Ducati 1198

Ducati has the good custom of creating one hell of a bike and then add a special version next to it in order to address to a larger crowd of potential buyers. They do so with the 2010 1198, 1198 S and the Corse Special Edition models that come to continue the 999’s and 1098’s legacy in the style that consecrated the initial 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 four new bikes benefit of 170hp at 9,750rpm and of an incredible 97lb-ft of torque at 8,000rpm.

Not only the new engine is powerful, but it is also claimed to be the lightest ever used on 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 the1098, 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.

The racy engine is coupled to a close-ratio six-speed transmission through a dry multiplate clutch, meaning 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 Ducati had the first ever production motorcycle fitted with a traction control system that was available to the large public last year. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) is standard on the 1198 S, 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition and not even optional on the simple 1198. The system 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.