Ducati 1198S first test
November 19, 2008 - Jon Pearson
SuperBike gets its hands on Ducati's new 1198S at the fantastic Portimao circuit ... Scroll down for the full story
On the face of it the new 1198 is a big-bore version of the 1098 model. It looks exactly the same; same chassis, bodywork brakes and suspension all give little indication of change. But as usual with the world superbike winning manufacturer it has been chipping away at the block to create something altogether different.
More power comes via what is essentially the 1098R motor. Bigger pistons, higher compression, new con-rods, a weightier crank, oval throttle bodies and a new gearbox are all donor parts from the 1098R.
The motor also weighs less (171kg total dry mass on the standard model and 169kg on the S) thanks to new vacuum formed die-cast engine cases. There's even a bit of a saving from the front headlight construction, it's now magnesium. With the 2kg lighter, seven-spoke wheels, handling is sharper too.
The standard model gets Showa suspension front and rear while the S I tested here at Portimao comes with Ohlins. The suspension was the only real fly in the ointment with the Ohlins kit not quite matching the rest of the 1198S's performance. Having ridden the new Showa BPS forks already on the ZX-6R (they're also coming on the K9 GSX-R1000) I couldn't help think Ducati had missed a trick by not using the same parts.
The big positive with the S model is having the data-logging and traction control systems fitted as standard. Up-dated from the 1098R model introduced earlier in 2008, the new traction control system cuts ignition and the fuel injection, making a much cleaner cut on the power. The result is a truly useful rider aid, often working without me knowing to create better drive and produce those all-important faster lap times.
In a nutshell the 1198 S on display in Portimao is a more exciting bike than the 1098. More sport-oriented, faster and lighter with a strong link to the World Superbike race development. If you can afford it I doubt you'll be disappointed.
The 1198 and 1198S will be priced at £11,950 and £14,950 respectively in the UK.
For more info check out the February issue of SuperBike or go to www.ducati.com
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