Ducati 1198 and 1198S Superbikes Released

UPDATE: Info on the Troy Bayliss Limited Edition

But wait! There’s more! There’s a reason that the Streetfighter will get the Superbike’s 1098 mills…it is because the Superbike line no longer needs them! Ducati will be bumping the rest of the Superbike line (the 1098R has already made the engine displacement jump) to the newly decided upon 1198cc displacement for the World Superbike regulations. More after the jump.

The 1198S will get the 1198R’s traction control and data aquistiion unit (as also seen on the Streetfighter S). This is the same technology that is being used on Ducati’s MotoGP and WSB competition bikes, with 8 traction settings that limit the output from the mighty v-twin. This ensures that the 1198S/R do not make any tears in the Earth’s crust that allow would Satan himself to rise from the netherwold, and start running a muck of things here on the domain for mortal man.

The traction control system keeps the Prince of Darkness at bay by using sensors on the front and rear wheels, which report the speed of each wheel. The difference of these speeds is then compared to determine when traction is lost. The motor’s fuel injection is then modified to reduce power, and ensure that the sun rises tomorrow.

Now for the nerd in all of us, there comes the data acquisition unit. Monitoring the throttle position, bike speed, engine RPM, operating temperature, trip odometer, and lap-timer, the Ducati Superbike makes all of this information available by simply sticking a USB thumbdrive into the acquisition unit. Presumably, this information can then be downloaded into your computer, and allow a rider to make comparable session results. This feature will be optional on the 1198 & 848 base model Superbikes as a dealer add-on.

Lastly for 2009, Ducati will be releasing a Troy Bayliss Limited Edition version of the 1198R. This bike is to commemorate Troy’s retire and his service over the years to Ducati Corse. The Bayliss LE will share the same specifications as the 1198R, but will wear a replica paint-scheme that was approved by Mr. Bayliss himself.

The striking design contrasts perfectly against the 5-spoke wheels finished in matte black and additional special features like the carbon fibre heat shield on the exhaust.

The 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition will be limited to only 500 units and comes with a numbered plaque on the top fork clamp, indicating exactly where in the limited edition the motorcycle was built. The number also corresponds to a numbered commemorative desk-top plaque, beautifully encased for safe keeping and bearing the engraved signatures of Ducati Motor Holding CEO Gabriele Del Torchio and Ducati Corse triple World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss. The LE will be fitted with a full racing exhaust with carbon fiber cans by Termignoni, a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover, and rear tire stand. No word on price, but likely to be in-line with past LE models.