Ducati has the good custom

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.

The heart of the 1198 is its gigantic bore and liquid-cooled L-Twin engine. The two cylinders are angled at 90-degress compared to the narrower 75-degree format the RC8R employs. The Duc sports the largest pistons in the group with a bore/stroke factor of 106.0 x 67.9mm, which equals 1198cc of displacement. That’s a 4cc advantage over the KTM, giving it the bragging rights of having the biggest engine in this test. Fuel and air are mixed via single fuel injectors and shot into both 4-valve cylinder heads. The pistons then compress it to a ratio of 12.7:1 (same as the R1) which is down 0.7 compared to the RC8R.

Right off idle the Duc gets the jump on everything in terms of torque output. Although the KTM eclipses it from 4000 to 6000 revs it certainly doesn’t feel like it. The engine spools up quickly but not quite as fast as the RC8R. The curves then converge before the Italian Twin takes control 1000 revs later. By then the 1198 is already cranking out more torque than the rest of the bikes enroute to its 90.14 lb-ft peak at 8300 rpm.


Make Model Ducati 1198S Testastretta Evoluzione

Year 2009

Engine Liquid cooled, four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder.

Capacity 1198
Bore x Stroke
106 x 67.9 mm
Compression Ratio
12.7:1

Induction Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies.

Exhaust
Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers

Ignition / Starting - / electric
Clutch Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Max Power
170hp 125 KW @ 9750 rpm

Max Torque
97 lb-ft 131.4 Nm @ 8000 rpm

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed / chain

Ratio
1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25 /
Frame
Tubular steel Trellis frame

Front Suspension
Öhlins 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with TiN, 120mm / 4.7in wheel travel.

Rear Suspension
Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Öhlins monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm, 127mm / 5in wheel travel

Front Brakes 2x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.

Rear Brakes Single 245mm disc 2 piston caliper

Front Tyre
120/70 ZR17

Rear Tyre
190/55 ZR17
Seat Height 820mm / 32.2in

Dry-Weight
169kg / 373lb

Fuel Capacity 15.5 Litres / 4.1 US gal

Standing ¼ Mile
10.7 sec

Top Speed
280.2 km/h
Reviews MC24.no / Motor Revue / Motorcycle / Motorcycle USA / Cycle World / MCN / Motorcyclist / Motorcycle /sportrider.com