2008 Ducati 1098S | Price: $19,995
Hard Parts
Engine
Ducati's Testastretta Evoluzione engine motivates the 1098S, topped with MotoGP-derived elliptical throttle bodies said to flow 30 percent more air than conventional round bodies. Oversquare cylinder dimensions make the motor rev quicker, and a narrow valve angle provides a straighter shot into reshaped combustion chambers. Magnesium valve covers reduce weight.
Chassis
Super-light, forged and machined Marchesini racing wheels drop 4 pounds of unsprung weight compared to the base-model 1098. The latest version of Ducati's signature single-sided swingarm, composed of stiffer castings at the pivot, wheel hub and suspension link connected with fabricated aluminum sections, is lighter and stronger than before.
Suspension
Ohlins FG511 fork is fully adjustable with ti-nitride coated sliders that minimize stiction to communicate even the most subtle change in road conditions to the rider. The 46PRC shock features a top-out spring to enhance ride quality. Rear ride height is adjustable independent of spring preload.
Brakes
Brembo's mighty M4-34 Monobloc calipers, machined from a single piece of alloy for higher rigidity and greater distortion resistance, clamp down on 330mm rotors mounted to the front wheel. A radial-pump master cylinder offers better feedback with less lever travel, for improved modulation.
|
| Tech Spec | | |
| Engine type: l-c 90-deg. V-twin | Rear brake: Single Brembo two-piston caliper, 245mm disc | Corrected 1/4-mile: 10.06 sec. @ 140.8 mph |
| Valve train: DOHC, 4v desmo | Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro | Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 2.96 sec. |
| Displacement: 1099cc | Rear tire: 190/55ZR-17 Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro | Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 36/33/34 mpg |
| Bore x stroke: 104.0 x 64.7mm | Rake/trail: 24.5/3.8 in. | Colors: Red, black |
| Compression: 12.5:1 | Seat height: 32.2 in. | Availability: Now |
| Fuel system: Marelli EFI | Wheelbase: 56.3 in. | Warranty: 24 mo./unlimited mi. |
| Clutch: Dry, multi-plate | Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal. | Contact:
Ducati North America
10433 Bandley Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
408.253.0499
www.ducatiusa.com |
| Transmission: 6-speed | Weight (tank full/empty): 438/413 lbs. | |
| Frame: Tubular-steel trellis | Measured horsepower: 136.2 bhp @ 9500 rpm | |
| Front suspension: 43mm Ohlins inverted cartridge fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping | Measured torque: 79.7 lb.-ft. @ 8000 rpm | |
| Rear suspension: Single Ohlins shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping | | |
| Front brake: Dual Brembo four-piston radial calipers, 330mm discs | | |
Ergos
"Ready to Race" might be KTM's corporate slogan, but it also describes the Ducati's ergos. With one of the longest seat-to-bar reaches on the market and a minimal, 1.5 inches of bar rise, the Ducati stretches you out and lays you down. Perfect at 170 mph; less so at legal speeds.
Dyno
Big valves, even bigger throttle bodies and a quick-revving motor give the 1098S a decided power advantage over and above 6000 rpm. Power drops off quickly after the 9500-rpm redline, though, and the hard rev limiter kicks in at 10,500, so short-shifting works best.