Ducati enthusiasts will be spoiled with the look of this bike because in addition and have best performance.
When it comes to a superb-performing superbike, the Ducati 1198 has been in the leading pack since its inception in 2009. And on Tuesday, the Italian manufacturer unveiled the 2011 Ducati 1198 (and 1198 SP) at INTERMOT in Germany.
New for 2011, the 1198 motorcycle arrives on the showroom floor with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) and Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) as standard equipment.
Ducati says The application of DTC to the standard model 1198 underlines Ducati's intention to broaden the use of tried and tested race-derived electronics to its high-powered range, while the introduction of DQS to the 1198 marks the first time in history that "quick-shift" electronics have been fitted to a production Ducati.
The DDA package in the 1198 enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from a previous track session or road trip and DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction.
DQS allows the throttle to remain open when changing-up through the gearbox, helping to save vital seconds in the pursuit of faster lap-times.
The 1198 was born to perform and with a colossal 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque from its Testastretta Evoluzione engine and dry weight of just 171kg (377lb) it always delivers.
Its victory-driven technology comes directly from Ducati's World Championship-winning race bikes - and it's evident in every detail of the bike.
Fully adjustable Showa front suspension carries radial mountings designed for the awesome stopping power generated by Brembo Monobloc callipers and 330mm discs.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension at the rear and lightweight 10-spoke wheels complete an impressive set-up. For 2011 the 1198 is available in traditional Ducati red with a racing black frame and graphite grey wheels.
The 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione Engine
The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the crowning glory of Ducati's development and perfection of the L- Twin engine.
World Superbike dominance for almost two decades is the result of continual commitment to their twin-cylinder configuration.
Ducati share the reward for that commitment with World Championship- winning technologies constantly flowing from the factory race team into production engines.
The incredible 1198 (and 1198 SP) is powered by a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 170hp (125kW) @ 9,750rpm and a class-beating 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque @ 8,000rpm.
The 1198 achieves its capacity by using exactly the same 106 x 67.9 bore and stroke as the factory race bike.
Volumetric efficiency through the four valves per cylinder is optimised with valve diameters at 43.5mm for the inlet and 35.5mm for the exhaust. They are actuated by racing-type rocker arms, 'super- finished' for reduced friction and fatigue, and double overhead camshafts with radical profiles.
The incredible valve performances achieved are only possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically.
