By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs 1199 Panigale (H8)
Ducati 1198 vs 1199 Panigale: which one to buy for the riding you do.
String fast, sweeping bends on the Ducati 1198 and you'll feel its trellis frame talk back while it stays settled at speed. The Ducati 1199 Panigale's monocoque is compact, and it's quick to flick from one lean to the next. Its line stays pinned and won't drift wide.
So which one do you buy?
The 1199 Panigale has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Edges it: 1199 Panigale
Between the curbs, the 1199 Panigale asks a bit less of you at speed. It's a fine margin, nothing more.
Daily commuting & city riding
By a nose: 1199 Panigale
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the 1199 Panigale pulls a nose in front. The reason: a smaller footprint. Your own commute could easily flip it.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: 1199 Panigale
The 1199 Panigale nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
What makes each one tick
1198
There's a brutal shove in the Testastretta Evoluzione twin that keeps swelling as the revs climb. Corner entry asks for real muscle at the bars when the pace drops. The throttle doesn't ease in. Off the apex, the torque slingshots it clear.
1199 Panigale
The 1199 Panigale's chassis changes direction with uncanny precision, and it holds its path through a turn like a race bike. You'll set how hard the twin holds back on the overrun through engine-braking control while the brake lever comes in. The Superquadro twin pulls with a savage rush up high.
Nils rode the 1199 Panigale in 2013 (NastyNils Testride).
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
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
For 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
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
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive engine performance
- Sharp, agile handling
- Advanced rider aids
Trade-offs
- Excessive heat buildup
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
- Swingarm shaft pivots loosen (recall) Recall 12V401000 The right and left swingarm shaft pivots can loosen, leading to loss of control. NHTSA Campaign 12V401000.
- Exhaust valve cable cover melting (recall) Recall 12V392000 The bowden cable cover on the exhaust butterfly valve can melt or burn due to excess heat from the catalytic converter. NHTSA Campaign 12V392000.
- Swingarm linkage incorrect screw (recall) Recall 12V270000 An incorrect screw used to retain the swingarm to the rear suspension linkage can detach, causing catastrophic suspension collapse. NHTSA Campaign 12V270000.
- Steering damper uniball slip (recall) Recall 12V399000 The Uniball bearing on the Öhlins steering damper rod eyelet can slip out of its seat, leading to detachment. NHTSA Campaign 12V399000.
- Steering damper screws fall out (recall) Recall 12V400000 Screws securing the steering damper to the steering head can fall out due to insufficient Loctite. NHTSA Campaign 12V400000.
- Left handlebar switch failure (recall) Recall 14V166000 The left handlebar switch may lose power, disabling the horn, high beam, right turn signals, and instrument display. NHTSA Campaign 14V166000 / RCL‑14‑001.
- Front brake master cylinder hose interference (recall) Recall 12V402000 The reservoir hose may contact the threading end of the retaining screw, damaging the hose and causing brake failure. NHTSA Campaign 12V402000.
- Hard starting when hot The emissions charcoal canister can fill with fuel, causing vapor lock and extended cranking when the engine is warm.
- Intermittent gear position sensor The gear position sensor can fail, disabling the quick shifter and causing fueling errors.
- Instrument cluster fogging Humidity can cause fogging inside the TFT display. Typically clears on its own but can be persistent in damp climates.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1198 cc
- Engine
- 90° V-twin
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | Option |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
