Price Ducati 1198

Ducati 1198 Design

Although 2006 was the last year the Ducati 999 model was produced, and the 1098, 1098S and 1098 Tri-Colore were launched for 2007, Ducati raced the 999 in World Superbike competition because rules dictated that V-Twin engines be equal in displacement (1000cc) to inline four-cylinder bikes. World Superbike rules were changed for the 2008 racing season allowing V-Twins a displacement increase of 200cc for a total of 1200cc.

In 2008, to take advantage of the Superbike rule changes, the Ducati 1098R, displacing 1198cc, joined the standard Ducati 1098 and 1098S which only displaced 1099cc. Ducati won the 2008 World Superbike championship with Troy Bayliss, and in 2009 Ducati offered the last version of the 1099cc model, the Ducati 1098RTB Bayliss Limited Edition alongside new models, the Ducati 1198 and Ducati 1198S.

Visually similar and sharing much of the same components, the Ducati 1198S featured lighter wheels, Öhlins suspension, a slipper clutch, a weight advantage (373 lbs. vs. 377 lbs.) and a steeper MSRP, $19,995 vs. $15,995.

Ducati 1198 Engine

For 2011 Ducati reduced 1198 line to two models: the standard Ducati 1198 and Ducati 1198SP. The SP (Sport Production) insignia stands for production bikes that are race-kitted and ready for competition. The SP label first appeared on the 1989 Ducati 851 model.

The SP features lightened chassis components, Öhlins suspension, a slipper clutch, a quick-shift transmission and a claimed dry weight of 370 lbs. There’s a significant price difference between the two models, $21,995 vs. $16,495 for the standard Ducati 1198.