Here's What We Love About The Ducati 1198S

Ducati has a long history of blessing the world with beautiful bikes. In previous decades, they provided motoring fans with the incredible 1098 and despite the negative press that the 999 received, that bike deserved a lot better.

The 1198S, though, was a masterpiece. Many people reading this article may remember that a modified, or duplicated, version of the 1098R won the 2011 European superstock championship with David Guigiliano aboard. This bike was launched back in 2009 and nowadays motorbike fans can purchase one at a decent price. Auto Trader highlights that there are some models on sale for £7,500, which equals $10,158.74 in the US.

So what features does the 1198S have that continue to entice customers into buying one to this day? Let's find out!

Here Are The Many Reasons Why We Love The Ducati 1198S

Motorcycle News awarded the 1198S with a four out of five star rating, stressing that 'this is truly one of those motorcycles that everybody should be allowed to ride once in their life. One of the best V-twins ever made.' That is a rather strong, but deserved, statement.

First thing's first, let us check out the 1198S's body. As Superbike suggests, it looks exactly the same as the 1098, which is why there was some controversy about Guigiliano riding one during the 2011 European superstock championship. The chassis is still stunning, but the only noticeable difference is the subtle '1198' logo. Ducati changed the color from red to silver. Back in 2009, 'caravaner' type mirror extensions included with the bike could be fitted to satisfy complaints from 1098 owners that had no clue what was happening behind them.

There is a bright light sensitive LED dash with its functions controlled solely from a switch on the left handlebar. The four red shift lights at the top right also inform bikers when the traction control is starting and the main dashboard clearly displays all the other information bikers should ever need on a motorcycle. The dash, headlight and fairing are mounted on a lighter magnesium sub frame adding to the overall weight reduction.

What Else We Love About This Ride

The 1198S definitely represents a significant improvement from the 1098 regarding its ride quality and brakes. Like with many Japanese bikes, there is lots of room behind the bars and standard seat-to-bar-to-peg dimensions.

The motorcycle is designed for fast flowing corners and sometimes struggles to stay on line in the tightest of corners, but as the ride height and suspension are fully adjustable, it just needs time and care to get the ride geared toward the rider. Overall, handling is not an issue for the 1198S. There is no reason to fear for your life while riding this motorbike.

The standard 1198 has the same Showa suspension and non-adjustable steering damper as the original 1098. The only change Ducati have made is that they have included a data analyzer facility or traction control. The data logging (now up from 2 MB to 4 MB) can actually be included at any time by dealers, but the traction control cannot.

And it just gets better with the engine, which is one formidable beast. At the time of its release, Ducati boasted an engine output of 168 HP, which is ten horses faster than its predecessor. Torque alone accelerates the 1198S's power. Though they are easy to miss, the 1198S had larger pistons, new con-rods, a sturdier crank, oval throttle bodies and a new gearbox. These components dramatically improved the Ducati bike's performance, though they may seem like minor improvements at first.

Previous Ducati bikes were criticised for their reliability and build quality, but back in the late 2000s, the motorbike company sorted out any reliability issues. Plus there is a serious amount of electronic aids to assist riders. Fans of the 1098R will notice that this motorcycle has similar electronics to the 1198S, and that is why one must wonder whether Ducati just wanted to create a clone of the former.

Anyone purchasing the 1198S cannot complain that there is a shortage of equipment on this bike. For your dollars you receive Ohlins road track forks and rear shock, an 8-way adjustable traction control system, and a facility to record, download and replay throttle position, speed and gear traction control activity.

Ducati also shaved off 4 KG and made a weight saving. This was achieved by removing 1.6 KG off the motor, adding lighter tires, and shaving bulk off the bodywork. The 1198S is one of the slimmest bikes anyone can hope to buy.

Twelve years later, the 1198S is still a fantastic bike. Go out and buy one if you haven't already.