By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs 1199 Panigale (H8-S)
Ducati 1198 vs 1199 Panigale: which one to buy for the riding you do.
At the turn-in point of a fast sweeper, the Ducati 1198's trellis frame stays composed and doesn't stop telling you what the tires are doing. The Ducati 1199 Panigale's fork feeds grip straight into your palms as the bars go over. You'll commit sooner and keep more speed in.
So which one do you buy?
The 1199 Panigale has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Narrow edge: 1199 Panigale
On a closed course, the 1199 Panigale edges ahead. The reason: more feel through the bars. Not by enough to settle it.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: 1199 Panigale
In the twisties, the 1199 Panigale asks a bit less of you to go quickly. Put it down to lighter steering. Call it a modest edge.
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: 1199 Panigale
Your daily ride leans slightly toward the 1199 Panigale. What tips it: a smaller footprint. Fit and price can easily outweigh that.
What makes each one tick
1198
Out of a slow exit, the Testastretta twin slings you forward on torque that doesn't let up until a hard rush near the redline. Slow, tight turns need real muscle on the clip-ons. Mid-corner bumps at high speed don't ruffle the suspension. The chassis holds its line.
1199 Panigale
The 1199 Panigale's twin wakes up high in the revs, its exhaust snarling rawer as the tach swings toward 10,750 rpm. Down low there's little thump, and the throttle picks up roughly off a closed position. Tight mountain hairpins become work. The brakes bite the same way, stop after stop.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1199 Panigale has the lower wet weight: 414 lb (188 kg) vs 432 lb (196 kg).
- The 1199 Panigale makes more peak power: 195 hp (143 kW) vs 169 hp (124 kW).
- The 1199 Panigale has the larger fuel tank: 4.5 US gal (17 L) vs 4.1 US gal (15.5 L).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
Call it even on running costs. Choose on fit, price and the one that makes you grin.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
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
1199 Panigale
Strengths
- Front End Talks To You
- Brakes You Can Trust Hard
- Presence Money Can't Buy
- Light With Everything Fitted
- Advanced electronics package
Trade-offs
- Nothing Down Low
- Throttle Pickup Is Rough
- Rear Shock Never Cooperated
- Rear Grip Fades With Laps
Known problems to check before you buy
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.
1199 Panigale
- Hot start problems due to charcoal canister The evaporative emissions charcoal canister may become saturated with fuel, causing vapor lock and difficult hot starts.
- Quick shifter misses gears on upshift Some riders experience missed shifts or false neutrals when using the Ducati Quick Shift, especially under partial throttle or at lower rpm.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1198 cc
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 330 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1198 | 1199 Panigale | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 32.5 in (825 mm) |
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) |
| 1198 | 1199 Panigale | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 90° V-twin | L-twin |
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 195 hp (143 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,750 rpm | 10,750 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 97 lb-ft (132 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,000 rpm | 9,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 185 mph (298 km/h) | 177 mph (285 km/h) |
| 1198 | 1199 Panigale | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| 1198 | 1199 Panigale | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 | 200/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | 1199 Panigale | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
