The "SP" (Sport Production) logo is once again emblazoned on
the fairing of a Ducati superbike. It was first introduced on
the legendary Ducati 851 to identify versions that were used
as a basis for development of bikes competing in the Sport Production
championship, the forerunner of the current Super Stock. Now
as then, "SP" identifies standard production models that are
kitted out to make them "track ready".
The aluminium tank, Ducati Quick Shift, slipper clutch, Ohlins
suspension with TTXR technology at the rear and a dry weight
of 168 kg make the 1198 SP a serious track day weapon.
The chassis of the Ducati 1198 SP features an array of high
tech engineering. Everything from the frame, suspension and
brakes is top shelf stuff.
Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight
Trellis frame of the 1198 SP features 34mm main section tubes
with a material thickness of 1.5mm. The result is a feather
weight frame which is also immensely rigid.
The fully adjustable 43mm Ohlins forks feature low friction
titanium nitride-treated fork sliders. The rear suspension system
features a fully adjustable Ohlins TTX monoshock with top-out
spring.
The twin monobloc Brembo brake calipers each have four 34mm
pistons that grip huge 330mm discs to help achieve spectacular
brake performance. The weight of the discs has been kept to
a minimum by employing racing-style narrow braking surfaces.