By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport vs Sport Tourer
Ducati 1198 (MY2009) vs Multistrada 1200 S (MY2010)
Ducati 1198 vs Multistrada 1200 S: where they split, and which one to buy.
Hit a bump on the Ducati 1198 and the stiff frame doesn't hide it: you'll feel exactly what the tire found. Two-up, the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S takes it without wallowing.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Multistrada 1200 S if…
Daily commuting & city riding
The pick: Multistrada 1200 S
For five days a week in traffic, the Multistrada 1200 S makes far more sense. You'll notice it by the second week.
The 1198 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: 1198
In the twisties, the 1198 asks a bit less of you to go quickly. That comes from more feel through the bars and a sportier chassis. Call it a modest edge.
What makes each one tick
1198
Torque's what the 1198 hits you with first, a towering shove out of every corner that keeps building into a top-end rush. The stock fueling answers the throttle with a sharp snap that can feel abrupt, and there's no traction control to soften a clumsy right hand. Down in town, the bars won't turn without real muscle. Fast sweepers bring the chassis alive.
Multistrada 1200 S
The Multistrada 1200 S doesn't stay one bike for long, because each riding mode reshapes its throttle and suspension the moment you pick it. One mode sharpens the throttle and firms everything up into something that feels close to a stripped sportbike. Once the revs are up, the electronics have the motor sorted. The clutch lever's light to pull, even at walking pace. The brakes bite hard down every alpine descent.
Nils rode the Multistrada 1200 S in 2010, 2012, and 2013 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1198 has the lower seat: 32.3 in (820 mm) vs 33.5 in (850 mm).
- The 1198 has the lower wet weight: 432 lb (196 kg) vs 485 lb (220 kg).
- The 1198 makes more peak power: 169 hp (124 kW) vs 150 hp (110 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for it: 1198
No long-distance verdict for the 1198. It's made for something else entirely.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Wrong job for both
Neither of these is a sensible first motorcycle. Learn on something smaller and lighter, then come back.
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
Multistrada 1200 S
Strengths
- Planted at full mountain pace
- Brilliant engine with a broad spread of torque
- Superb electronic suspension adapts to any road
Trade-offs
- Peevish below the powerband
- Gearbox lacks finesse
- Fights soft luggage
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.
Multistrada 1200 S
- Throttle opening cable may dislodge from housing Recall 15V152000 The tubing inside the throttle opening Bowden cable sheath could disengage from its seat, obstructing throttle closure. Safety recall RCL-15-001 (NHTSA 15V152) addressed this by replacing the front half of the throttle control housing.
- Side stand pivot bolt may loosen (NHTSA Recall 10V-357) Recall 10V357000 The side stand bolt can loosen over time, leading to potential stand failure. Safety recall RCL-15-003 addresses this issue.
- Faulty fuel level sensor The fuel level sensor is prone to premature failure, causing inaccurate or non-functional fuel gauge readings. Many owners have had the sensor replaced under warranty.
- Heated grip failures The handgrip heating elements can stop working or develop a short. Often replaced under warranty; failure seems common within the first few years of ownership.
- Clutch slave cylinder seal failure Some owners report fluid weeping from the clutch slave cylinder.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 15-year-old 1198 with a 15-year-old Multistrada 1200 S.
- 1198
- about $10,000
- Multistrada 1200 S
- about $6,700
At 15 years old, the Ducati 1198 sits around $10,000 while the Multistrada 1200 S lands near $6,700. That's a $3,300 gap in the Multistrada's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Displacement
- 1198 cc
- Engine
- 90° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 190/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| 1198 | Multistrada 1200 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 33.5 in (850 mm) |
| Wet weight | 432 lb (196 kg) | 485 lb (220 kg) |
| 1198 | Multistrada 1200 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 169 hp (124 kW) | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Peak power at | 9,750 rpm | 9,250 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (131 Nm) | 88 lb-ft (119 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 8,000 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 185 mph (298 km/h) | 145 mph (233 km/h) |
| 1198 | Multistrada 1200 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 27 mpg (US) / 8.56 L/100 km | 33 mpg (US) / 7.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) | 5.3 US gal (20 L) |
| 1198 | Multistrada 1200 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1198 | Multistrada 1200 S | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Wheelie Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Electronic Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Quickshifter | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Not offered | Standard |
| Navigation | Not offered | Option |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Adjustable Windscreen | Not offered | Standard |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
