New Ducati 1198S at Milan
Added on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
New Ducati 1198S at Milan
The road version of the bike that Ducati will be campaigning in WSB throughout 2009 has been revealed to the press in Milan today.
The 1198S draws on the 1098 generation models for inspiration and is a gradual evolution of the sporting concept. Featuring a bigger 1198.4cc V-twin motor, the bike now develops a claimed 170bhp and more importantly has a dry weight of just 169Kgs - the lightest ever big twin motorcycle say Ducati.
Those who want to track day the 1198S will be keen to learn more about the traction control fitted as standard on it. This is just an optional extra on the standard 1198 model, but the S has an eight-mode traction control package, which can be operated on the move from the left-hand handlebar button cluster.
The modes offer differing levels of rear wheel control, depending on how hard the rider is pushing the bike. So a confident rider can select minimal interference from the system if they prefer to feel the bike spinning up a touch out of corners. A warning light on the dashboard indicates when the traction control is in operation, instantly cutting the power to the rear wheel. The system is also being fitted to the 1098R model for 2009.
The 1198S also comes with a data-logging system, so that by plugging in a USB type device, the throttle opening, top speeds, lap times, engine rpm, gear selection, distance travelled etc. can all be downloaded onto a laptop. Just don’t put it all the information on You Tube…
The 1198S also has extras like a carbon fibre front mudguard, Ohlins suspension front and rear, plus GP replica Marchesini wheels, to set it apart from the stock 1198 model. There’s no word on prices in the UK as yet, but more information will probably be announced at the NEC show later this month.
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