Frame, suspension, brakes

Each in the 2009 Superbike range feature Ducati’s lightweight Trellis frame with 34mm main section tubes with a material thickness of 1.5mm. While race-rigid, it remains one of Ducati’s lightest frame solutions ever

Both the 848 and 1198 models feature fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, with a low friction titanium oxide treatment applied to the sliders of the 1198, while 43mm Öhlins with low friction titanium nitride-treated sliders are used on the 1198 S and 1098 R.

Above: 848

A lightweight single swing-arm is pressed into duty at the rear utilising an adjustable Showa single shock for the 848 and 1198, and an Öhlins unit for the 1198 S. The higher spec Öhlins for the rear of the 1098 R uses TTXR twin tube technology and offers separate damping adjustment in compression and rebound.

Additionally, to further hone handling and stability, the 1198, 1198 S and 1098 R rear suspension system has an adjustable rear ride-height, independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings

The 848 comes with twin radially-mounted Brembo calipers, each with quadruple 32mm pistons gripping 320mm discs. The 1198, 1198 S and 1098 R deploy Brembo’s Monobloc caliper racing technology. Machined from a single piece of alloy, the calipers provide higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking.

Wheels and Tyres

Lighter wheels, besides lowering ‘unsprung weight’ have a lower ‘moment of inertia’ contributing to faster and more controlled directional changes. This is why all in the 2009 Ducati Superbike range roll on lightweight sports wheels.

Above: 1198

The 848 is equipped with Y-shaped, five-spoke wheels finished in black, while the 1198 features new graphite grey 10-spoke wheels. The 1198 S however, rolls out on new seven-spoke GP replica wheels, while the weapons-grade 1098 R comes equipped with lightweight Marchesini Y-shaped five-spokers created from forged then machined alloy and finished in ‘racing gold’ (matte black on the 1098 R Bayliss).

While the 848 uses Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa PRO 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres, the 1198, 1198 S and 1098 R models are fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC at 120/70 ZR17 up front and 190/55 ZR17 for the rear. These tyres provide shoulder areas designed to maximize contact patch area and a stiffer carcass for precision high speed cornering and heavy braking.

Above: 1098 R

Data Technologies

The Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) is available as an option for the 848 and 1198, and supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S and 1098 R models. DDA records numerous channels of data including throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times. At the end of a ride or track session, an upgraded 4mb of data can be downloaded to a PC ready to compare, analyse and get an inside view of the performance of the rider and motorcycle.

Ducati also offers a competition-level traction control system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), integrated into the 1198 S and 1098 R electronics as standard equipment. DTC monitors front and rear wheel speeds to detect rear wheel-spin under acceleration and electronically reduces engine power to restore traction. This system uses the same software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their world championship winning MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycles and offers a choice of eight settings developed by their professional test riders and racers.