By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs 1198 S Corse (MY2010)
2009 Ducati 1198 vs 1198 S Corse: which one to buy for the riding you do.
Carry speed into a fast sweeper and the 2009 Ducati 1198 doesn't wander: its stiff trellis frame keeps feeding you what the front is doing. On the Ducati 1198 S Corse, Öhlins swallow ripples mid-line.
So which one do you buy?
The 1198 S Corse has the edge if…
Racetrack use
A touch ahead: 1198 S Corse
The 1198 S Corse pulls a nose ahead on track. Put it down to more suspension adjustment. Don't count on it doing the work for you.
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The extra money for the 1198 S Corse doesn't buy a clear value win. Neither bike is the obvious better buy for the cash.
What makes each one tick
2009 1198
Out of a slow corner, the Ducati's V-twin slingshots you off a wall of torque that's still climbing. Its fueling doesn't ease in. At low speed the bars won't turn without real muscle, and the high, narrow seat pitches you forward over the tank. The chassis shrugs off a mid-corner bump without a twitch.
1198 S Corse
Barely off idle, the 1198 S Corse's twin is already hauling hard. On the brakes at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the radial Brembo monoblocs bite hard and keep plenty of feel at the lever. There's no slack in the throttle. Its twin answers the smallest twist with a shove.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1198 S Corse has the lower wet weight: 423 lb (192 kg) vs 432 lb (196 kg).
- The 1198 S Corse has the larger fuel tank: 4.8 US gal (18 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.5 L).
- Quickshifter: standard on the 1198 S Corse, not offered on the 2009 1198.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
For commuting, twisty roads, and running costs, you won't find daylight between them. Let the test ride settle it.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
2009 1198
What owners say
Strengths
- Monstrous, characterful V-twin engine
- Sublime chassis and high-speed stability
- Timeless, exotic Italian design
- Powerful, race-spec Brembo brakes
Trade-offs
- High ownership and maintenance costs
- Punishing ergonomics and heavy steering
- Snatchy stock fueling and no electronic rider aids
1198 S Corse
What owners say
Strengths
- Brembo Monobloc braking power
- Monstrous low-end torque
- Race-bred Öhlins suspension
Known problems to check before you buy
2009 1198
- Fuel line leak at injector connection Recall 09V170000 A recall (NHTSA campaign 09V170000) affects 2009 1198 and 1198 S models where the plastic fuel line fitting at the injector can warp or crack, causing a fuel leak and fire risk.
1198 S Corse
- Sprag clutch failure due to weak battery The sprag clutch is susceptible to damage if the battery is not fully charged, causing harsh noises during starting and potential engine damage.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 15-year-old 2009 1198 with a 15-year-old 1198 S Corse.
- 2009 1198
- about $10,000
- 1198 S Corse
- about $12,700
At 15 years old in the US market, the 2009 Ducati 1198 sits around $10,000 while the Ducati 1198 S Corse runs about $12,700. That's a $2,700 gap. These are estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Seat height
- 32.3 in (820 mm)
- Displacement
- 1198 cc
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 9,750 rpm
- Peak torque at
- 8,000 rpm
- Top speed
- 185 mph (298 km/h)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 330 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 2009 1198 | 1198 S Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) | 423 lb (192 kg) |
| 2009 1198 | 1198 S Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 90° V-twin | L-twin |
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 170 hp (125 kW) |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 97 lb-ft (132 Nm) |
| 2009 1198 | 1198 S Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 27 mpg (US) / 8.56 L/100 km | 27 mpg (US) / 8.6 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.8 US gal (18 L) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 2009 1198 | 1198 S Corse | |
|---|---|---|
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
