The 2009 Ducati 1198 is a superbike, based on the Ducati
1098 from 2007. The engine is a larger displacement 1198
cc, L-twin producing 170 hp, and 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) of torque
@ 8000rpm.
Trademark Ducati styling features are apparent on the 1198,
like the high tail section and compact front end combined with
twin under-seat exhaust cans and a single-sided swingarm.
The Ducati 1198 features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks,
with an additional special low friction titanium oxide treatment
applied to the sliders.
The Ducati 1198 uses engineering solutions taken directly from
the World Championship winning 'R' model of Troy Bayliss. From
engine capacity and specification to advanced electronics, many
details that helped Troy to the 2008 World Superbike title have
been applied to the 2009 road-going 1198.
The Ducati 1198's engine achieves its new, larger capacity by
using exactly the same 106x67.9 bore and stroke as the factory
race bike. Volumetric efficiency through the four valves per
cylinder has been enhanced by increasing the valve diameters
approximately 4% to 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 that achieve approximately 10% more lift
than their predecessors.
If the Ducati 1198 doesn't seem enough then there is always
the Ducati 1198 S. The 'S'
model features several lightweight modifications, fully adjustable
Ohlins suspension front and back, Ducati Traction Control, and
Ducati Data Analysis.