DUCATI 1198SP (2010 - 2012) Review
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At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 170 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Low (370 lbs / 168 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesDucati’s 1198SP features an electronic quickshifter, an Ohlins TTX rear shock, slipper clutch and a lighter, larger 18-litre fuel tank. Overall weight over the 1098S is down 1kg to 168kg dry. Apart from the limited edition homologation-special 1198R Corse, the SP is the ultimate evolution of the 1198. It’s a brutally grunty machine, which needs a good suspension set-up but in the right hands and the right conditions it’s epic. The larger fuel tank is much needed and the quickshifter and slipper clutch makes track riding easier. It has an eight stage traction control system, but compared to the next-generation systems on the BMW S1000RR and Aprilia RSV4 Factory SE, it now seems basic.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWe all know Ducati superbikes can be unstoppable on track, but on standard settings the SP is set-up conservatively and slow to change direction. There’s a lot of weight transfer from front to rear when you unleash the massive torque from the engine and call upon the fiercely powerful Brembo monobloc front brakes. There’s plenty of adjustment in the Ohlins front forks and the new Ohlins TTX rear shock to suit rider and conditions, though. This is a track bike with lights through-and-through and while long distance runs are do-able, the extreme riding position and hard seat can soon be uncomfortable.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThere’s no question the 1198 SP’s brilliant 170bhp motor is a thing of dynamic and sonic brilliance but it’s on the verge of being too grunty for its own good. In the lower gears all it wants to do is wheelie when you’re hard on the throttle, which sounds like a good thing, but in practical terms it’s not. On tight tracks and roads it can be hard work feathering the throttle and clambering over the front end to keep the front wheel down, especially between corners. With the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) on a high (intrusive) setting, wheelies make the DTC cut the power abruptly. For most riding conditions we prefer the power characteristics of the smaller-engined 848 Evo.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueAs you’d expect, the 1198SP is beautifully put together and nicely finished. As far as reliability goes, Ducati's are more reliable than they once were.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentYou’re always going to pay extra for that badge on the fuel tank, but it’s pretty good value for what you get in terms of performance, electronics, heritage and looks. You can get more performance and electronic riding aids for less, though, in the shape of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory SE and BMW S1000RR. Find a Ducati 1198 for sale.
Equipment
As well as the electronic quickshifter and slipper clutch, which calms the 1198SP’s engine braking into corners, for a smoother entry, the Ducati is bristling with goodies. It has Ohlins forks, shock and steering damper, Brembo monobloc radial brakes, Marchesini wheels, carbon front mudguard, magnesium fairing bracket, traction control and datalogging.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1198cc |
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Engine type | 8v, V-twin |
Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 168kg |
Front suspension | 43mm Ohlins forks, fully-adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single Ohlins TTX shock, fully-adjustable |
Front brake | 2 x 330mm discs with Brembo monobloc four-piston radial caliper. |
Rear brake | 245mm disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 33 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | £13,000 |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 170 bhp |
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Max torque | 97 ft-lb |
Top speed | 175 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 132 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2006: the 999 series is reinvented to the all new stunning 1098 range.
2006: 1098 base model, 160bhp
2006: 1098S, 160bhp, Ohlins suspension, datalog facility
2008:1098R, race-ready special, sand cast engine cases, titanium conrods,180bhp, Ohlins suspension, race exhaust and modified ECU supplied
2008: 1098 Tricolour, 160bhp, red/white/green paint, gold frame, race exhaust and modified ECU supplied
2010: 1198 introduced
Other versions
1198 - Has the same engine and output figures as the 1198S but no traction control, datalog, Ohlins suspension and fancy MotoGP replica wheels. A great bike in itself all the same.
1198S
1198R Corse Special
Owners' reviews for the DUCATI 1198SP (2010 - 2012)
2 owners have reviewed their DUCATI 1198SP (2010 - 2012) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your DUCATI 1198SP (2010 - 2012)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 2012
Supermodel looks, just standing in the garage door with a cuppa staring at it is enough on rainy days. It has to be " your cup of tea " as far as the V twin engine goes but i'm a convert after many years riding 4 cylinder Hondas and BMWs. Definitely unfriendly around town where you need a forearm like Popeye to keep slipping the clutch and the under seat exhausts literally cook your ass!! Mine has the usual reluctance to select neutral when you pull up at lights :-( Get it out of town though and it all makes sense. So..... around town, It vibrates, throttle response is too immediate, all your weight is forward on your wrists and it's not a great place to be, your right hand will be numb after 20 minutes! It's a small bike so the riding position is cramped (I'm 6' 1" ) but outside of those constraints it comes into its own and the noise is something else !
Best on faster roads, absolutely hateful around town in traffic! Definitely not an all round bike, no pillion and I can only hack about an hour on it. I'm 60 and don't bend like i used to .
Awesome V twin grunt and amazing noise. Marmite ! :-)
Beautiful build quality, it feels and looks class. Pain in the ass to find neutral is my only complaint.
Haven't had it long enough to had to service it yet.
I am not sure if anyone actually expected this to be a bad bike, i suppose the question is if you really can justify the extra spend over a rsv4 factory APRC (which you can pick up for 4grand cheaper. I guess if your going to be using the either for track only work then get the aprilia, though I'm not certain that it will hold its value as well as the Duc. BMW certainly won't. all told 1198 sp has all the kit you would need for either. Don't bother if you see your chiropractor regularly. Expect many envious glances track / street. Some welcome and some not. will add more info as time goes on. I gave in to my inner evil and am not regretting it yet....... DO IT