The 1198 is powered by the Testastretta Evoluzione, a liquid cooled, L-Twin, Desmodromic engine that produces 170hp (125kW) at 9,750rpm and a class-beating 97lb-ft (13.4kgm) of torque at 8,000rpm.

The Ducati Traction Control system, supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S model, 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. DTC, which offers a choice of eight profiles, provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration.

The 1198 achieves its new capacity by using exactly the same 106 x 67.9 bore and stroke as the factory race bike. Volumetric efficiency through the four valves per cylinder has been enhanced by increasing the valve diameters. They are actuated by racing-type rocker arms, super-finished for reduced friction and fatigue, and double overhead camshafts with radical profiles that achieve approximately 10% more lift than their predecessors.

With increased capacity and improved volumetric efficiency, the elliptical throttle bodies have also increased in cross-sectional area by 13.3% compared to the 1098. Now boasting a size equivalent to 63.9mm diameter, the inlet body is exactly the same as the ‘R’ model.

The 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engines are the lightest ever used in Ducati Superbikes, thanks to a new crankcase manufacturing technology which reduces weight by an incredible 3kg. The weight-saving cam covers in magnesium-alloy are evident by their gold colour, while the alloy outer clutch and generator covers now sport a black finish.

Developed in cooperation with Ducati Corse, the lightweight Trellis frame features 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm. The result is an incredibly rigid construction that remains one of Ducati’s lightest frame solutions ever. 

The 1198 features fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, with an additional special low friction titanium oxide treatment applied to the sliders, while spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction titanium nitride-treated sliders are used on the 1198 S and 1098 R.

Both front suspension types have radial brake caliper mountings providing superior road holding and incredible feedback to give every rider more confidence and control.

The lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm have enabled a compact and weight-saving rear suspension linkage system that features separate lower pick-up points for the push-rod and suspension unit. 

This ‘tandem’ design effectively reduces stress around the linkage pick-up area of the Trellis frame. Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock, and an incredible Öhlins unit for the 1198 S.

The higher specification Öhlins for the rear of the 1098 R uses TTXR twin tube technology and offers totally separate damping adjustment in compression and rebound.

The lightweight front wheel substantially reduces the moment of inertia, enabling a faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances. The construction of the rear wheel is equally as impressive with considerable weight savings over traditional Ducati single-sided swingarm fitments.

Carefully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and to hug the sleek lines of the chassis, the 1198 bodywork enables the rider to blend effortlessly into the race-oriented riding position. Aerodynamically shaped air ducts positioned just below the headlamps are precisely calculated to provide ample air delivery to the pressurised airbox. 

Ducati Superbikes are race bikes, pure and simple. No wonder then that the 1198 series of Superbikes features the most advanced, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycles ever built.