2009 Ducati 1198/1198S Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

 ----

History

2007 Ducati 1098 Superbike

Ducati sees the 1198 and the 1198 S as the perfect means of evolving from the 1098 R, which is still produced in 2009 together with the Bayliss LE model. These last two have evolved from the simple 1098, which was launched in 2007. So it is history being written with small, but fast and well calculated steps.

Competition

Being powered by the 1200cc, twin-cylinder engine, the Ducatis compete with the 1000cc in-line four-cylinder Japanese superbike models. The new for 2009 Honda CBR1000RR and the Yamaha YZF-R1 are among its fierce opponents, while the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Kawi ZX-10R stand by their side in this concern.

While the four from Japan are, indeed, different blasts, they don’t offer the unique riding feel that Ducati shown it can deliver with the 1098 and that’s what buyers are looking for when prospecting the 1198s.

Exterior

2009 Ducati 1198

Most likely, the first thing that attracts the eye is the distinct Italian style that sets every single Ducati Superbike model apart from the crowd. Ducati owners plan to stand out from the crowd and that’s what these two bikes are here to make possible.

Ever since the introduction of the 1098 back in 2007, Ducati proved that it was up to something big and the original fairing brought in a look that was to stay and spread on all future models. The 1198 and the 1198S make no exception and this is how we end up contemplating at those same sharp headlights and overall smooth fairing and low windscreen. This is probably the cleanest looking motorcycle we’ve seen, but it also receives an aggressive note in the form of the air intakes, which are found under the headlights. The front fender is as sharp as the bike’s nose and overall defining lines, making it easy for everyone to spot Ducati’s style with a single glimpse in the rear view mirror.

2009 Ducati 1198 S

The tail section is tall and introduces us to the 32.2-inch high seat and the fairly robust, but definitely stylish 4.1 gallons fuel tank. The reason why the rear end aims for the sky is the underseat exhaust, a Ducati characteristic. So is the single-sided swingarm, which allows the rear wheel to stand out both in the case of the 1198 and the 1198 S. We appreciate the standard 10-spoke wheels even though the GP replicas look much better and sharpen the overall aggressive look of the bike. Also, fans of the S model will know where to look and spot the carbon fiber front fender and Ohlins suspension in order to make it clear to everyone that that is no regular model that they’re looking at.

Mentioning the color options requires a little bit of Italian practice because (ok, wish me luck on this one) the 1198 comes in Rosso or Bianco perla (both with Nero frames and Grigio wheels) while the 1198 S model comes in Rosso or Midnight black (both with Bronzo frames and wheels). Ok, that wasn’t so bad after all.

Price

The 2009 Ducati 1198 retails for $16,495 and the corresponsive S model has a $21,795 MSRP.

Conclusion

2009 Ducati 1198

It is premature to come up with a final verdict before actually testing the bikes, but as far as the performance, weight and, why not, price figures are concerned, the two Ducatis are sure to make Ducatistis happy about the new arrivals.

 ----

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Displacement: 1198.4cc
Bore x Stroke: 106 x 67.9mm
Compression Ratio: 12.7:1
Power: 170hp - 125kw @ 9750rpm
Torque: 97lb-ft 131.4Nm @ 8000rpm
Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers
Emissions: Euro3
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratios: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25
Primary drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 38
Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
Wheelbase: 1430 mm / 56.3 in
Rake: 24,5°
Front suspension: Showa 43mm with TiO fully adjustable upside-down fork / Ohlins 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with TiN 
Front wheel travel: 127 mm / 5 in; 120 mm / 4.7 in
Front brake: 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
Front wheel: 10-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x 17 / "GP Replica" 7-spoke in forged light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front tire: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Showa / Ohlins monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Rear wheel travel: 127 mm / 5 in
Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear wheel: 10-spoke light alloy 6.00 x 17 / GP Replica" 7-spoke forged light alloy 6.00 x 17
Rear tire: 190/55 ZR 17
Fuel tank capacity: 15.5 L (of which 4L reserve) / 4.1 US gal (of which 1 US gal reserve)
Dry Weight: 171 kg / 377 lb; 169 kg / 373 lb
Seat height: 820 mm / 32.2 in

Other

Instruments: Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speedometer, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A trips, fuel reserve trip, scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, oil
Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Versions: Dual seat