Cool-Motorcycles reviews Ducati Superbike 1198 S

Superbike 1198 S Performance
Producing 170hp (125kW) and with a dry weight of just 169kg (372.6lb), the new 1198 S now incorporates more World Superbike technology than ever before by taking the 1198 motor and adding top-of-the-range suspension, lightweight chassis components and a true racing-style traction control system designed for road use.

The high performance, fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins forks, which sport low friction titanium nitride-treated fork sliders, respond effortlessly to every imperfection in the tarmac. Beyond their advanced engineering solutions, one of the most important characteristics of Öhlins forks is their ability to communicate the condition and quality of the tyre-to-road contact patch, a feature that puts every rider in superior control. The suspension set-up at the rear is complemented with a fully adjustable Öhlins rear shock equipped with a ride enhancing top-out spring and mounted to a single-sided swingarm for outstanding drive and traction. The front-to-rear Öhlins package is completed with a control-enhancing adjustable steering damper.

The ‘S’ sets the standard for lightweight performance. On any sport or race bike, the most effective area to reduce weight is its ‘unsprung weight’. These are components like tyres, brakes and wheels. Lighter wheels have a lower ‘moment of inertia’ that is beneficial with every direction change and application of the brakes. The 1198 S addresses this important area by mounting new 7-spoke GP replica Marchesini forged and machined wheels. Both front and rear are super lightweight and their benefit is immediately apparent. The weight saving is further enhanced with the application of a carbon fibre front fender.

The Ducati Superbike 1198 S is supplied with the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) systems as standard equipment. The DDA package enables the retrieval and analysis of data collected from your previous track session or road trip. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction.

FEATURES

Instrumentation – The display, which now has a bright white LED back lighting, presents rpm and speed, with the former displayed across the screen in a progressive bar graph. Additionally, it displays lap times, DTC level selected (if activated on 1198 S and 1098 R) time, air temperature, coolant temperature, battery voltage, two trips and a trip that automatically starts as the fuel system goes onto reserve. Warning lights illuminate to signify neutral, turn signals, high-beam, rev-limit, low oil pressure, fuel reserve, DTC intervention (if activated on 1198 S and 1098 R) and scheduled maintenance. The instrument display is also used as the control panels for the DDA and DTC systems as well as listing lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

Traction Control – For the first time ever on a Ducati production motorcycle, a true competition-level traction control system for the road comes integrated into the 1198 S and 1098 R electronics as standard equipment. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) system further underlines Ducati’s technology flow from racing to production and demonstrates how solutions developed for the track can be applied to enhance safety on the road.

Magnesium Subframe – Front subframe in magnesium reduces high, frontal weight and contributes to chassis ‘feel’ and control.

Headlamps – The horizontal twin headlamps, a signature Ducati style from the iconic 916, have been modernised with the latest lighting technology. Two polyellipsoidal units light the way with a powerful beam while maintaining an aggressive look to the front of the machine in pure Ducati Superbike tradition. The units used on the 1198 and 1098 R now save over 0.5kg (1.2lb) over previous versions, reducing weight from a crucial high frontal area which enhances the overall vehicle handling and all-important  ‘feel’ of the front-end.

Fairing – Lightweight Terblend® used in bodywork construction allows further weight saving, thus improving handling together with a better comfort for the rider.

Frame – The 1198 Trellis frame has been designed in collaboration with Ducati Corse as a simple layout where the dimensions of the main tubes have been changed from 28x2mm to 34×1.5mm, with a stiffness increase of 14% and a 1.5kg weight saving.

Rear Suspension – An amazing racing Ohlins unit takes place on the 1198 S version. A strategic feature of the rear suspension linkage is the possibility of adjusting ride height without altering spring preload or any other suspension setting.

Data Acquisition – Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA) system enables owners to acquire data from their last ride or track session.

Wheels and Tyres – The 1198 S features the new 7-spoke GP replica wheels. These beautifully lightweight, forged-aluminium, machine-finished wheels are colour-matched to the Trellis frame in a sophisticated bronze. The 1198, 1198 S and 1098 R models are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC at 120/70 ZR17 for the front fitment and 190/55 ZR17 for the rear. These tyres provide shoulder areas designed to maximize contact patch area and length and carcass specially designed for stiffness under heavy braking and precision during high speed cornering.

Front Forks – The 1198 S version features a terrific 43mm Ohlins fork, with TiN inner tubes coating.

Monobloc Brakes – Racing-style, radially mounted, high performance Brembo Monobloc brake technology.

SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis

• Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame in ALS 450
• Wheelbase: 1430 mm / 56.3 in
• Rake: 24,5°
• Front suspension: Ohlins 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork with TiN
• Front wheel travel: 120 mm / 4.7 in
• Front brake: 2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers 4-piston, 2-pad.
• Front wheel: “GP Replica” 7-spoke in forged light alloy 3.50 x 17
• Front tyre: 120/70 ZR 17
• Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins monoshock with top-out spring. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
• Rear wheel travel: 127 mm / 5 in
• Rear brake: 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper
• Rear wheel: “GP Replica” 7-spoke forged light alloy 6.00 x 17
• Rear tyre: 190/55 ZR 17
• Fuel tank capacity: 15.5 L (of which 4L reserve) / 4.1 US gal (of which 1 US gal reserve)
• Weight: 169 kg / 373 lb
• Seat height: 820 mm / 32.2 in
• Instruments: Digital MotoGP derived unit with displays for: Speedometer, rev counter, lap times, time, air temp, coolant temp, battery voltage, A trips, fuel reserve trip, DTC level selected (if activated) scheduled maintenance. Warning lights for: Neutral, turn s
• Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
• Body colours (frame/wheels): Rosso (Bronzo / Bronzo) – Midnight black (Bronzo / Bronzo)
• Versions: Dual seat

Engine

• Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
• Displacement: 1198.4cc
• Bore x Stroke: 106 x 67.9mm
• Compression Ratio: 12.7:1
• Power: 170hp – 125kw @ 9750rpm
• Torque: 97lb-ft 131.4Nm @ 8000rpm
• Fuel injection: Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
• Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers
• Emissions: Euro3

Transmission

• Gearbox: 6 speed
• Ratios: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25
• Primary drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.84:1
• Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 38
• Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Ducati Superbike Motorcycles
Ducati Superbike 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition
Ducati Superbike 1198 S
Ducati Superbike 1198
Ducati Superbike 1098R
Ducati Superbike 1098S
Ducati Superbike 1098
Ducati Superbike 848

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Cool-Motorcycles reviews Ducati Superbike 1198 S