2010 Ducati Superbike models
The winning of both the 2009 World Superbike and Superstock Manufacturers' titles was the perfect stage to introduce a new Corse logo. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition, both equipped with factory team style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery, now complement the lightweight and agile 848 now in dark colour scheme, the powerful 1198, and the high spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 Superbike model line-up.
The Ducati 848, 1198, 1198 S and 1198 R Superbikes Ducati claim are the most advanced, most powerful twin-cylinder motorcycles ever built. They are the product of a team of designers and engineers who have combined their Ducati MotoGP and World Superbike technologies to create the finest sportbikes in the world. Ducati Superbikes are race bikes, pure and simple. Their striking aerodynamic shapes create a natural riding position, confirmed by Ducati development and factory team riders as the optimum for speed and agility. Performance is first and foremost in every detail.
Trademark Ducati features like the high tail section and compact front end combine with twin under seat silencers and single sided swingarm to express the sheer engineering beauty of aerodynamics and agility. Add the Testastretta Evoluzione engines as the hearts of the machines and the result is all out performance Ducati Superbikes that look fast even when parked.
The 848, 1198, 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse chassis and suspension are the result of a 'performance first' priority approach to development, in which the goal is always to further reduce weight and increase strength and rigidity to manage the high powered Testastretta Evoluzione engines. While the 'R' model is purely 'monoposto', Ducati built 'biposto' practicality into the rest of the range with a passenger seat and footpegs. 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. Both the 848 and 1198 feature fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks, with an additional special low friction titanium oxide treatment applied to the sliders of the 1198, while spectacular 43mm Öhlins with low friction titanium nitride treated sliders are used on the 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse. Both front suspension solutions have radial brake calliper mountings providing superior road holding and incredible feedback to give every rider more confidence and control.
The lightweight Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm enable a compact and weight saving rear suspension linkage system that features separate lower pick-up points for the pushrod and suspension unit.
Working together with this highly efficient linkage is a fully adjustable Showa single shock for the 848 and 1198, and an incredible Öhlins unit for the 1198 S and 1198 S Corse. The higher specification Öhlins for the rear of the 1198 R Corse uses TTXR twin tube technology and offers totally separate damping adjustment in compression and rebound. The 1198, 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse rear suspension system has an adjustable rear ride height, independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings - valuable when seeking the perfect set-up for personal riding style or track conditions.
Stopping the superbikes are twin radially mounted Brembo callipers on the 848, while the 1198, 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse uses Brembo's powerful Monobloc calliper racing technology.
Ducati were the first manufacturer to introduce a true competition level traction control system on a production motorcycle and for 2010 the highly successful system is integrated into the 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse electronics as standard equipment. DTC uses the same software logic developed and used by Ducati Corse for their World Championship winning MotoGP and World Superbike motor-cycles and offers a choice of eight settings developed by their professional test riders and racers.
Accessible from the left hand switchgear and displayed on the digital instrumentation, the system offers a choice of eight profiles, each one programmed with a wheel spin tolerance matched to progressive riding levels of skill graded from one to eight.
When the profile that best suits the combination of road or track conditions and riding style has been selected and the DTC system activated, front and rear wheel sensors compare speed differential to sense when rear traction is being broken (wheel spin). DTC then decides the best combination of two different types of instant electronic adjustment, calculated with data supplied from multiple sources.
The Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) - complete with PC software, a USB-ready data retrieval card and instructions - evaluates the performances of the bike and its rider, and makes comparisons between various channels of information. The DDA is available for the 848 and 1198 from Ducati Performance, and is supplied as standard equipment on the 1198 S, 1198 S Corse and 1198 R Corse models. Normally only available on race bikes, DDA records numerous channels of data including throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps and lap times.
The system also automatically calculates engine rpm and vehicle speed data so as to display gear selection as an extra channel of information.
Ducati 848
The 848 is Ducati's middleweight Superbike and is the ideal way to enter the world of Ducati Superbikes. Pumping out a class beating 96Nm of torque with a dry weight of just 168kg, the super agile 848 is able to deliver impressive performances whether riding through mid-town traffic or racing through track day competition.
For 2010, the 848 gets the same latest, bright, easy-to-read instrumentation as the 1198 as well as a new urban-style Dark colour scheme.
