and 848 Dark Edition have the same build quality and should cost less.
This Ducati 1198S got in the hands of the guys at Red Fenix, who have made it worth 100,000 euros (US$144,000). It is now called the Ducati 1198RF and comes with a host of upgrades and modifications that only the most ostentatious or incredibly skilled of you out there could possibly demand for: 17-inch magnesium alloy wheels from Marvic, which are wrapped up in a pair of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires, 47mm K-Service fork, slightly reduced wheelbase, repositioned Brembo front brake disc (for better cooling) and an engine retuned by the Milan-based Desmolupo.
In the end, you get pretty much a race bike that has an additional 10-11 horsepower, goes faster around bends and only requires one finger on the lever to stop from racing speeds. Is that worth the extra $122,205, given the fact that a factory-equipped 2009 Ducati 1198S starts at $21,795?
The latest Superbike models coming from Bologna, Italy are the Ducati 1198 and 1198 S, which might look like the 1098 R, but are in fact totally new creations with enhanced all-around performance and decent price tags.
Built using experience gathered in years of racing, the 1198s qualify as uncompromising Superbikes representing the unique Italian styling and the innovative maker’s solutions to keep things safe and interesting on the track as well as on the road.
Ducati has recently presented the official video for the all-new 1198 model replacing the 1098 model produced and succesfully sold in 2008. The new bike is built around the 1198cc Testastretta Evoluzione L-Twin engine which develops 170bhp at 9,750rpm and 131Nm at 8,000rpm. Also, with a dry weight of only 171 kg, competitors such as the Aprilia RSV4, BMW S1000RR and the entire Japanese crowd have plenty to worry about.
Two models are available for 2009, the 1198 and 1198S and both are shown racing in Ducati’s promotional video attached below.
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