2011 Ducati 1198 SP Review



Conclusion

Dorsoduro 1200 is everything you ever wanted to about 750, which was not there. Motor 1200 has received all the wealth I always try for the V-Twin. And 'order, the bike is now 100% pure fun. Dorsoduro 1200 is better in all areas of 750, and traction control to prevent serious palpitations corners out of a throttle opening of the large high-lean. Although a large capacity seems to be much smaller than the BMW HP2, for example. Compared to the true supermoto, it's big and heavy, but surely you knew already, so no point on appeal. Due to the fact that it has cooled, and a security feature reliable, robust, and useful, I am inclined to say that, Dorsoduro 1200 could be a commuter city, the best choices in 2011.

Coupled with strong teams of 1198, the SP added all the bits of the former S-1198 (Ohlins suspension and Marchesini forged wheels), plus a clutch, quick shifter Ducati, Ohlins TTX (T36PR before) and a tank aluminum fuel. It costs $ 21 795, only $ 200 more than the old version S

What is the Italian sport bikes, a word rarely collides with the value. But the basic model of the Ducati 1198, MY2011 version has an added value to the proposal.


For the same price paid $ 16 495 in 2010, the base of 1198 now comes with traction control, Ducati, Ducati Ducati Data Analyzer Shifter fast as standard equipment.

The former S 1198 replaced this year, the new SP review here. R $ 39.995 in 1198 Races removed from the collection in 2011. Who does not want to hang with a 1198 R Superbike homologation special, because the production numbers were minuscule, according to Ducati.

Also in the range is the new Ducati 848 Evo, as we try recently famous Imola circuit in Italy. The 848 has raised more power and better brakes


Italian dream date

So we had a historic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, new pair of sessions on board the 848 EVO. Much more power than the 600cc Supersport and excellent body similar to that of the SP 1198, 848 towing a substantial buffer around the race course.

Although the drive shaft 140 horsepower is more than enough, the SP 1198 will add 30 horsepower party - the SP to maintain the development of the engine in 2010, so that the SP is equipped with two rear wheels 147 hp of 1198 has seen the S we tested last year.

However, the mountain of the couple that caught our attention, while taking positions in Imola, because the front wheel is rotated regularly from the terrace with about 87 foot-pounds of torque to the rear wheel deaf. The 1198 is an extra 350cc of grunt in the 848 can not be ignored, which catapulted violently every turn and make the 848 seem weak in comparison.


And when you accelerate, you will appreciate the new Ducati quick. It uses a micro-switch gear, which provides a brief interruption of the spark / fuel at full throttle upshifts without strumming the dip switches. This is not only convenient for the driver, but also reduces the transfer time of just 80 ms, 230ms, 65% reduction in the duration.

DQS worked perfectly on my toes, even if a runner at the event said it is not as good as a dynojet quick shifter unit. The quality of the passages Ducati gearboxes are one of the least common than large estates of his motorcycle, which facilitates DQS skillfully. The base 1198 may also receive this upgrade.

Also making a debut in the SP is a welcome back-torque limiting slipper clutch from the previous version of R. Beat Imola chicane many typing downshift slipper discovers that much work. This is a huge benefit when riding a double major in this way, the race course, as the two great pitchers sometimes overwhelming amount of compression braking, which can cause the rear wheel hop during downshifts. None of this drama SP.


Another Update SP-specific is the addition of an aluminum tank - a rarity among the motorcycles - the 1198 R. It is not only trim more than 2.5 lb, it also has greater capacity - up to 4 from a small, 1 gallon to 4.75 gallons usable. When a supposedly dry weight of only £ 370, undercutting the basis of SP 1198 with 7 kg and is 2 pounds lighter than the previous 1198 S.

SP Dynamic Management is assisted by its lightness, forged aluminum wheels, something not available in base or 1198 848 forged wheels weigh less than a typical cast aluminum wheels, and speed control of AIDS and compliance with the suspension - as well as important improvements racing wheel.

In the brake system is the 1198 piece Brembo calipers, 330mm discs, but even and fall of the Duke so strong that any two-wheeled device, especially for high speeds generated at a racetrack. Nothing less than stellar.


Conclusion

The 20-minute session, I was on board the MS 1198 has been a wonderful tease. The standard 1198 is light enough to satisfy most anyone's passion for Italian sports bikes, and SP just makes the experience more special.

There is so much power on tap, front and satisfactory constantly pawing the air, accelerating up to third gear, and slipper clutch immensely facilitate high rpm downshifts. For all the time, is blessed with Ducati Stout typically track race chassis and brakes great.

SP in 1198 is a machine both brutal and gentle, able to generate laughter is like nothing else out there. And for those who can afford unique experiences, the CWS did not disappoint.